The family of Massachusetts Army National Guard Sergeant David Thompson of Milton was honored today with a “Massachusetts Cares!” grant. The presentation was made by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts non-profit organization dedicated to serving National Guard and Reserve Families since 2003. They were joined by Senator Brian Joyce and Representative Walter Timilty.

Sergeant Thompson, a South Shore native, is currently serving his first tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 379 Engineer Company. SGT Thompson’s wife, Elizabeth, has kept red, white and blue Christmas lights on her front porch since her husband’s deployment earlier this year. And she plans to keep them on until he returns home. “When I found out the Military Friends grant programs were available to support our family I was overwhelmed,” said Elizabeth Thompson. “I want to thank the Legislature and everyone who supports the Military Friends Foundation programs –they truly make a difference to military families.”

The Military Friends Massachusetts Cares! Grant program provides $200 grants to recognize deployed Guard and Reservists who are E-7s and below and who, like so many, can face new financial challenges during a deployment. The program receives funding from thousands of citizens across the Commonwealth through the Mass. Military Family Relief Fund. This fund receives voluntary contributions via a tax check-off box on the state tax form, Question 32E, that allows taxpayers to directly support Massachusetts military families. Senator Brian Joyce and Representative Walter Timilty were original cosponsors of “The Welcome Home Bill,” a nationally recognized piece of legislation that the fund.

“I am honored to recognize Sergeant Thompson with a Military Friends Massachusetts Cares grant. Today thousands of our own Massachusetts service members are serving both at home and abroad. This is another way that we in the Legislature can help say ‘Thank You’ to those who wear the uniform and the families that serve beside them,” said Senator Brian A. Joyce.

“Given the sacrifices that Sergeant Thompson and our other service men and women are making while fighting the global war on terrorism, it is imperative that elected officials and organizations like the Military Friends Foundation do all they can to take care of militaries families in the United States and aid in the adjustment process of those service men and women when they come home,” said Representative Walter F. Timilty.

Last year, the Military Friends Foundation provided $100,000 in assistance to Massachusetts military families through a range of grants and support programs. For more information on all Military Friends Foundation programs visit www.militaryfriends.org or call (617) 733-7994.