By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Mark Shamp was a Soldier in Arms for four and a half years in the U.S. Navy from 1982-1986 Today he wears a different badge of honor as founder of Angel in Arms, a Bowling Green-based nonprofit that helps local veterans, law enforcement and first responders and their families in times of need.
Located at the Woodland Mall, 1234 N. Main St., Angels in Arms is about community, Shamp said. He and his all-women board are set up to provide financial assistance, food and support to a group of individuals who often find it difficult to ask for help.
Shamp’s goal for Angels in Arms is to create a stronger community to help ease veterans’ burdens.
“I’m a veteran and I know how hard it is for a veteran to ask for help,” he said. “As veterans, we’ve got everybody else’s back and nobody has ours.”
His message is that Angels in Arms does have their backs.
He started Angels in Arms out of his Bowling Green home in 2020. He had been working with a Toledo area nonprofit that did similar work for Lucas County veterans. The veteran in charge became ill and urged Shamp to do similar work because the need was great in Wood County.
According to Shamp, Wood County has approximately 8,000 veterans, possibly the most of any county in the state. He estimates 45%-50% need help.
But reaching them and letting them know about his organization has been a challenge.
“Three years into the business, I was ready to throw in the towel and say ‘I quit,’” he said, questioning why veterans weren’t asking for help.
Serendipitously, about that time, a guy called him from the Veterans Services Office. “He told me who he was and then there was dead silence,” Shamp recalled.
“I said, ‘What do you need?’ and he admitted he didn’t know how to ask for help. I just told him, ‘Say you need help.’”
Shamp listened, and the man said he had no food. The food bank at that time wasn’t as well stocked as it is today. Within about 15 minutes, they met at Kroger, and Shamp helped him fill a cart with $300 worth of food.
As more veterans learn about the nonprofit and share their experiences, word of mouth spreads, Shamp said.
By March 2024, the operation had outgrown his home and moved into a storefront at the Woodland Mall, near the food court.
The space, which is open five days a week, is completely volunteer-run. All of the patriotic merchandise is available for sale in the store, with 100% of the proceeds going into the nonprofit’s Veterans Fund.
Shamp makes many of the items that are for sale, and has other volunteers donating items for sale.
“None of the items are expensive,” Shamp said, and everything is tax-free.
The Wall of Veterans, visible when entering the store, proudly shares photos and names of local veterans and veterans with local ties year-round. Veterans and their family members can pay $10 to have a veteran’s photo and name added to the wall.
The veterans’ food bank is the pride of the storefront. They have recently signed on with Seagate Food Bank in Toledo and stock their shelves with frozen foods, breads, milk fruit and vegetables.
“Veterans can come here any time we are open,” he said. “If they need food, we’ve got food.”
Recently, the food bank was inspected and received a three-star rating.
The financial assistance is available one time a calendar year.
Angels in Arms Vice President Jennifer Genson works for Wood County Jobs and Family Services and often will refer veterans to the organization for additional assistance.
“If a veteran needs assistance with a mortage or rent, JFS will pay a portion of their bill and we (Angels in Arms) will pay the other portion,” she said. “JFS can only cover so much, so it’s nice to know that between the two of us, they are not going to be homeless or have their power turned off.”
“We also help veteran’s families,” Shamp said. “Every holiday we pick three to five families and provide 100% of their meals.” At Christmas they also provide gifts for the kids who are 12 and under.”
Often, after a veteran has received assistance, they will share their experience and when able, give back by donating grocery or gas gift cards.
Community support
The organization is able to support Wood County veterans thanks to community support, whether it is purchasing items in the store, providing cash or gift card donations, signing up for the Kroger Reward program to benefit Angels in Arms or supporting the various fundraisers.
The recent Stars and Strikes bowling event raised nearly $5,000, the highest amount raised at the annual event. The bowling alley was completely full, and it was a great family-friendly event, he said.
In the past, they have hosted craft shows and bike rides that have been successful. Even the first craft show held outside at the AmVets during the pandemic was successful.
This year’s summer event is the Wood County Showdown on May 24. In the Woodland Mall parking lot The event will include a car show with 300 vehicles from the PTBG Car Club, a strong man and strong woman event by Able Body Fitness, live music, food trucks, crafts and bake sale. A “Guns and Hoses” Cornhole tournament is being finalized with teams representing law enforcement and fire departments/first responders.
Details for that event will be forthcoming.
The Angels in Arms Facebook page is the best source for information about events and activities of the organization.
For more information about how to help or receive help, visit the store or email angelsinarms@yahoo.com.
