FAQ
Who is really behind Guard Support?
GSMA is a community organization, formed by concerned citizens of the Commonwealth.
What is its connection— formerly and informally — to the National Guard?
There is no formal connection with the National Guard, although since its founding GSMA has formed a close working relationship with the dedicated women and men of the Family Program Office and the Family Assistance Centers of the Massachusetts National Guard and Massachusetts Air National Guard.
How long has it been in operation?
Guard Support has been in operation since August 2007.
From where does Guard Support get its funds?
GSMA was historically privately funded by its founders but has applied to the Internal Revenue Service to become a public charity.
Where does my donation to Guard Support go? (i.e. operations vs. programming)?
100% of the donations from the public go to the financial assistance and programming that directly benefits the families. The founders of GSMA have committed sufficient funds for the operations of GSMA for the next several years.
Does Guard Support have any political or religious affiliation?
No
What does the Massachusetts National Guard do?
Today there are 7,500 Soldiers and Airmen in the Massachusetts National Guard, serving in Air Force and Army units, in both combat and support roles. More than 6,500 Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have been mobilized into federal service since September 11, 2001, and more than 4,000 of those served overseas.
The history of the National Guard began on December 13, 1636, when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered the organization of the colony’s militia companies into three regiments: the North, South and East Regiments. The colonists had adopted the English militia system which obligated all males, between the ages of 16 and 60, to possess arms and participate in the defense of the community. The National Guard continues its historic mission of providing units for the first-line defense of the nation. The 10lst Engineer Battalion, Massachusetts Army National Guard, continues the East Regiment’s proud heritage of 370 years of service.
Over the years the Massachusetts National Guard has evolved a unique dual mission: first, to maintain properly trained and equipped units available as needed to support the Department of Defense; and second, to provide trained and disciplined forces for emergencies within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts National Guard has always been there to support the community in time of need.
Today, the men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard need our help — financial, yes, but more importantly, they need to understand how highly they are valued by their community — their neighbors.
Recent News
Guard Support on Facebook
From Military Service to Entrepreneur
National Guard Unit in Feeding Hills Awarded a Family Readiness Group Grant from Guard Support.
