Veterans Tee off at 3-day Golf Camp
About two dozen wounded veterans, part of Team Semper Fi and Team America’s Fund, teed off Tuesday for a three-day golf tournament and clinic at Farmlinks at Pursell Farms.
Marine veteran B.J. Ganem was one of those veterans.
According to an article by The Daily Home, Ganem was on patrol in Iraq when the vehicle he was driving was struck by a roadside bomb. He lost his lower left leg, suffered a traumatic brain injury and sustained various other wounds.
Ganem was among 22 injured veterans of Team Semper Fi (TSF) and Team America’s Fund who were part of the golf camp and clinic. Two other team members who participated are on active duty. The 24 participants came from across the nation.
“Ganem served four years active duty and five-plus years in the reserves. His reserve unit in Madison, Wisconsin, was called to serve in support operations in May 2004 in Iraq,” the article reads. “Ganem was medically retired on Oct. 29, 2005. He transferred his care from Walter Reed in Maryland to a veterans hospital in Madison.”
He underwent some 19 surgeries following the incident – including the removal of shrapnel from his legs and arms, removal of glass shards from his left eye and a revision of his initial amputation.
Over the years, he faced many challenges as he tried to transition back into a “normal” life, coping with his injuries and emotions. He said in the article that he has been able to thrive with support from the Semper Fi Fund and the opportunity to be challenged through sport with Team Semper Fi.
TSF is made up of more than 1,400 service members who qualify for assistance and is the heart and inspiration of the Semper Fi Fund’s (SFF) rehabilitative Athletic Program.
The idea for Team Semper Fi was inspired by those wounded Marines and Sailors who refused to let their challenges prevent them from competing in athletic events.
The team is made up of servicemen and women who have overcome significant challenges in their service to our country, and have embraced a fighting, athletic spirit on their road to recovery. They are an inspiration to us all but, more importantly, they are an inspiration to their fellow service members who are also traveling down the road to recovery.
Teams are provided with coaches, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees, and travel expenses to athletic events. Team members are also given the opportunity to receive high-level training from former and current Olympic and Paralympic athletes through a partnership with U.S. Paralympics.
For the participating athletes who have lost limbs or the use of limbs, improving their swing can also help improve strength and dexterity.
Ganem graduated with a master’s degree from the USC School of Social Work. He works as a case manager for Semper Fi Fund.
