A summary of ThanksUSA's monthly 'Around the Table' discussion series
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With most of us still reeling from the effects of a global pandemic, ThanksUSA asked military caregivers to sit 'Around the Table' and share the particular challenges they face. Led by ThanksUSA scholar, caregiver, Elizabeth Dole fellow, and Blue Star Families Chapter Lead Dr. Geri Maples, the conversation this month was subdued and sobering. 

The Common Needs
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“Caregiving is a shared experience that we all find ourselves in and we’re trying to navigate through. So let me tell you: I UNDERSTAND YOU.” Understanding and empathy were just a few of the needs these caregivers universally have. There was also a great longing for support, resources and education.

As a Navy spouse shared, “There are so many times that I feel stuck because the communication between entities is so slow and labored. Getting (my husband) the care he needs feels impossible.”

There was also a great need for connection. Geri shared from her experiences that, “having connections and sharing a commonality with others is so important as we go on our caregiver journey.”

The Experiences
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Each caregiver path is unique, but common challenges include knowing and understanding the systems of support offered by Tricare, the VA, and other entities such as non-profits. An Army spouse said, “There is a lot of programming, but it sometimes feels like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be so overwhelming.”

Geri said that the role of caregivers as teachers is vital to assuring our service members are cared for. “When you separate from the military, there’s all sorts of resources sort of raining down on you and you’re not sure which ones to pick or grab as they fall from the sky. That’s why conversations like these – with fellow caregivers – are so important. We can help each other know the best path to take.” 

An Air Force spouse shared how she keeps a journal of all the resources she is offered, finds, or hears about. “That way I can be a helper to other spouses like myself. I write them all down – even if I don’t need them – because I know I’m going to meet someone who will.”

The Solutions
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Military caregivers are often referred to as Hidden Heroes, and we couldn’t agree more. As one Air Force spouse proudly shared, “My husband calls me his hero!”

ThanksUSA was born from the desire to support caregivers, and we continue this through our Pathways for Patriots program. “I try to advocate for my spouse, my soldier, my hero the best that I can,” said an Army spouse. “I am his moving, walking mouthpiece to say the things that he can’t say. At the end of the day, his care is important.” 

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“I look forward to the day when….” It seems to be a common theme so many of us have adopted over the last year. As we met the milestone of one year in quarantine, our conversation Around the Table was centered on reflection and hope. Hosted by ThanksUSA co-founder Rachel Okun, we shared ways that we continue to ‘look forward’ with optimism and gratitude.

With scholars from around the world and representing each branch of service, we continue to find common themes despite our differences. A longing for connection, a weariness in social barriers, and an internal exhaustion that comes from isolation were just a few of the common themes.

But what truly struck us was the greatest commonality we found: A selfless caring for others.

Of herself and the organization, Rachel expressed, “We are immediately drawn to the caregivers – that second tier of support that make it possible for others to feel alive and to stay alive. And that’s what the original intent of what ThanksUSA was: Making sure that the people who were asked to care, were cared for themselves.”

But when given the opportunity – and the platform – to ask for that care, we were amazed that the messages we heard continued to be focused on caring for others: communities, family members, units, squadrons, platoons, neighborhoods and friends. As an all-volunteer force, it is no surprise that military families have an “others first” attitude. They are the backbone of military strength and ThanksUSA is proud to support them.

And we know you are too. Join us…there’s room for each of you Around the Table.

A summary of ThanksUSA's monthly 'Around the Table' discussion series
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January was the start of new beginnings for ThanksUSA. Answering the call of our scholars for additional academic and professional support, our team introduced new offerings through our Pathways for Patriots program. Our first event was Around the Table, a roundtable discussion of military spouses and children hosted by ThanksUSA Co-Founder Kelsi Okun.
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The global pandemic has placed tremendous strain on our already vulnerable military families. A recent survey of ThanksUSA scholars reported loss of income, housing and food insecurity, family separation, disrupted schooling, cancelled internships, increased caregiving duties, and decreased mental health.

