Help the King & May Family Care Honor a Legacy of Service

After a lifetime of service to our country and our family, we are now facing a season we cannot walk through alone. Following the loss of our father, a 25-year Air Force combat veteran, we have stepped into full-time care for our disabled mother while navigating a difficult path to secure the benefits he earned. We are asking for your support—both in reading our story and, if you feel led, helping us carry this burden. What you’ll read is not only about loss but about faith, resilience, and a legacy that continues.

**Our Story**

Our story begins with the love, faith, and legacy of our parents—Master Sergeant Howard May (USAF, Ret.), a 25-year combat veteran, and our mother, Robin May.

Our father grew up Jewish in Brooklyn, New York. Our mother, a Christian, was raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. Their worlds couldn’t have been more different—yet somehow, they were brought together. They met near Ellsworth Air Force Base on what began as a simple blind date. Our father knew almost immediately. He proposed three times before our mother finally said yes.

Together, they built a life defined by faith, service, and unwavering commitment.

Seven years later, our family began—first with my sister Erin, and then me, just 16 months later.

We were raised across the world on Air Force bases in South Dakota, Virginia, Japan, and England. Our mother carried a heart like Ruth—steadfast, devoted, and full of quiet strength. She raised us rooted in both faith traditions, teaching us that what made us different was not a division, but a strength.

In January 2024, our father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By July, he was gone.

Since his passing, we have stepped in full-time to care for our mother, who lives with advanced Multiple Sclerosis and is 100% disabled. While she qualifies for assistance programs, the reality is that her daily care needs fall heavily on our family.

At the same time, we have been navigating an overwhelming and often unclear system to access the benefits our father earned through decades of service. We have learned that Agent Orange exposure alone is not enough—his death certificate must explicitly list specific qualifying conditions.

That process has now stretched into two years. Until it is resolved, our mother—who stood beside him through 50 years of sacrifice—cannot receive the benefits he earned.

What we are experiencing is not unique.

Across the country, millions of veteran families face similar challenges—financial strain, delayed claims, and systems that are difficult to navigate in moments when families are already overwhelmed.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

**A Final Word**

Our family has always believed in service, faith, and showing up for others. Now, we humbly ask for support.

1. If you feel moved to give, we are deeply grateful.
2. If you are unable to give, sharing our story means just as much.

We are trusting God in this season, trusting the Body of Believers still show up for one another and kindness still exists in the world.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Acts 2:44-45

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

With love & gratitude,

Erin & Michael King

Kelli May