Ending the Silence

At Semper Flies, we believe "suffering in silence" should be kept on the battlefield. Twenty-two veterans take their lives every day, and one is one too many. We believe that if we can create a positive paradigm shift in a single veteran's life—if we can save a single veteran—then everything we are doing is worth it. Thank you in advance for any support you offer to Semper Flies.

"Stay in The Fight!"

-Jamie, Beverly & Dan

Man in military uniform smiling indoors.

Jamie Guajardo

Founder & Board Member

In 2015, after battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury for twelve years without seeking help, he finally walked through the doors of a Veterans Administration hospital for the first time.

In 2019, the severity of his PTSD and TBI eventually led to a stay at a residential VA hospital in Colorado, where he worked with some of the best doctors in the nation. To this day, Jamie continues to struggle daily, but through years of gathering knowledge, he has made a decision to save his life and as many other veterans as he possibly can.

During his stay at the residential treatment hospital in Colorado, Jamie learned how to tie fishing flies as a form of “grounding.” He enjoyed this project and vowed to himself that when he got out, he would create a platform called Semper Flies and use it to raise awareness for veterans who struggle with PTSD and TBI. And that's exactly what he did.

Smiling woman with short blonde hair.

Beverly L. Martin-Ornelas

Board Member

Beverly L. Martin brings a huge heart for veterans to the Semper Flies Foundation. She was raised by a United States Marine, her grandfather Verne Norman Martin, Jr., a combat veteran of WWII and the Korean War. Beverly volunteers as the CFO for the Semper Flies Foundation, offering her financial expertise.

For 32 years, Beverly owned and operated one of the largest Trust Deed Investment Companies in Modesto, California. She was named “Businesswoman of the Year” by The Modesto Bee. She raised three sons, all of whom went on to serve our country in the armed forces.

Watching her father return from WWII and the Korean War and battle PTSD every day gave her the capacity to understand what combat veterans go through. She was a massive part of Jamie Guajardo's treatment and remains a considerable part of his support network today. Along with Dan Ornelas Sr., Beverly's husband, and our other board members, we feel that raising awareness for veterans who struggle with PTSD and TBI is a top priority.

Smiling man in suit and tie.

Dan Ornelas

Board Member

Dan Ornelas Sr. joins the Semper Flies Foundation with a deep understanding of the war that plagues our veterans today. Along with Beverly, he raised three sons who served in the armed forces. Dan, the epitome of a Christian man, instilled in his sons the importance of walking with Jesus Christ.

Today, Dan is the CEO of MFS Preferred, a trust deed investment company that serves a private portfolio in the Modesto area. He also played a massive part in getting Jamie Guajardo the help he desperately needed after returning from Iraq, and remains a significant part of Jamie’s support network. Like Beverly, he is committed to raising awareness for veterans who battle PTSD and TBI.

Smiling woman at an evening event.

Mara Mureddu

Volunteer

Mara Mureddu is a huge part of the success we have here at Semper Flies Foundation. She is a volunteer making herself available on weekends and holidays to support and help run the booth. She is in American Patriot and a huge supporter of Veterans. She works full-time as a recruiter in the Information & Technology Industry. We could not do what we do without her. Thank you, Mara, for all your hard work.

Man singing outdoors with vintage microphone.

Miguel Posada

Volunteer

Miguel Posada is “Heavy Hitter” for Semper Flies Foundation. He has been volunteering for S/F since its inception. We are so grateful to have him on board with us. He believes in our Mission and represents us well. Miguel works in the Entertainment Industry around the South Lake Tahoe Area. He is a highly gifted vocalist and does weddings, private parties, and coordinates other talent under his platform Mickey Holiday Entertainment. Thank you, Miguel, for all your hard work.