Around the Table gave us the opportunity to unpack these challenges and to share how military families are going from “Surviving to Thriving” in these difficult times. As Kelsi said, “It’s rare to be in a moment where asking for help is something everyone can relate to, and we hope to encourage that habit.”

The Common Needs
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While our panel of scholars represented differing circumstances, their common needs were striking. Each expressed the need for connection during a time when physical and social gatherings are limited at best. Their support systems have been significantly depleted and needs for financial, social, and professional resources have increased ten-fold.

The Experiences
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A military spouse participant lost her job shortly after the start of the pandemic. The loss of income required her and her family to make difficult changes impacting her academic and professional goals. One Army dependent shared how the pandemic required her to self-isolate limiting her access to her professors and advisors. And a Marine daughter shared the heartbreaking loss of her father to suicide. “Loss by suicide is taboo in society, in the military and in law enforcement. My heart goes out to those people that walk through it.”

The Solutions
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Around the Table gave the ThanksUSA community an opportunity to share how they are rising above these challenges. One Army spouse shared how she and her friends have monthly “zoom dates” where they share a coffee or cocktail virtually. And a Marine dependent shared her gratitude for the decreased stigma against mental health and asking for help spurred by the pandemic. “It was definitely counseling that helped me walk through it.” One participant agreed that there were silver linings amongst the challenges. “Due to the pandemic, I lost my position at work which shook up my future plans. But the thing that’s getting me through is taking this opportunity – this gift of time – to say, ‘What do I actually want to do?’ and ‘How do I find that?’”

While the military lifestyle has many challenges, members and their families develop qualities that they otherwise might not. As one Army spouse said, “The military culture of ‘toughen up’ and ‘we got it’ and ‘hu-rah’ and ‘Army strong’ – all of that is great. But strength is also kissing your teenage sons. Strength is also giving someone a hug. Strength is also setting up a therapeutic appointment. It’s also making your kids play games with you even though they think it’s corny. That is also a form of strength and admitting that you need people.”
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Pathways for Patriots seeks to increase opportunities to support the academic and professional goals of military families and to bring our community closer together. Around the Table was mirrored after the early days of ThanksUSA which started out as an idea shared across a kitchen table. Fifteen years later, we are continuing this mission of support and connection. We invite you to join us. And, as ThanksUSA Co-Founder Rachel Okun says, “We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.”

In a 2020 survey by Strada Education Network, recent graduates of online institutions rated the value of their education higher than graduates of other four-year colleges. However, Americans in general have diverse preferences for in-person, online, or hybrid modes of learning, and these preferences are changing more rapidly during the pandemic.
 
As students begin the school year, we spoke with a few ThanksUSA scholars who are seasoned online learners to better understand the benefits or downsides from a military family perspective.
 
The top benefits of online education as reported by our respondents were having a flexible schedule and developing self-discipline and motivation. One scholar explained, “Online learning takes dedication and commitment. Although you work at your own pace, you have to be self-disciplined to ensure you are meeting your deadlines.”
 
For parents, military spouses, and caregivers, the flexibility can be paramount to being able to further their education while fulfilling other family responsibilities. “I enjoyed the flexibility to work on my own time, whether it was late at night, during my lunch break, or at kids’ sports practices.”
 
While there are many benefits to learning in your own environment with the potential to collaborate with a global online network – it will not always be the best choice for all majors and learning types. One scholar shared, “…missing out on the social interaction that in-person courses offer is difficult and can have negative mental health impacts.”
 
A few tips for success from our scholars:

• Make a schedule and stick to it. Organize your class work ahead of time.
• Set goals to get small stuff like discussion boards out of the way early to allow plenty of time to focus on your assignments.
• Remove distractions from your study space such as phone, social media, etc.
• Online learning means always being “at school” – take time to put your studies aside for family, home and recreation.

 
ThanksUSA’s commitment to military families is based on the belief that higher education provides life-changing opportunities, whether they are found in or out of a classroom. And in prioritizing military spouses and children, we recognize and honor their great sacrifices for our country. Please join ThanksUSA in saying ‘thanks’ by providing the gift of education to a military family today.

