Non-Profit Delivers Hope: Helping Valley Service Members Escape Barracks for the Holidays

Non-profit organization Miles for Military enables active service members to exchange volunteer hours for flights to reunite with their loved ones. Recently, two Marines experienced the joy of a holiday homecoming in Phoenix, highlighting the organization’s mission during the festive season.

Private First Class Michael Masselli and Private Daniel De Jesus Garcia arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, embracing their families amidst tears of happiness. “It’s amazing to be back,” Masselli said, while his mother, Jenna, expressed her joy, declaring, “This is Christmas right here.”

Miles for Military, founded by Maureen Byrne, was inspired by her own challenges in bringing her Marine son home for Thanksgiving. Reflecting on her experience, Byrne noted, “The ticket was astronomical just to fly from North Carolina to Boston.” She added, “When I asked my son how these kids get home, he said, ‘Mom, nobody goes home, everyone is stuck in the barracks over every holiday.’ It broke my heart.”

De Jesus Garcia, who will enjoy two weeks with his family, shared his excitement about being with his mother and sister. “She’s everything to me. Finally being back right next to her and my sister is awesome, there’s no feeling like this,” he explained. He had experienced homesickness when his mother sent him photos of their Christmas tree, recalling moments of helping her decorate.

“I was a little sad in the beginning because I was always helping my mom put up Christmas lights and the tree,” De Jesus Garcia reflected. “It’s a sad feeling, I never wanted to miss those kinds of things.”

The organization operates year-round, requiring service members to complete community service hours to qualify for flights. Byrne emphasized the significance of these reunions for military families, stating, “As the mom, you don’t know where your child is. But that amazing feeling when you get them home, that first hug — it’s the absolute best.”