Casualty Assistance Grant

• • • • Assistance with funeral/burial expenses

      • Assistance with travel arrangements and travel costs for family members

      • Assistance with lodging arrangements and lodging costs for family members

      • Memorial photo pins for wake/funeral services

      • Handheld flags for local communities to honor the Fallen

  • These funds – designed as “first-responder” support – can either be accessed by the family’s primary contact or the Casualty Assistance Officer calling 1-84-HELP-VETS.
• • We want express our thanks to the Gold Star Wives of New England, Gold Star Mothers of Massachusetts & RI, Massachusetts National Guard, Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) and Casualty Assistance Officers (CAOs) for their assistance in designing this program. The funding to support Families of the Fallen comes from voluntary contributions made through Question 32E on the Massachusetts State Tax Form and generosity of private donations.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT SERVICES FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES

Gold Star Community Events:

Military Friends Foundation offers year-round community building events for families of Fallen Service Members.  These events include the Massachusetts Run For The Fallen, Tough Ruck in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, Massachusetts State House Gold Star Families Tree and more.  Military Friends also hosts private events for families to further connect with their Gold Star community.

Case Management and Referral Services:

Military Friends Foundation works with Gold Star Families of all eras to connect them with support services and other benefit providers.  These services help ensure families are aware of benefits on both the state and federal level along with other public programs.  Families interested in these services can contact Military Friends Foundation at 1-84-HELP-VETS.