Two decades have passed since Gold Star Mother Margy Bons lost her son, Sgt. Michael Adam Marzano, to an ambush attack during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Transforming her grief into action, Bons has dedicated herself to supporting military families through the Military Assistance Mission (MAM), an organization she founded in the wake of her son's death. Her goal is simple yet profound: to provide timely aid for service members facing financial crises, a mission born of personal loss and sharpened by a mother's resolve.
As reported by ABC15, this month marks a poignant anniversary for Bons, reflecting on 20 years since she has had to face the world without her son. In his honor, Bons has turned her attention toward ensuring that the needs of service members are met with both urgency and discretion. MAM distinguishes itself through its swift action, sending assistance directly to those in need, often on the same day a request is made. "We don’t have to wait for meetings and people to get together to make a decision about, you know, ‘should we help this person?’” said Bons in an interview, speaking to the efficiency and directness of her organization's approach.
Despite the national conversation on defense and veterans' support, Bons remains steadfast in her commitment to aiding Arizona's lowest-paid service members, for whom government programs may fall short. According to a report by the RAND Corporation commissioned by the Department of Defense, over 286,000 active duty service members experienced food insecurity in 2022. It’s realities like these that drive the mission of organizations like MAM to fill the gap.
The scope of MAM's work extends beyond financial aid. They orchestrate baby showers for expecting military families, provide Christmas gifts for children with deployed parents, and offer back-to-school support with essentials such as haircuts, backpacks, and supplies. "We owe it to them," Bons told Phoenix New Times, affirming her dedication to those who serve. The organization also fosters community through events like a fundraising motorcycle ride, creating opportunities for service members to not just receive support but also to feel acknowledged and appreciated.
Privacy is paramount in Bons' efforts, reflecting an understanding of the military community's unique pressures. "Everything we do is secure," Bons insists, ensuring that those seeking aid do not face potential complications from their command. Her organization's promise of confidentiality thus offers military families the chance to regain stability without risking their professional standing or personal pride. For many, like veterans’ advocate and Marine Corps veteran Joanna Sweatt, MAM's discreet and personalized approach has been a lifeline, one that is deeply rooted in Bons' own experience as a Marine mom and Gold Star mother.
