Parsons will sponsor the 2021 MMAA Military Spouse Scholarship and the Donna Johnson Equality and Valor Award
Today, on Veterans Day, the Modern Military Association of America (MMAA), the nation’s largest LGBTQ military and veteran non-profit organization, announced a significant new partnership with Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN), a global technology leader in the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets.
Further empowering MMAA in efforts to honor and support the LGBTQ military and veteran community, Parsons will provide funding for the 2021 MMAA Military Spouse Scholarship and the 2021 Donna Johnson Equality and Valor Award, which honors the life and legacy of one of Parsons’ former employees — Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Donna Johnson — who was killed in action by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Donna’s widow, Tracy Johnson, also worked for Parsons.
“We are truly grateful for Parsons’ investment in our critically important work making a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ service members, veterans and their families,” said MMAA Interim Executive Director Jennifer Dane. “Without the support of Parsons and other individuals and organizations who value the importance of inclusion and diversity, the work we do simply wouldn’t be possible. We are especially thankful that Parsons is honoring the life and legacy of SSG Donna Johnson through this partnership.”
“Inclusion and diversity are core to the Parsons identity, and we are proud to support MMAA in the incredible work they do around the country advancing fairness and equality for the LGBTQ military and veteran community,” said Chuck McGregor, vice president of military and veteran’s affairs for Parsons. “Our nation’s warfighters work, train, and fight together as equals. That shouldn’t change once the battle is over.”
Founded in 1944, Parsons is a leading disruptive technology provider in the global defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cybersecurity, missile defense, space, connected infrastructure, and smart cities. The company is on a global mission to deliver a better world, driven by 16,000 employees who embody the values of integrity and diversity.
The Donna Johnson Equality and Valor Award stands to honor the life, legacy and bravery of Staff Sergeant Donna Johnson who was killed in action overseas. What followed back at home also became a task of burden and woe. Unfortunately, Tracy Johnson — Donna’s wife — was challenged to undergo the painful task of seeking to be recognized as Donna’s widow at a time when the federal government did not recognize marriage equality. Thanks in part to Donna’s legacy, Tracy’s courage, and the advocacy work of the American Military Partner Association (now known as MMAA), the Department of Veterans Affairs eventually changed policies to recognize Tracy for survivor benefits. These efforts also contributed to the overall fight ensuring nationwide marriage equality. Every year, MMAA honors a service member who exemplifies courage, equality and valor with the Donna Johnson Equality and Valor Award.
The MMAA Military Spouse Scholarship is a key tool in MMAA’s mission to support military spouses who are often overlooked and under appreciated. Every year, MMAA selects up to ten military spouses for the scholarship based on their commitment to community service.
