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Press Releases
ThanksUSA Pickleball Partnership Will Support Military Families
Association of Pickleball Professionals’ Tour to Include Military Appreciation Events 
McLean, VA – ThanksUSA announced a major partnership with the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), the nation’s leading pickleball tour organization. The growing legion of pickleball athletes will take part in special events at APP Tournaments and introduce Americans in cities nationwide to ThanksUSA’s mission.
Thanking Military Moms Following a Challenging Year
ThanksUSA Helps Families Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Joyful Challenge 
McLean, VA – ThanksUSA is asking military family members to answer the question, “What makes your military mom special?” The campaign, in celebration of Mother's Day, revives a cherished tradition dating back to World War I when service members were encouraged by military order to write letters to their mothers for that special day. 
ThanksUSA Launches Major Expansion of Programs Assisting Military Families
Pathways for Patriots Programs Strengthen Resources for Education and Career Enhancement 
McLean, VA – ThanksUSA announced a major expansion of its programs to assist military families through the Pathways for Patriots program, spurred by the coronavirus pandemic and fueled by the ongoing needs of military families. The national non-profit organization will supplement its academic scholarships with programs that connect, enrich and inspire military-connected individuals.
Pandemic Compounds Burdens on Military Families
Career Development, Financial and Mental Health Strains Top Concerns
McLean, VA – Military families sharing the risks taken by their service members on the front lines in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic face even more hardships in their personal lives, according to a newly released survey of military families. 
USPTA, ThanksUSA Announce 2020-21 Scholarship Recipients
Lake Nona, FL – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and ThanksUSA are pleased to present the 2020-2021 USPTA/ThanksUSA Scholarships to three military family college students. Through Tennis Thanks the Troops, the USPTA and ThanksUSA encourage USPTA members to raise money for scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel.
Military Families Adversely Affected By Pandemic
National Scholarship Charity ThanksUSA Forced to Hold Annual Gala Virtually
McLean, VA – The university, college, technical and vocational school plans of America’s military families have been curtailed, cancelled or postponed by the coronavirus. Like millions of American students, the children and spouses of our service members are facing enormous educational challenges – both financial and emotional – because of COVID-19. 
The DeBartolo Family Foundation Honors Tampa Military Family Through ThanksUSA Scholarship
McLean, VA – A ThanksUSA scholarship funded by Tampa’s DeBartolo Family Foundation has been awarded to a local resident. Taisja, the daughter of a retired Navy Chief, was awarded a scholarship to the University of South Florida.
ThanksUSA Announces Annual Scholarships for Military Children & Spouses
Commitment to Military Families Remains Robust Amidst Pandemic
McLean, VA – Children and spouses of America’s military are receiving much-needed scholarships for the coming university, college and vocational school season.​ ThanksUSA is also expanding its Pathways for Patriots program – virtually for the foreseeable future – that provides academic and professional opportunities for ALL military families.
Appreciation Through Education: Supporting America's Military Families
ThanksUSA Scholarship 2020/21 Application Season Begins March 1
McLean, VA – Every day, America’s military families serve and sacrifice alongside their loved ones who wear the uniform. What better way to show appreciation than through education? Starting March 1, 2020, ThanksUSA will launch this academic year’s scholarship application.
USPTA, ThanksUSA Announce 2019-20 Scholarship Recipients
Lake Nona, FL – Through Tennis Thanks the Troops, the USPTA and ThanksUSA encourage USPTA members to raise money for scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel. Each recipient will receive $3,000 towards their undergraduate studies.
Tennis Star Frances Tiafoe Plays It Forward for Military Families
Joins ThanksUSA Team Advancing Education and Career Opportunities
McLean, VA, July 29, 2019 – ThanksUSA, the national non-profit organization that provides scholarships to military families, announced that American tennis star Frances Tiafoe has joined its team as a national spokesperson.
ThanksUSA Partners with Professional Pickleball Registry to Support Military Families
McLean, VA, April 3, 2019 – People of all ages are enjoying the sport of Pickleball, making it one of America’s fastest growing sports. In coming weeks this new army of athletes will be partnering with ThanksUSA to support military children and spouses in reaching their educational and career aspirations.
USPTA and ThanksUSA Announce 2018-2019 Scholarship Recipients 
Lake Nona, FL, December 3, 2018 – Through the Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign, USPTA and ThanksUSA encourage USPTA professionals to raise money for scholarships awarded to the families of U.S. military personnel. Each recipient will receive a $3,000 scholarship towards their undergraduate studies. 
Military Children and Spouses Receive More than $1-Million in ThanksUSA Scholarships
New Funding Mechanism Thanks to Estate Commitment by Extraordinary Couple
McLean, VA, November 1, 2018 – ThanksUSA today announced that 301 children and spouses across all the United States Armed Forces have received scholarships valued at $1.2 million for the 2018/2019 education year. The national non-profit distributed the awards to students across all 50 states and the District of Columbia attending college, university and vocational schools.
ThanksUSA Offers $1.5 Million Scholarships for Children & Spouses of U.S. Military
McLean, VA, April 5, 2018 – Children and spouses of our service men and women are competing for university, college and vocational school scholarships as of April 1st. The opportunity comes as ThanksUSA launches the 2018 application season for financial need-based, post-secondary scholarships for all services including the National Guard and Reserves. ​
USPTA and ThanksUSA Announce 2017-2018 Scholarship Recipients
Lake Nona, FL, November 6, 2017 – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and ThanksUSA are pleased to announce the 2017-2018 Scholarship Recipients. Through the Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign, USPTA and ThanksUSA encourage USPTA professionals to raise money for scholarships given to the families of U.S. military personnel.
ThanksUSA Announces More than $1.3 Million in Scholarships for Military Families
McLean, VA, October 12, 2017 – ThanksUSA today announced the recipients of its post-secondary scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic year. 315 children and spouses of America's Armed Forces will receive scholarships totaling $1,327,510 from the national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and employment opportunities to military families. Additionally, Kaplan University provided nine full-tuition scholarships valued at $400,000, including four to help advance students from associate's to bachelor's degrees.
ThanksUSA Opens 2017 Scholarship Application Season for Children and Spouses of Armed Forces
March 31, 2017 – On April 1, ThanksUSA will launch the 2017 application season for financial need-based scholarships benefiting the children and spouses of our service men and women. The national non-profit organization, dedicated to thanking U.S. troops through the gift of education, is accepting applications online through May 15, 2017.
Military Families Help Fill Skills Gap through ThanksUSA's Pathways for Patriots
March 6, 2017 – ThanksUSA will introduce its Pathways for Patriots scholarship and career pipeline program for military families on Capitol Hill. The $100 million initiative provides need-based scholarships, mentoring and internship programs for the children and spouses of our Armed Forces. It simultaneously helps diverse industries address the nation’s skills gap and fill workforce shortfalls – with more than 5.5 million unfilled jobs nationwide.
