“Thank you for your service” is often said when encountering a member of the military or a veteran, given the many sacrifices involved. Military service can bring challenges and financial hardships for military families. When Mike and Shelly Pawelczak attended their son’s graduation from Marine boot camp in August 2022, they were grateful they had the means to travel from central Illinois to California to attend. But they were also saddened to see that many young graduates had no family present to support and celebrate them. It was then they knew something had to be done.
The Pawelczaks began to recognize that many veterans fall through the cracks. The need for support often begins even earlier with new recruits who may not have a strong support system. They were determined to make a difference and began exploring the idea of creating a nonprofit organization. Along the way they met Desert Storm veteran Connie Watson and Amy Watson, a couple who shared the same passion and heart for serving veterans and military families. Together they joined forces and created Military Families Together, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no service member or their family feels unsupported or alone.
Mike Pawelczak serves as vice president of the MFT board. “We support veterans and military families in many ways,” he said. “While requests for help with groceries and transportation to appointments are common, the most urgent need we see is assistance with basic living expenses such as rent and utilities, ensuring families remain safe, stable and supported during difficult times.
“One of our greatest challenges,” Mike continued, “is meeting the growing demand for assistance, especially for urgent needs like rent and utilities. The most rewarding part is being able to step in during a difficult time and provide immediate relief knowing we’ve helped keep a roof over a family’s head or food on their table. Some of our most memorable moments come from seeing the direct impact of our work, whether it’s helping a veteran avoid eviction, providing groceries to a struggling family or simply being there when someone feels they have nowhere else to turn.”
Military Families Together primarily serves veterans and military families in Springfield and surrounding areas.
“We hope to have so much growth and success that we can expand someday and possibly be a national organization helping people all over the country,” said Mike, “but we want to take care of those close to home first.”
Families can seek assistance directly through MFT’s website, social media or by referral from someone in the community. Each request is reviewed quickly to provide aid based on the family’s needs and available resources.
Andrea Warden benefited from having her rent paid by MFT in November 2025.
“Thank you so much for your generosity,” she told the organization. “I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful community and thankful for this organization and the good that it does. Serving this country and its citizens has brought me great joy. I look forward to continuing to serve and giving back to this group as much as I can because I have seen the good that it does for veterans and their families.”
Darren Sparks had some health issues but wanted to maintain his independence by getting himself to his doctor appointments with a bicycle. MFT was able to find someone to donate one.
“He was also getting back into the workforce,” said Mike, “and needed a computer for a programming job. He was one of our first recipients back in 2024.”
The organization raises funds through events such as its annual golf outing and designer handbag bingo, as well as through sponsorships, donations and community partnerships.
The third annual golf outing will be held Sept. 26 at Lincoln Greens Golf Course. Participants can sign up a four-person team for $400 which includes cart fees, lunch and silent auction. Signing up as a participant or sponsor before Aug. 15 earns an opportunity to be entered into a drawing to win a vacation certificate for a seven-night stay in various destinations.
The community can support MFT by attending events, becoming a sponsor, donating, volunteering and spreading awareness about its mission. Said Mike, “We are incredibly grateful for the community that stands behind us and makes this mission possible.”
For more information visit www.militaryfamiliestogether.org or www.facebook.com/USmilitaryfamiliestogether
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at janetseitz1@gmail.com.
This article appears in May SBJ 2026.