Her stated purpose in life is to serve others, specifically those with disabilities. As a college student, Madi volunteers at her local church in preparation for a career in special needs ministry. She is currently double majoring in Special Education and Bible at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Madi also served as the president of Canyon Inclusive, a special needs ministry club, and helped plan a university-wide Disability Awareness Campaign.
 
This Military Appreciation Month, Madi shares her experiences as a military child growing up with her Army National Guard dad, mom, and older brother and sister. After persevering through the ups and downs of the military lifestyle, and surviving a devastating helicopter crash, the Clark family thrives when serving others and enjoying small moments together.

Reflect on how being raised in a military family has affected who you are now.
Growing up, my dad always told me to improvise, adapt and overcome. This saying came from his time in the military and has become my motto. I learned that often things do not go as planned. However, you keep going. After watching my dad's battle with his disability, I saw perseverance and determination that I adopted in my own life. I am thankful to be a military child as I have had experiences that created the person I am today, for the better.
 
What are the great things for you as a child in a military family?
I appreciate the small moments with my entire family because I know how rare they are. When my family comes together, we have a great time as we have learned to be more intentional together. I have learned that the military is one very large and diverse family. Since my dad spends a lot of time with fellow veterans, they have become part of my family as well, sometimes as second parents. The family aspect of the military is one of the best parts of growing up in a military family.
 
Tell us about the challenges your dad faced after being injured and how that affected you and your family.
When my dad was injured in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, I was only seven years old. If I am to be honest, I do not have many memories of my dad before the crash, and once he came back, he was a different person. He faced the end of his flying career, the realities of post-traumatic stress disorder, a traumatic brain injury, and other physical injuries from his crash. It was not easy, and my dad struggled with many things which led him to being in an in-patient care center. This was difficult on my whole family. My mom became a single mom again, as she was during my dad’s deployment and trainings. My sister was entering college, my brother was in high school, and I was ten years old.
 
I do not remember a lot from this time period as it was a painful and chaotic time for all involved. People were taking care of my dad which I am extremely grateful for, and slowly others started reaching out to my mom which was incredibly important; but not much was done for my siblings and me. I was growing up without a dad again. I blamed myself because I felt like I had something to do with the problems my family was facing, and guilt that I could not fix any of it. I shut down, stopped smiling, stopped being cheerful or happy, and stopped being social.
 
A person’s disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury impact every single person in their family. It is not their fault, and I do not blame my dad at all; he still is the best dad that he can be. The reality is, while it is not a parent or spouse’s fault, it still impacts the family, and needs more awareness. No one at the time knew what was going on with me, and it was not until many years later after I worked through many of those feelings that I learned the truth. The truth is, chaos in a family due to a parent’s military-related disability can hurt the children, especially when they are young. There are still effects that my siblings and I have to deal with from this time period in our lives.
 
Eventually my mom retired to become my dad’s full-time caretaker. This was for the best to make sure that my dad gets the care he needs, as he cannot complete many everyday tasks without assistance. However, it has been a strain on my family financially since my mom left her higher-paying job to become a caretaker. My mom has many responsibilities now, and I try to help wherever I can even when I am in college. The number one concern in everyone’s mind in my family is my dad and his health. I have worries that are probably not typical for a college student, however, this is my normal. In the end, I am thankful every day that my dad survived the crash and is still here today no matter the challenges we might face.

Both your brother and sister are in the Air Force. How did you feel when they decided to join the military, especially since you're the youngest of the three?
The military, for my family, is like the family business. My grandpa, uncle, dad, brother, sister, and many more family members have joined the military. It is hard being separated from my siblings. Since they are so much older than me, they were both across the country by the time I was in eighth grade. They missed many milestones for me, but it has made me appreciate the time I do get to spend with them even more. While they both have a different job than my dad did, it is still hard to see them go to active war zones after my dad’s injury in Afghanistan. My sister was actually deployed in Afghanistan on the 10-year anniversary of my dad’s helicopter crash. That was difficult for the whole family at the time, yet I am thankful and proud of my sister, her husband, and my brother for their service for their country.
 