ThanksUSA Honors Orlando’s Military Families with the Gift of Education
January 4, 2017 – It’s an untold story: College affordability has become one of the greatest burdens on our military families. Nationally, 700,000 spouses and more than 100,000 children aged 17-22 in active-duty households rely primarily on a single income – putting college out of reach. ThanksUSA, the top provider of scholarships to military spouses and children, is changing that by providing the gift of education through need-based, post-secondary school scholarships.
Catalogue for Philanthropy Offers Trusted Ways to Give Back and Honor Those Who Have Served This Veterans Day
Washington, DC, November 7, 2016 – This Veterans Day, the Catalogue has you covered. We offer our "best of" list of trusted organizations working with local veterans and their families.
Tickets Now on Sale for “America Salutes You” Concert 
Honoring Military, Veterans, and Their Families November 12 at the Rosemont Theater in Chicago
Chicago, IL, November 2, 2016 – “America Salutes You” will feature performers including pop legend Cyndi Lauper, multi -platinum selling singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw, country music legend Wanda Jackson, rapper Hoodie Allen, Gospel Grammy winner CeCe Winans, world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns, bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, rising country star Tegan Marie, singer/songwriter Savannah Maddison, and many others.
2016 ThanksUSA Scholarship Recipients Selected
Current Awards Approach $1 Million as ThanksUSA Expands Campaign Ten-Fold 
McLean, VA, October 18, 2016 – ThanksUSA today announced the recipients of its post-secondary scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year. More than 250 children and spouses of America’s Armed Forces have been selected to receive scholarships totaling nearly $1 million from the national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to military families. 
Smiths Detection Inc. Announces Support for Five New ThanksUSA “Pathway to Tech/STEM” Scholarships
Scholarships Will Go to Military Spouses and Children of Active-Duty Troops 
Edgewood, MD, September 30, 2016 – Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI) announced it will support five new scholarships through ThanksUSA’s “Pathway to Tech/STEM” program, which will provide educational opportunities to military spouses and children seeking hard-to-fill science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees and careers. 
ThanksUSA Unveils Pathways for Patriots Education-to-Career Initiative for Military Children and Spouses
Will Announce Initiative at Annual Treasure Our Troops Gala 
McLean, VA, September 26, 2016 – ThanksUSA, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to children and spouses of U.S. troops, today unveiled its Pathways for Patriots education-to-career initiative. The program will pair companies seeking hard-to-find employees with the charity’s scholarship recipients.
ThanksUSA & Kaplan University Award Full-Tuition Scholarships to Military Families
2016 Fort Myer Military Spouse of the Year to be Featured at Citi Open
McLean, VA, July 22, 2016 – ThanksUSA today announced that Kaplan University will award full-tuition scholarships to three military spouses of active duty service members in the armed forces. The awards represent Kaplan’s continued support of ThanksUSA, a national non-profit that provides hundreds of scholarships to military spouses and children each year.
72-Hour Tennis Marathon to Attempt Guinness World Record for Military Families
ThanksUSA and Jack Schore Tennis to Host Family Festival at Conclusion of Marathon
McLean, VA, June 28, 2016 – Bonnie Vona, a competitive tennis manager and U.S. Tennis Association official, will attempt to break a Guinness World Record in support of ThanksUSA, a national non-profit that provides scholarships to military spouses and children.
Life University’s Sport Science Institute Preparing Bonnie Vona for Tennis Marathon Guinness World Record Attempt
Army Mom Vona to Raise Funds for Military Scholarships in a 72-Hour Tennis Marathon Challenge Over July 4th Weekend
Marietta, GA, June 15, 2016 – The LIFE Sport Science Institute (LSSI) at Life University is supporting the mission of ThanksUSA by helping to prepare Bonnie Vona for a record-breaking 72-Hour Tennis Marathon Challenge.
ThanksUSA Honors Wounded Troops by Serving Up Tennis Lessons
Renowned Wheelchair Athlete & Tennis Professional Brenda Gilmore to Lead Lessons in “Adaptive Clinic”
McLean, VA, June 15, 2016 – ThanksUSA, the top provider of scholarships to military spouses and children, will salute military families with a specially designed tennis clinic for wounded service members on June 17th.
ThanksUSA Launches $100 Million Strong Campaign for Military Families
Announces Kevin Schmiegel, Founder and Former Executive Director of Hiring Our Heroes, as President
McLean, VA, May 26, 2016 – ThanksUSA, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for America's military families, today launched $100 Million Strong, a campaign to grant more than 25,000 scholarships to military spouses and children in need over the next 10 years.
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q Brings Back Popular Camo Cups in May to Raise Awareness and Funds for Military Charities
Houston, TX, May 2, 2016 (Marketwired) – For the 4th consecutive year in May, Rudy's Bar-B-Q transforms their iconic plastic cups into camo colors to highlight Rudy's Cup for A Cause month-long fundraising campaign for ThanksUSA and other military charities. 
ThanksUSA Opens 2016 Scholarship Application Season for Military Families
Hundreds of Awards Available for Children & Spouses of U.S. Troops
McLean, VA, April 1, 2016 – Children and spouses of America’s Armed Forces will once again be able to apply for valuable post-secondary education scholarships from ThanksUSA, the national non-profit organization dedicated to thanking U.S. troops through the gift of education. Now in its eleventh year, ThanksUSA invites eligible individuals to apply online at www.ThanksUSA.org beginning April 1 through May 15, 2016.
ThanksUSA to Celebrate TEN Years Benefiting Military Families Through Education
Special Appearance at Gala by Nation's First Female Navy Commander
McLean, VA, October 5, 2015 – ThanksUSA, the national non-profit dedicated to thanking America’s troops through the gift of education, will celebrate its ten-year anniversary at its Treasure Our Troops Gala featuring keynote speaker Admiral Michelle Howard. 
ThanksUSA Receives Washington Nationals “Spirit Award”
Thousands Raised for Scholarships Benefitting Military Children and Spouses
McLean, VA, September 21, 2015 – ThanksUSA, the national nonprofit dedicated to thanking America’s troops through the gift of education, received this week the Washington Nationals Spirit Award. The prize, which was announced at Nationals Park on September 18, National Air Force Day in the U.S., recognizes accomplishments that reflect the Nationals’ spirit of giving and community and comes as ThanksUSA marks its 10th anniversary. 
ThanksUSA Receives Major Donation for Military Families
Dozens Will Receive Scholarships for Higher Education
McLean, VA, September 9, 2015 – ThanksUSA, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to thanking America's troops through the gift of education, announced today it has received a major gift of $100,000 from USA Funds, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization that supports student success in college and career. The donation, which is double USA Funds’ 2014 contribution, comes as ThanksUSA celebrates its 10th anniversary. 
ThanksUSA Announces New Board Members
America’s First Female Four-Star General Among the Luminaries
McLean, VA, July 7, 2015 – ThanksUSA, the national non-profit organization dedicated to thanking America's troops through the gift of education, announced today the election of four new members to its Board of Directors. They will join other prominent national leaders supporting the organization’s education efforts for military families.  

