A-G Associates’ Personal Commitment to Serving the MVF Community

Chris Gonzalez brings firsthand experience as a Marine Corps veteran who served in combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reflecting on his military service, Gonzalez emphasizes the unique bond shared among those who have served.

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For many Americans, military service is an abstract thought,” he said. “Some Americans have service connections with family or friends, but a small percentage of us can call ourselves “Veterans,” and even fewer have earned the title of “Marine.”

Gonzalez’s Marine Corps background and the invaluable lessons learned from military leaders have shaped his success as a business leader. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by fallen comrades and the lasting impact of their memory, emphasizing the importance of a robust support system in coping with post-traumatic stress. 

“As I reflect on my time in the Marine Corps, I think about the inspiring leaders who have impacted my life and taught me lessons that have made me successful in business today. I remember the friendships that I made that still exist today, along with the feeling of camaraderie and connectedness. 

“I also think about my friends whose lives were lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. As I mourn their memories, I cannot help but be thankful I did not join them. I am grateful that I survived two combat zones with my limbs and sanity intact when many others were not so fortunate,” he said. “Like many, I live with post-traumatic stress but have never thought of it as a disorder. I cope with this stress because of a strong support system I’ve built, but I know it is my duty to offer my service to others and become part of their support systems.” 

Peg Anthony shares a similar sentiment, driven by the experience of having her son serve in combat zones.

“When my son, a US Marine, deployed to Iraq at the very beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was terrified,” she said.

Her firsthand experience of fear and anxiety during her son’s deployments deepened her appreciation for the sacrifices made by military members and their families. This realization propelled her dedication to supporting Veterans and their families.

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“Later, he served in Operation Enduring Freedom as he deployed to Afghanistan, and again, I was terrified,” she said. “Each time, I was heartbroken to say goodbye to him and even more heartbroken to watch as other families said theirs, especially the tearful children and spouses who carried heavy burdens during those deployments.

“When my son and his unit returned, we joined the other families with the joy and relief of knowing that our sons, daughters, spouses, and other loved ones made it home. Many others were not so fortunate,” she added. “Still others made it home but with scars that were hard to heal. It made me realize and appreciate the very real sacrifices made by military members and their families. Since then, like never before, I have dedicated myself to doing my part to support veterans, those who serve, and the families that support them with gratitude, respect, and pride. Since then, it has become a very deep and personal thing for me.”

Dr. Ted Bonar found his calling in supporting the military community as a clinical psychology graduate student.

“I was a clinical psychology graduate student in 2004, and I pursued a training placement at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago due to its reputation as a great training site,” he said. “Six months into that rotation, I knew I had found my life’s work.”

Since then, Dr. Bonar has developed his career as a subject matter expert in suicide prevention, lethal means safety, military and veteran mental health, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, he serves on the Healthcare Advisory Committee for PsychArmor Institute and was previously the Director of End Family Fire at Brady and the Chief of Continuing Education Programs at the Center for Deployment Psychology.

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“I believe civilians have an obligation to close the military-civilian divide, and it’s been my mission to move towards this as a clinical psychologist, behavioral health trainer, and program consultant,” he said.

His expertise in suicide prevention, military and veteran mental health, and PTSD reflects his unwavering commitment to bridging the military-civilian divide.

“Working suicide prevention, PTSD treatments, lethal means safety, and virtually any other area of MVF behavioral health has been the most important work of my life. I had no idea I needed to do this work, and it is nothing short of an honor and privilege.”

Mackenzie Wolf draws on her personal experience as a Marine Corps veteran and the loss of a close friend and fellow Marine to suicide to advocate for better mental health support within the veteran community. Following her active service, Mackenzie began working at a Veteran Service Organization and knew she’d found her purpose.  

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“I was in middle school when I first said I wanted to be a Marine,” she said. “My Grandpa was a Marine who served as one of the first Marine Raiders in WWII, and I greatly admired him.” 

Following her active service, Mackenzie began working at a Veteran Service Organization and knew she’d found her purpose.   

“I am fortunate to be still able to serve the military and veteran communities — just in a very different capacity. It’s important for us to engage with the MVF community and for me to make sure I’m communicating with the servicemembers and veterans in my life. Even as a professional communicator, I’m not immune to the shortcomings of language. Words are only helpful if you use them. My close friend and fellow Marine died by suicide in 2010, and there are days when I still struggle to wrap my head around that loss and the guilt of never asking hard questions. I don’t know a single veteran who hasn’t been touched by suicide, and I believe we collectively need to do better about having those difficult conversations.” 

She emphasized the importance of open dialogue and support networks in addressing the emotional and physical toll of military service. 

“My generation of veterans served through two decades of war, and the impacts on both our emotional and physical health are showing,” she added. “Physical injuries, moral injuries, post-traumatic stress, and the impacts of toxic exposures are impacting post-9/11 veterans. I have the privilege of being an advocate and a voice for my generation.”