ThanksUSA Press Releases and News

Press Releases

Rumsfeld Foundation Announces 2011 Military and Veterans Grants

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19, 2011 – Today the Rumsfeld Foundation announced its 2011 grants to organizations supporting active duty troops, wounded military veterans, their families and the families of the fallen. These grants, totaling $525,000, represent 100 percent of Donald Rumsfeld’s proceeds thus far from the sale of his New York Times bestselling memoir, Known and Unknown. Full Press Release

USPTA and ThanksUSA Join Forces to Thank the Troops

HOUSTON, TX -- DECEMBER 5, 2011 -- As part of “Tennis Thanks the Troops,” the United States Professional Tennis Association and ThanksUSA have teamed up to encourage USPTA professionals to fund scholarships for the families of military men and women. How will USPTA members be able to help? By donating a portion of their lessons or clinic fees taught during Memorial Day Weekend 2012. Full Press Release (link to attached PDF titled ‘ThanksUSA Release USPTA Final’) Full Press Release

ThanksUSA Launches 7th Annual Online Treasure Hunt to Aid Military Families
Partnership with the ESA Foundation to Generate Donations for Scholarship Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NOVEMBER 23, 2011 -- ThanksUSA and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation will unveil Treasure Hunt Seven, a free online and fully interactive trivia and puzzle game about American history, culture and values, on Thanksgiving morning, both organizations announced today. Full Press Release

Country Music Star John Rich to Host ThanksUSA’s 2011 Benefit Concert Celebrating Military Families

WASHINGTON, DC -- NOVEMBER 10, 2011 -- Award-winning country music singer, songwriter and producer John Rich, also the winner of this year’s season of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, will host ThanksUSA’s 2011 Benefit Concert at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., on November 14, 2011. Also performing at this year’s festivities are fiddler Andy Leftwich, and Texas and Nashville singer-songwriters Lucas Hoge, Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes. NBC4 Washington’s Jim Handly will serve as the concert’s master of ceremonies. Full Press Release

Former Army Chief of Staff General Casey Joins ThanksUSA’s Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC -- OCTOBER 6, 2011 -- “General Casey has been an unwavering advocate for military families throughout his career, and we are pleased to welcome him to the ThanksUSA family,” said Bob Okun, chief executive officer, ThanksUSA. “Given his proven excellence in both managing and serving in the United States Army, we will undoubtedly benefit from his valuable insights.” Full Press Release

News

Stephen Curry doesn’t need NBA season to stay busy

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE -- AUGUST 31, 2011 -- This is the time of year when Stephen Curry usually ramps up his workout schedule to prepare for training camp. With no end in sight to the NBA lockout, however, the Warriors’ point guard is ramping up his schedule in other ways. Full Article

Young McLean Sisters, Founders of ThanksUSA, Stick to Their Ideals

McLEAN PATCH -- AUGUST 17, 2011 -- Two McLean sisters, Rachel and Kelsi Okun, were on a family vacation in August 2005, when the idea struck. Fascinated by the treasure hunts depicted in the book, "A Treasure's Trove," and the movie, "National Treasure", Rachel and Kelsi wondered whether the appeal of treasure hunts could get kids and their parents to support a national goal. Full Article

Thanks, USA!

THE SCENE BIZNOW – JULY 6, 2011 -- Alexandria’s Bikram Yoga studio owner, Jim Ambrogi is a wounded war vet who helps military families re-gain lost mobility through hot yoga. He inspired other area Bikram yoga studios to contribute funds for ThanksUSA scholarships for military families during the Fourth of July weekend. Full Article

Thanks to Little Hearts
Some military families are receiving college scholarships from grammar school philanthropists

NORTHERN VIRGINIA MAGAZINE – AUGUST 2008 – While others are attending movies and concerts, catching a game at the new nationals’ stadium or shopping at the mall, the Okuns and their guests have assembled to conduct business, just as they have most Sunday afternoons for the last three years. Full Article

Will you Answer the Call?

WALL STREET JOURNAL OPINION – August 28, 2007 –Two years ago, my daughters opened my eyes to a national disconnect between average citizens and solders. What started as a kitchen-table idea evolved into ThanksUSA, providing post-secondary school scholarships to the children and spouses of those serving on active duty, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. Full Article

Press Release Archives

News Archives


Get Adobe Reader, Free