Meet Monica McNeal

We recently connected with Monica McNeal and have shared our conversation below.

Monica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Grief has a way of reshaping our lives in ways we never expected. When I lost my son—a 19-year-old U.S. Marine killed in Afghanistan—I found myself searching for meaning, for purpose, for a way to navigate a world that felt completely shattered. He was my only natural son, and losing him left a void that words could never fully capture. But through that unimaginable pain, I found a new mission: ensuring that families who endure this kind of loss are never alone.
I first became a part of American Gold Star Mothers, a group dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have lost children in military service. While the organization provided comfort and connection, I recognized that there was more to be done—more voices to lift up, more families to bring together, and more support to offer. That led to the co-founding of Gold Star Families of Washington, an inclusive nonprofit dedicated to providing a space for remembrance, healing, and advocacy for families who have sacrificed so much.
Through our work, we ensure that our military families, veterans, and fellow Gold Star families have the resources, recognition, and community they deserve. Whether it’s offering peer support, hosting events, or pushing for meaningful policies that honor those we’ve lost, this mission has become my life’s purpose. It’s not just about remembering my son—it’s about standing beside every parent, spouse, sibling, and child who has felt the same heartbreak.
Purpose after loss is not about moving on; it’s about carrying forward. It’s about finding ways to transform grief into action, love into impact, and memories into legacies that will never fade.
Gold Star Families of Washington is here to ensure that no one walks this journey alone. Together, we honor, support, and uplift those who have given everything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

That led to the co-founding of Gold Star Families of Washington, an inclusive nonprofit dedicated to providing a space for remembrance, healing, and advocacy for families who have sacrificed so much.

Our mission is simple but powerful:
Gold Star Families of Washington provides unwavering support and solace to families who have lost a cherished loved one due to war, injury or the battle at home. We remember their service in the US Military. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving Veteran and Active-Duty Families, offering compassionate assistance and understanding. Through our dedication, we honor the legacies of our fallen heroes.
Remember – Serve – Uplift

Through our work, we ensure that our military families, veterans, and fellow Gold Star families have the resources, recognition, and community they deserve. It’s not just about remembering my son—it’s about standing beside every parent, spouse, sibling, and child who has felt the same heartbreak.

goldstarfamilieswashington.org

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I was surprised and so was my family and friends I was able to dig deep into my soul to be able to take the devastating loss of my son and turn it into a force for good is a testament to my strength, resilience, and love. Instead of allowing grief to isolate me, I chose to channel it into something that uplifts others.

I hope to make a difference by refusing to let sorrow define me—I let love, community, and action shape my path forward. Eric’s legacy lives on in every family I support, every veteran I honor, and every effort I lead to ensure that military families feel seen and supported. Through the nonprofit,I transformed heartbreak into hope, proving that even in loss, purpose can be found. I strive to make a difference everyday.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Community.

The Gold Star community became more than just a source of support —it helped me redefine my purpose and transform grief into action. Surrounding myself with others who understood my loss provided a space where I could honor Eric while finding strength in shared experiences. The camaraderie, the unwavering compassion, and the collective mission to uplift one another all played a role in shaping the path forward.

Giving back allowed me to channel my pain into something meaningful. Through Gold Star Families of Washington, we have built an inclusive nonprofit that ensures no one faces this journey alone. By supporting military families, veterans, and fellow Gold Star families, we created a lasting impact—not just for those grieving but for an entire community that seeks healing and remembrance.

My new purpose is rooted in love, resilience, and honoring the sacrifices made by so many. The more I give, the more I receive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goldstarfamilieswashington.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/washingtonstategoldstarfamilies
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicammcneal/