The Heartwarming Story of an Army Wife Bringing Hope to Military Families in Need

Monica Bassett, an Army wife whose family was stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas in 2021, felt choked up when she saw a pleading social media post from a neighbor on the base. The woman was struggling financially, and the need had become so urgent that she was having to go through a neighbor’s trash can at night in search of something to eat.

I just need food. I’ll take any extra you have, the woman wrote. 

Oh my God, Monica thought. Nobody should have to live like that. 

As the daughter of a Vietnam Marine veteran, who had to go to a food pantry for a period during her childhood, Monica understood the woman’s pain and shame. She remembers the embarrassment of hearing civilian kids whispering about families needing food assistance when she was a girl.

I have to do something! Monica, a mom of two young daughters, Sofia and Amelia, now 10 and 5, thought, and was so driven to help, she decided to take money from her own food budget to buy necessities for her military neighbors in need.

She bought cheap laundry baskets at a dollar store, filled them up with food and household goods and set up a makeshift pantry in her garage. 

Monica shared about her project on social media, and not only did people come to “shop,” many others donated. When a news station in Topeka interviewed Monica, and asked how people can help, food donations poured in and volunteers stepped up.

In the summer of 2022, Monica’s husband, Lt. Colonel Gregory Bassett, was transferred and the family moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Before leaving, Monica trained a group of military spouses to take over the Fort Riley pantry, which still continues today. It was hard moving on, but Monica felt good knowing her project would live on. Little did she know how many would come to rely on it. 

Spreading hope

Within a week of arriving at their new home, representatives from Armed Forces Insurance, who had seen news coverage about Monica’s project, made a generous offer: “We’d like to help you duplicate what you did at Fort Riley!”

The company gave Monica free office space and utilities to start a food-giving program at Leavenworth. Aware that nearly 24% of military families face food insecurity, the thought came to her: Maybe this is meant to be something bigger.

Monica, previously a senior executive at an employment firm, began toying with the idea of starting a nonprofit organization to alleviate hunger among military families. “I’ve never seen you more passionate,” her husband said when she shared her idea. “We will be fine as a one-income family. Do it!”

Monica’s grassroots project blossomed into Stronghold Food Pantry, headquartered at Fort Leavenworth. Customers don’t have to prove their income, and volunteers take time to get to know them as they shop. In response, the grateful shoppers walk out with smiles. One customer told Monica, “Thank you so much for not letting me feel ashamed of needing help!” A jubilant 5-year-old shouted, “It’s the best day ever!” after receiving apples.

Giving back

Many recipients of Stronghold Food Pantry’s services are so grateful, they give back by volunteering there. That’s what Army wife and mom Jessica Bennick did. She and Monica remain in touch, even now that Jessica’s family has moved from Leavenworth. “I think she’s building something amazing, and it’s more than just feeding stomachs; she’s feeding hearts,” Jessica says.

In 2023, Stronghold launched an ambassador program, which utilizes volunteers across the nation to help military members by delivering groceries. This year, Stronghold started offering pop-up pantries in areas of need. As for Monica, she’s out to supply necessities and show love. “We build trust, community and a culture of compassion,” Monica says. “You are not just a number. You are a human being who deserves more and who is more!”