ThanksUSA Recognized in Ranks of Region’s Best Charities 
Selected for Greater Washington D.C.’s 2015-16 Catalogue for Philanthropy
McLean, VA, June 18, 2015 – ThanksUSA has been chosen for the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington Class of 2015-16, naming it one of the region's best community-based charities. This award recognizes ThanksUSA’s effectiveness and success in working to provide need-based scholarships to children and spouses of military families.

DEGREE® Celebrates Stephen Curry's 2014-15 NBA Season with Donation to ThanksUSA
Deodorant Brand Donates $10,000 to Military Non-Profit in Support of Education Scholarships
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, June 17, 2015 – In celebration of Stephen Curry’s MVP season, Degree® announced today that it will donate $10,000 in Curry’s name to ThanksUSA, a non-profit that provides college, technical and vocational school need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of US military personnel. Curry has partnered with Degree®, the leading deodorant brand, for the past two years. He has also served as the national spokesperson for ThanksUSA since 2010. 
ThanksUSA Congratulates National Spokesperson Stephen Curry on NBA MVP Award
McLean, VA, May 4, 2015 – ThanksUSA Chairman and CEO Bob Okun released the following statement regarding Golden State Warrior point guard and ThanksUSA National Spokesperson Stephen Curry receiving the 2014-2015 NBA MVP Award...

