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History

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Rachel and Kelsi Okun, Co-Founders
In 2005, two sisters Rachel (10) and Kelsi (8) saw firsthand the hardships faced by a military family when their neighbor, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Lanier Ward, returned from Iraq severely injured. In appreciation of the family's sacrifice, the sisters launched ThanksUSA in 2006 with the goal to thank the troops by providing their children and spouses with educational scholarships.
 
The sisters’ idea began as a national treasure hunt game, based on American history, which encouraged Americans to get involved through contributions and activities. Ultimately the organization was named ThanksUSA, short for “Treasure Hunt Aiding Needs of Kids and Spouses of those serving the United States of America.” ThanksUSA has since grown into a best-in-class military family non-profit that has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships to military spouses and kids.
 
In 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Ward wrote to Rachel and Kelsi about his pride in ThanksUSA, “It is difficult in one short letter to summarize how proud I am of you and your folks, who will always be a big part of the Ward Family. Just know, what you have done for our service members and their families is a huge part of why I am so honored to serve in my profession…. It was a long road to recovery but worth every step to rejoin the ranks of my fellow soldiers.… I can only hope my efforts make this world a better place for the two of you.”

In 2016, ThanksUSA launched the Pathways for Patriots program to help bridge the gap between higher education and meaningful employment. In collaboration with our corporate partners, we act as a catalyst for career development opportunities that reveal military family members’ unique skillsets while alleviating their common challenges.

The Okun sisters now fully understand the value of a college scholarship. Both are college graduates and continue to make their mark on the organization they started more than 15 years ago.
Learn more about ThanksUSA's history by clicking on the images below.