You plan to serve others through a special needs ministry. How did you come to that decision?
I first started volunteering with special needs kids in high school after a friend of mine recommended it. After that point, there was no going back, and I knew my purpose in life was to work with people with disabilities. Once I had this realization, I poured all of my time into volunteering. I volunteered in a special needs classroom, with Unified Sports, and in a special needs’ ministry every Saturday night. I was able to see the great need of special needs ministries as many families with disabled children or adults are not always welcomed at churches. I think it is extremely important to share Jesus’s love to all, including those with special needs, their parents, and their siblings.
 
If you could give your child self any advice about growing up in a military family what would you say?
Your childhood will be difficult, and you will have to grow up faster than most other kids. However, you are going to learn so much. Learn how to persevere. Learn to be determined to do the right thing. Learn to be patient with others and yourself. Learn how to work as a team. Enjoy the moments you have as a whole family and remember that together you can overcome anything.
 
These are challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world. How has it affected you and your family and what are you doing to adjust?
My college shut down, so I am currently living at home with my parents. Ironically, my dad is actually doing better than normal; due to his PTSD, he does better in chaotic environments as that is what he is used to. The biggest thing is trying to stay active and giving my dad something to look forward to each day. I have started having my dad and I take the dogs on a walk around the neighborhood daily. Also, my dad and I are watching the Marvel series chronologically. I try to be mindful of other people's situations, and I have been making homemade cards for the special needs kids that I work with. In all, my family is doing well and trying to make the best out of this situation by improvising, adapting and overcoming.

Twenty-one-year-old Jacob is one of five J's in his family – Dad, Jeremy (Retired Air Force, 20 years); Mom, Jennifer; and younger siblings, Jared and Jenna. For much of his childhood the family moved constantly, staying in each place only a few years. That is until 2011, when the Gilbertsons made Newcastle, Oklahoma their home.
 
But then came months-long deployments to Afghanistan for Jacob’s father. These were critical maturing years for the youngster – at 13 just entering his teens and then again when he was 18 in his junior year of high school. Today, Jacob is about to graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a BBA in Economics. He begins law school at Southern Methodist’s Dedman School of Law in the fall, planning to focus on Corporate Law.
 
The moving, separations, deployments and other disruptions are all too familiar to the nation’s military children, more than 1,650,000 dependent children worldwide (DOD, 2018). Their challenges – moving three times more than their civilian counterparts, for example – make them unique individuals. In this Month of the Military Child, we asked Jacob to share his perspective amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

What were the biggest challenges for you as a child with your Dad in the military?
Constantly moving was one of the most challenging things I had to endure growing up as a military child. I was never able to truly “fit in” and find a community to grow in; and as a child, it was very difficult to deal with. The majority of the kids I tried to be friends with never understood what it was like having to restart from the beginning and essentially keep doing the same things over and over again when it came to going to a new school.

My father being deployed overseas twice was, without a doubt, the most difficult thing I have ever dealt with. Not having my father in my life during the times he was absent was difficult to deal with and overcome, and I missed him so much. I wanted him to be there as I was continuing to grow up and experiencing life as I continued to take on new responsibilities and learn.

Reflect on how being raised as a military child has affected who you are now.
I look back on life as a military child, and I am truly thankful to have the childhood I was given. Learning to adapt to new situations allowed me to grow in ways I never thought I would and develop new ways of thinking that have allowed me to pursue my dreams in life. One of the negative aspects that has come from life as a military child has been how heavy of a self-critique that I put on myself. If I am not preforming to the best of my abilities, I get really hard on myself because I know that I can be doing better, and it can become a burden at times.

Has being raised in a military family inspired your desire to be in public service?
Public service has always been something that I have aspired to do, but living in a military family has definitely amplified my desire to give more to the community. Seeing everything that my father gave during his service implanted something within me that I can’t quite describe, but it really drives my desire to serve the community in any way that I can.

