For Freedom * For Families * For The Fallen

We are still a Nation at War and Military Friends Foundation is dedicated to those who serve and their families.  Established after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Military Friends Foundation has provided millions of dollars in direct aid to help these warriors.

Military Friends Foundation offers grant programs and community empowerment events in support of families who have faced hardships related to military service.  We invite you to join our community of supporters and volunteers and help us continue our mission of Assisting Warriors, Empowering Military Families and Honoring Our Fallen Military and First Responders.

Military Friends Foundation is a recognized 501c3 tax-deductible charitable organization. Military Friends Foundation is the doing business as name for Friends of the National Guard and Reserve Families Incorporated (FEIN – 37-1462599)

Board of Directors

SGM James Kelly (Ret.), President & Iraq Veteran

SGM Kelly is an Iraq Combat Veteran and served more than 30 years in the Army National Guard and Marine Corps.  He is the Past President of the Stoughton VFW. SGM Kelly works full-time as the JROTC Leader for in the Boston Public School System teaching youth about the values and principles of the United State Army.

SFC Michael Sweeney, Afghanistan Veteran

Mike Sweeney is the Director of Veterans Services for the City of Lynn.  He served four years active duty in the Army and now serves in Massachusetts Army National Guard.  In 2014, he deployed to Afghanistan.  Mike is the Past President of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officer Association. Mike also has a strong background in mental health care services.

State Representative Anthony Verga (Ret.),  Korean War Era Veteran

Tony Verga, a Navy veteran, served in the State Legislature for 14 years and served as the first House Chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee of Veterans & Federal Affairs. During his tenure he worked to expand benefits for veterans and Gold Star Families by over $30 million dollars annually.  He has been recognized nationally for his work with veterans and is the recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award from the Korean War Veterans Association.

Mrs. Carlene Barrett, Gold Star Mother

Carlene Barrett is the proud mother of SGT Robert Barrett, Massachusetts Army National Guard.  SGT Barrett was killed in action in Afghanistan in April 2010. Carlene and her husband Paul have established a scholarship in Robert’s memory and work to keep his memory alive by caring for veterans in times of need.

Key Team Members

Brigadier General Tom Sellars (Ret.), Ambassador

Sarah Sweeney, Executive Director & Military Wife

Cynthia Belanger, Program Assistant & Military/LEO Wife