The Military Assistance Mission, carrying the weight of duty and empathy, stands as an ally to the service members in need. Founded by Gold Star Mom Margy Bons, Military Assistance Mission has dedicated itself to filling gaps in support for military families, gaps that sometimes leave the bravest among us on the brink of financial calamity. Margy Bons lost her own son, Marine Sgt. Michael A. Marzano, in 2005 to the theater of war in Iraq—a loss that transformed into a mission of mercy for others, as reported by ABC15.
The nonprofit's approach is hands-on, dealing with urgencies like housing costs and even the nuances of early parenthood with initiatives such as the Baby Bundle Bash. According to ABC15, Military Assistance Mission takes on responsibilities such as rent and mortgage payments, car expenses, food, and educational needs. Personifying determination and service beyond uniform, veteran volunteer Rafael Cruz from Glendale exemplifies MAM's mission. After 27 years in military service, Cruz continues his contribution through MAM, offering hope and assistance to fellow service members in their return to civilian life.
Military Assistance Mission is not only about financial aid; it's a lifeline thrown with immediate urgency. A RAND report commissioned by the Department of Defense showed that in 2022, over 286,000 active duty members were food insecure. Margy Bons and her team answer this call, removing bureaucratic hurdles to provide swift support. "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?'" Bons stated in an AMVets Magazine interview. "Because by the time you get everybody together and go through a meeting, that person could be evicted."
Military Assistance Mission's dedication to privacy further distinguishes their service. Employment within the military can be precarious; thus, the confidentiality Military Assistance Mission offers is not just a courtesy but a necessity. "Everything we do is secure," Bons told AMVets Magazine. Facilitating a judgment-free space, they enable service members to seek assistance without the fear of occupational backlash. Their efforts go beyond mere transactions; MAM aims to uphold the dignity of those who've braved the uniform—an endeavor that echoes Bons' own understanding of the military's ethos.
What's clear in the portrait of Military Assistance Mission is a collective of hearts stewarding resources and respect to those who've stood in defense of others. Through the simple act of reaching out—an online form, a quick confirmation, a bill paid—Military Assistance Mission ensures that those who have served are not forgotten when they return. It's a pledge that counters the story of neglect, a pledge that Margy Bons keeps in honor of her son and for all who serve with the same courage he did. The baby showers, the Christmas gifts for children of deployed parents, the back-to-school preparations, all tie into the promise Bons makes to the service community: "We owe it to them," she said. "They raise their right hand for all of us, the least we can do is make sure they’re OK at home," a narrative that resonates with the gratitude of a nation bound in solidarity, as per AMVets Magazine.