Less than one percent of Americans are in the military. For those who aren't, what do you want them to know about families like yours?
Military families are often seen as people who are very patriotic and caring for the country, but they are families that care so much for the community. Even when they are giving their lives and making sacrifices to serve this country, they continue to help out their community and help in any way they can because they care about others.

If you could give your child self any advice about growing up in a military family what would you say?
No matter what happens, continue to keep a positive attitude! Attitude can make or break any situation, so it is important to always choose a good one.

Perspective on COVID-19 from a distance...
How is the pandemic affecting you and your family?
COVID-19 has made things very interesting with family life. We try not to see each other as much as we normally do because I fear getting one of them sick. Working from home has been difficult as well just because being cooped up in a house all day can be really draining. To adjust to all of this, we are just taking it a day at a time and continuing to adapt to the changing standards.

What is the biggest challenge for you under the current circumstances regarding your education?
The biggest challenge with my education right now is working online and at home. I miss being in the classroom with my fellow students and having that personal connection with the class. Learning online is very difficult for me, because I have never done it before and I still have a lot to learn.

How has the current crisis affected your education?
Through this grossly unsettling event, I have been stretched and challenged to transition several courses to an exclusively online platform. Doing so mid-semester, amid some anxiety, has posed several challenges. I am working on keeping up motivation all while watching the syllabus and final projects shift each day. With my children needing to use the computer, we are all sharing one computer, and I am having to extend my evenings to accomplish assignments.
 
What is the biggest learning challenge and why?
The biggest learning challenge is staying focused on learning while worrying and living in fear of the unknown. I worry about paying my mortgage and bills; just today, I was laid off. This brings uncertainty. I worry about getting ill or when life will return to “normal.”
 
How worried are you that your degree is at risk?
I am not worried that my degree will be at risk, thanks to the amazing staff that are working on a daily basis to ensure that there are no stones left unturned as my cohort turns to technology as a way to complete coursework.
 
How has ThanksUSA helped in terms of your education?
I have so much gratitude for ThanksUSA. Because of the generous scholarship, I was able to pay my tuition in full without any school loans AND without impacting my family. Because of the trust and support of ThanksUSA, I am growing in my confidence and ability to make my dream of a bachelor’s degree a reality.
 
How has the Coronavirus outbreak affected your family?
As I look at my children smiling and playing, I am in awe at how resilient these kids are. I know that military life is something that cultivated this resiliency. However, my children miss their friends, teachers and school. They miss all of the things that seemed to frame out the life that we knew just a few weeks ago. Despite being cautious about how much time we spend fixating on COVID-19, I have had talks with the kids about their anxiety and questions.
 
How has your family been affected on the military side?
My husband Kevin is a wounded Veteran. He has both visible and invisible wounds. Because of this, there are many things that he used to do, that he simply cannot carry on with anymore. It hurts me to think that he does not have the same abilities that he used to have. We have had to begin to restructure our future plans. One of those being that, at some point down the line, I will need to be the primary working parent. This has been one of the integral reasons that I started my educational journey.

In partnership with American Corporate Partners for International Mentoring Day
By Leslie A. Caleb
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As a military spouse I have experienced several transitioning stages. From leaving Europe to follow my service member, to reassessing my educational and professional goals to best fit the military lifestyle. One of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein best describes my approach to life in the past years: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity,” like the opportunity to be part of the year-long American Corporate Partners (ACP) mentorship program for military spouses.
 
I started the program in April 2018, and I was partnered up with my mentor, a Senior Business Manager at AT&T. During that time, I was completing my studies in Industrial Organizational Psychology -- thanks to a ThanksUSA scholarship in partnership with Purdue University Global -- but struggling to find full time employment that matched my skills and experience. As a mentee, I was able to be supported in several areas, such as career planning, interview skills, development, and understanding corporate America, just to mention a few. Today almost nine months into the program, I can confidently say that thanks to ACP I have been able to grow professionally and personally; I have gained clarity on my career goals and how to achieve them effectively, with a defined strategy and direct tactics. The ACP mentorship program has been the catalyst to successfully ignite my true potential and elevate my career goals to the next level.
 
