Testimonials from Families
I would like to express my infinite gratitude to the MMFF grant organization for my recent approval. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my narrative and really understand what has been of my life for the past year. It was not easy being vulnerable to a group of strangers, but I found comfort in knowing that I would be speaking out to previous service members that may have gone through the same as me. As hard as times have been, this has been an immense relief off of my shoulders as I work on getting my family back on their feet. The situation my husband and I are in has been nothing but a learning opportunity on how to better ourselves in the future. I look forward to spreading the word of this great opportunity to whoever crosses my path with similar hardships. I believe this organization is doing great things for us service members; sometimes the general public forgets that, though we are in the service, we are all human and we all go through hardships. I did not plan on moving to Minnesota and bring all of my problems with me. I wanted a fresh start from the moment I step foot in my new duty station. However, I am glad I spoke out to my leadership because, if it weren’t for them, I would’ve never known about this opportunity. So again, thank you very, very much and I hope you all have a blessed day! Naval Reservist, April 2022
My family and I are incredibly thankful for your generosity. As you have read about, we have been through a lot as a family and we feel humbled and grateful for you help. As a parent this situation has rocked me to my core but every day, I am counting my blessings. My step-daughter has a long road ahead of her but she is alive and we are holding onto that! I got my vehicle back yesterday and feel so relived. Thank you for taking such a large burden off our shoulders. Words really don’t do justice to express our thankfulness. I pray that you all are blessed as you have blessed us. Squeeze your loved ones a little tighter tonight, I know I am. Thanks again. National Guard, March 2022
An E4 in the Minnesota Army National Guard returned from deployment and had pay issues while deployed which caused the family to fall behind on bills. Both husband and wife are both working two jobs to try to work through the deficit. The MMFF provided a grant to help them catch up. Here are the words from the service member after receiving the grant: “Thank you so much! I cannot put into words what this grant means to me. God bless everyone involved in helping me!!” August 2018
A currently deployed Corporal in the Minnesota Army National Guard had a 4 month old baby that required a cranial cap which is not covered by Tricare. The MMFF provided a grant to cover that cranial cap and received this note: “We wanted to send you a thank you card for taking the time to consider our family for this grant to help us cover unexpected medical bills during this deployment. We are very grateful. With the grant, we are able to get our son started with his helmet. Thank you for everything that you do for military families.” August 2018
“Thank you so much for all of your help getting us the financial assistance. It has truly saved us countless amount of stress.”
“I want to thank you again for helping me out it means so much and is going to help me in more ways than I thought possible. Its organizations like yours that make it possible for me to get the help I need and not end up behind forever.”
“Without your help we would not have been able to visit our son that was wounded in Iraq. It meant so much to us as parents to be able to visit with him.”
“I wanted to thank you and the board very much for the aid that you gave my family last year. We were definitely between a rock and a hard place and feel very blessed to have received your aid.”
“I’m truly amazed and grateful that there are organizations out there like yours, The grant was approved the same day and I was able to call the mortgage company to say the check was in the mail.”
“Thank you so much, we can’t express how grateful we are. This grant has given us hope. We can breathe and move forward with bettering our lives”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. We can now stay in our home.”
“You have no idea how much this has helped us, we are so fortunate to have people who care and a place that can help out”.
“As a Family Assistance Specialist, I have seen the grants from MMFF enable families to get back on their feet financially as well as emotionally. Financial problems, during and after deployment, can be a terrible strain on a marriage. Having assistance with a financial crisis can be a pivotal factor in whether a service member and his or her family will have a successful deployment and/or reintegration.”
Testimonials from Retired Military Personnel
“The Minnesota Military Family Foundation has done great, quiet, and effective work. Since founded by Bill Popp it has helped hundreds of military families pay bills or purchase necessities that otherwise would have gone unaddressed. The families are greatly helped by the grants. 100 percent of the contributions are sent to the people in need because the small overhead that does exist is absorbed by Mr. Popp and the Minnesota National Guard. Families connected to all branches of the military can benefit from the Foundation and it is not necessary to have a National Guard connection.”
Harry Sieben
Major General (retired), Minnesota National Guard
MMFF Board of Directors – Emeritus
As a Vietnam Veteran of the USAF, it is an honor to serve on the Board of the MMFF to ensure that today’s service members and their families are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve after having risked their lives for our Country. These brave men & women find it difficult to ask for help when things go wrong and they are faced with financial emergencies. The MMFF provides this financial assistance in a meaningful and confidential manner allowing our heroes to maintain their pride and continue to serve without distractions. The families also sacrifice, allowing their loved ones to serve and the MMFF is here to help when needed. I would like to thank the MMFF for electing me to the Board because for me, the opportunity to help other veterans is an important mission that cannot be denied!
Thomas W Lyons
President of Faelon Partners Ltd
MMFF Board of Directors
“From October 2002 through November 2007 it was my honor and privilege to be the State Command Sergeant Major for the Minnesota Army National Guard. During that time the Minnesota Military Family Foundation was established to support service members and their families. I know from first-hand knowledge that this program has a positive impact. Through available funds and quick action by the Foundation, I witnessed appliances being replaced or repaired, vehicles being repaired, airline tickets for parents to visit and be with their wounded warriors being purchased, vans being rented to allow family members to visit their wounded warrior and financial assistance provided to meet mortgage payments and other bills.
The services provided by this fund have provided necessary financial resources to Family Readiness Groups and Family Assistance Centers throughout the Midwest as they work with the service members and families during their numerous periods of deployment.
As the Global War on Terrorism continues the efforts of the Minnesota Military Family Foundation are a critical. Thanks for all that you do to support our service members and their families. Best wishes as you continue your great work.”
CSM (retired) Bob Boone
7th State Command Sergeant Major
Minnesota Army National Guard
