Supporter,

Asking for help has never come easy for me. Growing up and during my time in the U.S. Army, I learned to be self-reliant and to push through any hardship without complaint. And I did.

Yet, my transition to civilian life was more difficult and isolating than I ever imagined. I was in desperate need of creating a new life for my young children and me. Trying to balance raising a family as a single mom while navigating the effects of my military service was not easy. There were days when I didn’t know how we would make it. I wanted my children to know compassion, gratitude, and grace. I needed a lifeline to make that possible. That’s when I asked for help and Military Missions in Action (MMIA) stepped in.

Through MMIA’s Homes for Healing program, caring people like you provided my family with the essentials that turned our house into a home. New pillows and cozy blankets for bedtime, tableware so we could share family meals—small things that make a big difference. We went from merely surviving to truly thriving.

But this is not just my story. Veterans like me across North Carolina face similar challenges every day. They are getting by, but far from thriving.

Fortunately, you have the power to change this. Your donation can provide critical support to veterans like me, helping them rebuild their lives.

When you give to MMIA, you join a special group that supports veterans across North Carolina through programs such as:

Operation Building Hope – modifying veterans’ homes for safe, accessible independent living.
Homes for Healing – providing essential furnishings and household goods to formerly homeless veterans.
Fill the Footlocker – sending care packages to Armed Forces members and providing personal hygiene items for homeless veterans.
Operation Rescue Christmas – supporting low-income military and veteran families during the holiday season.

With your generosity, you give hope to those who served our country and now need a helping hand. Your gift—no matter the size—makes a real difference.

I know firsthand how transformative this support can be. It turns fear into hope and uncertainty into possibility. Today, I’m asking you to be that source of hope for others by making a donation to MMIA. Your support could be the lifeline a veteran family needs right now.

Thank you for your compassion and for standing with those who served.

With gratitude,

Illisha Lear

P.S. When you give to MMIA, you ensure that veterans aren’t turned away in their time of need. You provide more than financial support—you offer a chance to rebuild a new life.

P.P.S. If you would like to hear more about my story, below is the video from Military Mission’s In Action’s inaugural Founders Day Black Tie Gala this past Spring.

Illisha's Story

By MILITARY MISSIONS IN ACTION

Illisha's Story

Thank you for supporting veterans like Illisha.