For me, seeking the support of a mentor has been crucial to successfully walk the path toward my career goals and discover my true potential. Actively listening to stories that describe successes, challenges and aspirations have taught me to view things from a different perspective, to set and adjust goals according to my needs, and to increase my motivation by becoming introspective and analyzing external influences.
 
A mentor is an accountability partner, however, mentorship is a two-way relationship that requires participation and communication from both parties. You only get out what you put in. If you are thinking about seeking a mentor, a great way to start this process is by assessing your current level of skills and knowledge and think about what you want to achieve and set goals for yourself. Once you have a clear picture of your vision, begin designing your personalized roadmap to support your path and keep the focus on the finish line. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of ACP and ThanksUSA!
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​Thank you for helping ThanksUSA reach our $15 million giving milestone this year! That’s 4,710 total scholarships and countless opportunities awarded to military spouses and kids since 2006.
 
Please enjoy these special military family holiday memories, shared by current ThanksUSA scholars.

Lauren
One year, we PCS’d the week of Christmas. We went to a Christmas tree lot and got their very last tree when the movers left at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. It was tiny, but it made our whole Christmas decorating that tree amidst the chaos of a new home and new town. It’s times like that we remember, and it makes us thankful to be together and appreciate the small things!

​Erin
When I was seven years old, my family was the recipient of a Christmas service project, the 12 Days of Christmas. Each evening, our doorbell rang and there was a little gift accompanied by a note. It was so special for us, because my mom was pregnant with my little brother, who was due at the beginning of January. She was so tired and was finding it hard to do those "extra" little things that make Christmas so special. We anxiously awaited these nightly surprises!

​On the 12th night, Christmas Eve, we were ready to find out the identity of our little elves. When the doorbell rang, we sprang out the door and chased them with a gift of our own. My parents were surprised to find out that the family was Mrs. Hilton and her three young children. Her husband, Lieutenant Hilton, had died unexpectedly that summer. She had determined that she and her children were going to focus on the joy of serving others that Christmas. What her family did for mine was an example we will never forget.

Lisa
​I am most grateful for family and friends this time of year. Relationships and spending quality time together are the best part of the holiday season. (pictured below)

At the end of October, I traveled to Washington, DC with my parents Theresa and Gregory for the annual ThanksUSA Military Family Gala. I was awarded several scholarships through ThanksUSA, and because of our family’s story the organization brought us to the nation’s capital as the 'Family of Honor' for the Gala. It was truly an honor for us. 

That night, I was not only recognized for being a scholarship recipient; there was so much more. We met singer LeAnn Rimes and had countless strangers come up and shake our hands telling us how much our story had touched them. The overwhelming experience of standing on stage waiting to speak as the crowd watched our video – that’s how we were introduced – was enough anticipation, but as the lights came on and before I could even say a word, the whole room was on their feet clapping and cheering for me, for my parents, for our story.

Here’s some of what I shared:

​When my mom was first deployed I was just five years old. I remember writing her letters and sending her packages and occasionally talking via yahoo messenger when it would work. I also remember the day she returned home from her 15-month-long deployment. We were walking and my sister Emily yelled “mommy mommy” as she took off running towards this strange lady in uniform. At six years old I didn’t recognize my own mom.

My dad decided to join the military in 2008, and we were stationed in Colorado. Again leaving all of our friends and the place that had become home. We lived in a tiny little town called Elbert and went to school there for a few years. My dad was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and only made it six months when his barracks was hit by an RPG, blasting my dad and filling him with shrapnel from head to foot. We got a call saying that he had been hit and was still alive but we had no idea what condition he was in or how long it would be before we could see him. He was taken to Germany and then back to the States without allowing any communication between him and us.

What seemed like months later we got word that my dad would be coming back home and we were able to go wait for him on the flight line. I vividly remember my dad being rolled off the C-17 on a stretcher and seeing pure joy mixed with relief on his face when he saw his family. Running up to my dad and not being able to hug him as he was covered in holes and was still strapped down did not even matter, because we were so grateful to just have him home.