ThanksUSA Launches 10th Annual Scholarship Season for Military Families
Applications Open to Children and Spouses of U.S. Troops
McLean, VA, April 1, 2015 – ThanksUSA, the national non-profit organization dedicated to thanking America's troops through the gift of education, announced that children and spouses of America's armed forces are invited to apply for ThanksUSA's post-secondary education scholarships beginning April 1, 2015. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2015.
ThanksUSA Military Families Score Support from Sports Apparel Giant Athletic DNA
Partnership Propels "Tennis Thanks the Troops" Campaign
McLean, VA, March 5, 2015 – ThanksUSA today announced a new partnership with sports apparel company Athletic DNA in support of America's military families. The company will provide clothing to United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) pros participating in ThanksUSA's Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign, a key fundraising component of the charity's mission to provide scholarships to the children and spouses of U.S. servicemen and women.
Local Military Families to Receive Scholarships with Aid from Nashville-based 
​Red Cloud Food Services (RCFS)
Sponsorship Supports Nashville’s Second Annual Heartland4Heroes/ThanksUSA Golf Invitational
Brentwood, TN, January 25, 2015 – RCFS is proud to partner once again with military education charity ThanksUSA in hosting Nashville’s Heartland4Heroes/ThanksUSA golf tournament benefiting the families of U.S. troops. 

ThanksUSA Announces Tenth Annual Treasure Hunt Challenge

ThanksUSA Scholarships Surpass $10 million Entering 10th Year
McLean, VA, November 26, 2014 – ThanksUSA and partner the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation announced the launch of the tenth annual ThanksUSA Treasure Hunt 10 (TH10). This year, the digital challenge is in honor of the Great War’s centennial and is dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives during World War I.  

Treasure Our Troops Gala Celebrates $10 Million in Scholarships for Military Families

Treasure Our Troops Gala Celebrates $10 Million in Scholarships for Military Families
Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno told those who provide scholarships to the children and spouses of our armed forces that the family members of the military sacrifice as much as those in uniform and he hoped they will never be forgotten. Our men and women in uniform have a good idea what’s ahead of them, he said, but the families left behind by those who deploy experience a lot more uncertainty and give up a good deal.

ThanksUSA Tops $10 Million in Scholarships for Military Families

McLean, VA, September 3, 2014 – ThanksUSA announced today that as of the start of this academic year, it has awarded more than $10 million to date in post-secondary school scholarships. The latest scholarship recipients will be honored at ThanksUSA's annual gala in Washington, DC on September 30, 2014, where Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno will be the keynote speaker. 

