Military Mom Transforms Heartbreak into a Lifeline for Arizona’s Service Members

Margy Bons is actively making a difference for struggling military families through her organization, Military Assistance Mission (MAM). For over a decade, Bons has addressed gaps in government support, providing essential resources like diapers, car repairs, and rent checks.

As debates over defense budgets continue, Bons focuses on immediate needs: food, shelter, and dignity for Arizona’s most underpaid service members. A recent RAND report indicates that over 286,000 active duty personnel faced food insecurity in 2022, highlighting the urgency of MAM’s mission.

MAM distinguishes itself by delivering aid swiftly. With a straightforward online form, bills can be paid directly, often on the same day the request is made. Bons emphasizes, “We don’t have to wait for meetings to decide if we should help this person.” This quick response is critical, especially when delays can lead to eviction or more severe issues.

The need for rapid assistance stems from the inherent reluctance of service members to seek help. Bons understands this firsthand; as a Marine mom who lost her son in Iraq, she knows the societal pressures that discourage asking for assistance. “They will chew an arm and a leg off before they’ll ask for help,” she noted.

MAM’s support is designed as a one-time lifeline during crises, not a permanent solution. “We’ll help you, but this is a one-time thing,” Bons clarifies. Privacy is also paramount; confidentiality ensures that servicemembers can seek assistance without fear of repercussions. “We don’t tell anybody anything,” she insists, recognizing that vulnerability can be stigmatized in military culture.

Joanna Sweatt, a Marine Corps veteran and advocate, underscores the personal nature of MAM’s approach. “Margy personally helped me about ten years ago when I was facing homelessness,” she recalls. Bons’s dedication goes beyond merely filling a role—it reflects her journey as a Gold Star mom who has turned her loss into action.

After the loss of her son, Marine Sgt. Michael Adam Marzano, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, Bons founded MAM in his honor. Though the nonprofit’s efforts significantly extend to emergency aid, they also organize baby showers, holiday gifts for children of deployed parents, and back-to-school support with essential supplies.

MAM’s community engagement doesn’t stop there. Annual fundraising events, including motorcycle rides, not only raise money but also foster camaraderie among service members, ensuring they feel acknowledged and supported.

At the core of Bons’s mission is a commitment to care for those who serve. “They raise their right hand for all of us,” she states. “The least we can do is make sure they’re OK at home.”