I was 10 years old at this point in my life. After two deployments with these separations, my sister Emily and I became inseparable as the only one that remained constant in our lives was each other. And it wasn’t just deployments. People don’t realize that military parents (my Mom mainly) go away for drill weekends, annual training, courses in another state for months at a time, and the time spent preparing for deployment which can be several months at a time. As a child you have no choice but to learn to live without that parent.

And other families didn’t “get” ours. Growing up, ours was the only military family around, and I still to this day have not met another kid who had two military parents who were active at the same time. It’s rare, but growing up that way was my normal.

My friends didn’t understand what it was like to have a parent miss Christmas, a birthday, 4H events, everything. At the same time my parents were looked down on for not being there enough for their kids or “choosing” their careers over their families. That goes to show how little civilians know about what sacrifices are being made every single day. It isn’t just the soldier; it is the spouse, the children, the parents, the siblings. It is hard on every person that loves that service member. It is learning to live without someone, or when they return home, being faced with someone familiar on the outside but not remotely the same on the inside.

In fact, there’s something that is under acknowledged and little understood -- how much a military person changes when they come home from a deployment.

​From STEM to stern, Natalie Ebreo is her Navy father’s daughter. A recent graduate with a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech, the 22-year-old is launching her career in… wait for it… shipping. 
 
Not quite the Navy like her Dad, retired Chief Petty Officer Nato Ebreo, but close enough. Kept out of the service by asthma, Natalie will be Navy by proxy -- she has a job lined up with Newport News Shipbuilding, designers and builders of aircraft carriers and submarines for the Navy.
 
“I am looking forward to assisting the Navy through my career at the shipyard next year and hope to work more with military efforts in the future,” says Natalie.

Service to others and to the country is in her blood, an extension of the American dream lived by her father an immigrant from the Philippines. Once here, he joined the U.S. Navy beginning his new life in America with a job, and eventually his wife Catherine, a military nurse, and three children.
 
“For me, service is a central part of my life,” says Natalie, reflected in her senior year project with an Army Veteran. “Since I am fortunate enough with my opportunities, giving back to others is a focus of mine.”
 
That team project was the development of a wheelchair tire cleaning apparatus for Adam Keys, an amputee who’s conquered Kilimanjaro and more.

​“I am grateful for Adam’s service, and it has been an honor to work with him,” Natalie says of the task spearheaded by Quality of Life Plus, a non-profit organization. “He truly is an inspiring (and funny) individual who motivates the team to keep working hard on this project and in life.”
 
In fact, hard work comes naturally for Natalie. “My parents have always emphasized the value of hard work and diligence in achieving one’s goals. If times are challenging or difficult, they do not complain about the situations but rise above them.”
 
It’s the story of so many military children and spouses who, while they don’t wear a uniform, sacrifice daily alongside their service member. Natalie remembers well.
 
“One of the major challenges were the times when my Dad was deployed. Mom had to act as both parents while he was away, which was difficult with three young children at the time,” she explains. “There are numerous sacrifices involved with this lifestyle, but I believe it is worth it. One of the positives of being in a military family is the support and commitment of the military community.” 
 
As is the support of civilian counterparts. They too are top of mind for Natalie and her siblings, all of whom have been able to attend college (“For my family, education is a key for success,” says Natalie) despite financial challenges and, in part, with the help of Natalie’s two ThanksUSA scholarships.

“ThanksUSA has helped to make our dreams a reality,” says Natalie. “I have been able to take some of the burden off my parents’ shoulders.”
 
And she plans to shoulder even more going forward … by paying it forward to those who serve.
 
“My Mom and Dad’s service in the military has provided me with a deep sense of pride and appreciation for this country, especially for those who have served.”

Engineers Week 2019

​Growing up, Tyler Shane Murray wasn’t really sure why his dad was so often away from home. A Marine Corps Major, Mikeal Murray was there one day and gone the next. It was tough, Tyler recalls. The family was also moving constantly and when his dad was deployed, his mother, Patricia, took on the load of two parents, rearing Tyler and his younger brother.
 
