This week’s educational episode showcases the incredible work of Semper Fi and America's Fund, an organization that has been providing vital support to service members, veterans, and their families for over 20 years. At the heart of this organization is Sondria Saylor, the Executive Vice President, whose personal connection to the military community runs deep.

Sondria's connection to the military began in 1984 when she became an active-duty spouse. In 2003, she saw the challenges faced by wounded service members returning from Iraq and knew action was needed. Along with other military spouses, Sondria met medevacs at the hospital, providing essentials and comfort to these brave individuals. This grassroots effort grew into the Semper Fi and America's Fund, which has provided over $500 million in support and programs to 33,000 service members across all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

Sondria's dedication to the mission of Semper Fi and America's Fund is truly inspiring. Through comprehensive case management and lifetime support, she and her team ensure that service members, caregivers, and their families receive the care and resources needed to navigate recovery and reintegration. Semper Fi and America's Fund serves as a beacon of hope and community for those who have sacrificed for our country, offering caregiver retreats, sports programs, and holiday celebrations.

About Sondria:

Sondria is the Executive Vice President of Semper Fi & America’s Fund, where she oversees Case Management for the Western Region, Communications Operations, and the Apprenticeship, Jinx McCain Horsemanship, and Veteran to Veteran (V2V) Programs.

Before her current role, Sondria was Vice President of Case Management in the Western Region from 2014 to 2021, Senior Director of Case Management from 2005 to 2014, and Director of Donor Operations from 2004 to 2005.

Sondria’s connection to the military began in 1984 when she became an active-duty spouse. From its early years in the 1980s until 2004, she was involved in the evolution of Marine Corps Family Readiness, serving as Key Volunteer Advisor to the 1st Marine Division.

As Key Volunteer Advisor in 2003, she worked alongside Karen Guenther to support returning wounded at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, which led to the creation of Semper Fi & America’s Fund.

Sondria’s contributions to Family Readiness earned her induction into the US Field Artillery Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher in 1993. In 2007, her work with Semper Fi & America’s Fund was recognized by Cookie Magazine with the 1st Annual Smart Cookie Award, honoring women making a difference.

Raised and educated in Fairfax, VA, Sondria has extensive experience in small business ownership and management. She has been married to her husband Ben, a retired Marine Colonel, for 38 years, and they have two adult sons.

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Crystal Lane's story is one of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to supporting her husband, JP, a retired Army Specialist who lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Despite their challenges, Crystal and JP's journey is a testament to the power of love and determination.

At just 22 years old, Crystal met JP at a gym in San Antonio, where he was recovering from his injuries. Drawn to his courage and faith, Crystal quickly realized JP was the one for her, and within six months, the couple had married. However, transitioning into the caregiver role was difficult, as Crystal had to learn to balance her identity as a wife and a caregiver. Through prayer and perseverance, she found her purpose in supporting JP and advocating for other military families facing similar challenges.

Today, Crystal and JP are co-founders of the JP Lane Foundation, which aims to provide marriage retreats and resources for veterans, first responders, and spouses. Their story is a powerful reminder that love and faith can conquer all, even in the face of adversity. Crystal's dedication to serving her hero husband has inspired countless others, and her journey continues to be a testament to the transformative power of caregiving.

About Crystal:

Crystal was born and raised in Brownsville, TX. She currently lives in San Antonio, TX, with her husband, JP Lane. She will receive her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Grace Christian University this October. Being a caregiver to her warrior is her top priority. Crystal is the Executive Director for JP’s Journey and Co-founder of the JP Lane

Foundation, which will launch soon. JP and Crystal are also National Ambassadors for Helping a Hero, where we speak on building adaptive homes for combat-wounded veterans and their families. Crystal and JP, also known as Team Lane, promotes post-traumatic growth to combat wounded veterans and others across the country, helping them build a mindset to ‘Never Give Up, Never Surrender.’ Their journey of faith, determination, and love of life is inspiring.

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Established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Rosalynn Carter Institute promotes the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers at every stage of their journey. As Mandy Barr, a caregiver coach and engagement specialist at the Institute, eloquently explained, the organization is dedicated to supporting caregivers from all backgrounds—whether they are military, veteran, or civilian families.

One of the standout aspects of the Rosalynn Carter Institute's approach is its focus on addressing the complexities and nuances of caregiving. Through research-backed programs and resources, the Institute aims to provide tailored support that meets each caregiver's unique needs.

The Institute offers valuable tools, such as the preparedness guide, which helps caregivers, especially those in military families, prepare for emergencies and disasters. By training first responders on these resources, the Rosalynn Carter Institute ensures that caregivers and their loved ones receive the support they need during challenging times.

About Mandy:

Mandy was born and raised in Plains, GA and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts with a minor in English in 2004 from Georgia Southwestern State University. Throughout her career, she has served as a Secondary English teacher, Executive Director of Americus Literacy Action, Inc. an ESOL instructor and Academic Success Counselor, acquiring extensive mental and behavioral mental health training while working with at-risk individuals. She now serves as a Caregiver Coach and Engagement Specialist at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

Living in Americus, she enjoys various outdoor adventures with her husband who is a veteran and three children, daughters Riley and Emily, and son, Cuyler, who has an ultra-rare brain disorder called Allan-Herndon Dudley Syndrome. Being a caregiver to a medically complex child, Mandy hopes to provide resources and support to other caregivers needing advocacy and support.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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