Vietnam veteran and community leader Richard Jeffrey underwent open heart surgery on Monday after suffering cardiac arrest last week, and is currently recovering in intensive care, according to family members.

“He is in ICU, where he will remain for a couple of days,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Bob Kellar in a Facebook post. “It was reported that the surgery was a success.”

Prior to the surgery, Jeffrey was reported to be well enough for a series of tests that would determine the extent of damage to his heart, which resulted in the subsequent need for surgery, Kellar told KHTS AM-1220.

“As a Vietnam veteran and a man who has dedicated much of his adult life to veteran matters, what a fine man,” Kellar said. “We’re just all keeping our fingers crossed for him that he pulls through this okay… The fact that he has made it this far is phenomenal.”

Related: Santa Clarita Vietnam Veteran, Community Leader In Serious Condition After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

Jeffrey reportedly went into cardiac arrest on Feb. 16, and was in serious condition at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital immediately afterward.

A champion for veteran causes in the Santa Clarita Valley, Jeffrey is a U.S. Marine vet and the chairman and president of Back to the War Zone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to veterans who served in combat operations abroad.

“Dick Jeffrey is one of the heroes of Santa Clarita. His passion for his fellow veterans is incredible,” said KHTS AM-1220 Owner Carl Goldman. “He is part of the leadership advocating for our Santa Clarita veterans. Our thoughts and prayers go out for a speedy recovery.”

Enzo Marino contributed to this article.