Today, 20-year-old Tyler is studying Engineering at East Carolina University in North Carolina. His father, a highly decorated Marine, served for 22 years before retiring because of injuries he sustained in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006.  Along with a Purple Heart, the senior Murray received the defense Meritorious Service Medal four times, the MC Action Ribbon and more. To Tyler, he’s an inspiration.
 
Tyler shares his father’s commitment to physical toughness as a college swimmer and a fierce competitor in Marine Corps Mud Runs.

The races, says Tyler, are designed to test contestants in myriad ways, from endurance over long distances to overcoming obstacles including deep mud pits. “I enjoyed the challenge of the races and the fact that the purpose of the race was to get covered in mud…always fun to get down in the dirt.”
 
Tyler is also getting down to the books in his Engineering major with an Electrical Engineering concentration. His studies are supported in part by a ThanksUSA/TwinLogic Strategies scholarship. 

Speaking of his military upbringing Tyler says, ​“His time in the Marine Corps has helped mold me into the person I am today in various ways. I have become more adaptive to situations due to the ever-changing lifestyle of the Marine Corps,” adding that “…during the times my father was home, he embedded the ethics and morals the Marine Corps had given to him…his work ethic and his belief in integrity.”
 
And belief in service. No, Tyler is not headed toward a military career but is planning instead to become a computer hardware designer and a leader. “I would like to serve by teaching young people about the field of engineering.  This will help prepare future engineers to innovate and serve their communities as well."
 
His father, he’ll tell you, prepared him well. “He gave me a desire to serve my country, but in my way and with my gifts and interests,” Tyler explains.

"Being raised in a military family and hearing the stories of those who have fought in wars and laid down everything to keep this nation secure, I have seen the value in service."


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By Jen Iosue
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Make a Difference Day was established to serve as an annual reminder to encourage people to make a positive difference in the world. Even one small act of kindness, generosity, or creativity can begin a chain of positive reactions and ultimately result in a significant difference in your community. ThanksUSA scholar Chelsea Briggs’ story is an inspiring example of the self-perpetuating cycle of community service.
 
This year, Chelsea received her third $3,000 Altria Client Services/Senator Ted Stevens Memorial Scholarship to continue her education at University of Hawaii, West Oahu, where she is currently a junior majoring in Finance & Political Science. Since losing her father, U.S. Air Force SSgt Raymond Briggs, Chelsea has strived to carry on his legacy of service. Chelsea volunteers with Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, serves as an outreach volunteer for Survivor Outreach Services, serves as a peer mentor for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and participates in community events such as the 66th Cherry Blossom Festival Hawaii, at which she was crowned Princess. Chelsea is also passionate about her role as an AVID tutor at Kapolei Middle School. AVID is an educational program that supports student preparation for college. Chelsea explained, “I hope to help younger students to attend college since I had the fear that I would not be able to afford college after my dad passed away."

"Although I was worried about my college education, I worked hard because I knew my dad would want me to strive for the best no matter my circumstance. Through this, I hope to inspire those younger than me to never give up.”
 
Chelsea chose to attend University of Hawaii West Oahu so she could remain close to home and be there for her mother, little sister, and little brother. She aspires to pursue a career as an FBI special agent, much like her father had hoped to pursue a career in law enforcement to continue to serve his community after completing his career with the U.S. Air Force. Chelsea described her commitment to her education by saying, “I will work hard to get a good education so that someday I can have a bright future, honor my father, and carry on his legacy. I want to pursue my dad’s dream, and this is why my college education is so important to me.”

​Chelsea’s ability to make a difference by inspiring young students and pursuing a career in federal law enforcement is enhanced by the efforts of ThanksUSA and the generosity of those who help fund the ThanksUSA scholarship program. In her words, “ThanksUSA has been there to support me throughout my college education. I am very grateful for the sponsors and donors who support my education along with ThanksUSA. My father always wanted me to attend college. Thanks to wonderful organizations like ThanksUSA and the generous donors, I can continue my education and carry on my father's legacy.”
 
Today, Make a Difference Day 2018, Chelsea’s story reminds us of Hawaiian wisdom `A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i….No kind deed has ever lacked its reward.

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