NBA All-Star Stephen Curry to Host 4th Annual ThanksUSA Golf Tournament 

Charity Golf Outing Raises Funds for Military Families; Event Hosted at the Prestigious TPC Harding Park 
San Francisco, CA, August 27, 2014 – Golden State Warriors star point guard Stephen Curry will take his annual ThanksUSA Golf Tournament presented by The Ron Conway Family to TPC Harding Park on Monday, September 22. The fourth annual marquee event will again raise funds for ThanksUSA, a national non-profit that provides need-based scholarships to the children and spouses of active-duty military personnel. 

Teenage Sisters Launch Rap Music Tribute to U.S. Troops

New ThanksUSA Campaign Honoring Military Families with the Gift of Education Lifts Off Memorial Day Weekend
Washington, DC, May 22, 2014 – As we honor America's fallen heroes this weekend, ThanksUSA is launching a special music video tribute to our troops and their families called "Con Rap." The release also initiates ThanksUSA's new campaign to thank our military men and women for their service through the gift of education and raises awareness of the organization's scholarship program for the children and spouses of our Armed Forces.

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry Recieves 2013-14 Kia Community Assist Award
New York, NY, May 28, 2014 – Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry won the 2013-14 Kia Community Assist Seasonlong Award in recognition of his remarkable charitable contributions, fundraising and generosity in the Bay Area and across the globe, the NBA announced today. The award recognizes an NBA player who best reflects the passion and dedication the league and its players have for giving back to their communities. 
Warriors Guard Stephen Curry Named Finalist for the 2013-14 Seasonlong
​Kia Community Assist Award
Fans Can Vote for Curry on the NBA’s Social Channels Through May 5
Oakland, CA, April 21, 2014 – The Golden State Warriors announced today that guard Stephen Curry was named a finalist by the NBA for the 2013-14 Seasonlong Kia Community Assist Award in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work. Additionally, the NBA announced that from April 21–May 5, fans can show their support by voting for finalists on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the winner being announced on May 7. 

ThanksUSA Launches Ninth Scholarship Season for Military Families 

Applications Open to Children and Spouses of U.S. Troops
McLean, VA, March 25, 2014 – ThanksUSA kicks off its annual college scholarship application period on April 1, 2014. The post-secondary scholarships benefit the children and spouses of all active-duty U.S. military personnel. The scholarships are intended to support the pursuit of post-secondary college or vocational education within military families. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2014, online at www.ThanksUSA.org.

ThanksUSA Announces Ninth Annual Treasure Hunt Challenge

Washington, DC, November 26, 2013 – ThanksUSA and their partner the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation today announced the launch of the ninth annual ThanksUSA Treasure Hunt (TH9), a free, fully interactive digital trivia and puzzle game about U.S. history, culture and values. The hunt supports ThanksUSA’s annual scholarship fund to benefit the children and spouses of active-duty military personnel by providing needbased scholarships for two-year or four-year colleges, vocational or technical schools. The focus of this year’s hunt will be the United States Bill of Rights.
Intelligent Decisions to Host Second Annual Lake Nona Golf Tournament to
Benefit ThanksUSA and the Camaraderie Foundation
Annual Golf Tournament Supports Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families 
Orlando, FL, November 5, 2013 – Intelligent Decisions, Inc., a premier global IT systems integrator, will host its second annual Lake Nona Golf Tournament to benefit two organizations that support service members and veterans, ThanksUSA and the Camaraderie Foundation. 

Fallen Houston Soldier Memorialized with National ThanksUSA Scholarship 

First Recipient of the Cpl. Tomas S. Sotelo Jr. Award also a Houston Native
Washington, DC, October 9, 2013 – Two Houston natives were honored in the nation’s capital last month at the annual ThanksUSA Treasure Our Troops gala. There was hardly a dry eye in the audience.

USPTA Donates $5,000 to ThanksUSA Scholarship Fund 

Orlando, FL, September 27, 2013 – The United States Professional Tennis Association donated $5,000 to the ThanksUSA organization as a part of the Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign. The USPTA presented the check to ThanksUSA CEO Bob Okun during the USPTA World Conference on September 27 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. 

ThanksUSA Marks $9 Million Milestone 

More than 3,000 Children and Spouses of U.S. Troops Awarded the Gift of Education
McLean, VA, August 29, 2013 – ThanksUSA today announced that it has awarded more than $9 million to date in post-secondary school scholarships for the children and spouses of U.S. troops. This milestone includes approximately 300 new scholarships awarded over the past week, totaling nearly $1 million in funds.