Local Marine hosts Semper Fi and America’s Fund 20th Anniversary Ceremony

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — “I never thought I would get injured on the battlefield. I thought I would either live or die,” said retired U.S. Marine Davey Lind.

June 14, 2007 is a day he will never forget.

“My vehicle struck and activated a pressure plated IED. From that blast, I became a double-leg amputee, ” Lind told FOX 5.

After his traumatic accident, the Corona resident received one of America’s highest honors; a Purple Heart.

“After the commandant pinned my Purple Heart on me, I realized my leadership as a senior enlisted Marine was still going on. I had an example that I still need to continue to set,” said Lind.

He got his chance to set an example during rehab. Originally, doctors told Lind he would walk in about a year, but a wedding invite sped up his recovery.

“I was injured June 14, 2007 and I started walking Aug. 14, 2007 to be able to walk down the aisle of my friend’s wedding, so two months to the date,” Lind explained.

Semper Fin and America’s Fund recently held their 20th anniversary ceremony at Camp Pendleton. Lind was chosen to host the event for an organization that means so much to him.

“To talk about the Semper Fi and America’s Fund, to try to quantify what they are and what they mean, how much time do have? How much film do we have? Coming out as a nation at war, it’s a nice reminder that they care about your well being and continued success,” said Lind.

That success led the 53-year-old to immerse himself in athletics, becoming a CrossFit personal trainer, practicing jiujitsu and having fun on the golf course.

He’s hoping his passion inspires others to stay active.

“I have men and women that I don’t know walking around the street looking at me. My hope, emphatically is after somebody gets done interacting with me, their day gets a little bit better,” Lind continued.

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