No Greater Sacrifice Foundation

06/13/2026

✨ Thank You, Gary Sinise Foundation! ✨

We are deeply grateful to the Gary Sinise Foundation for another incredibly generous donation in support of No Greater Sacrifice Scholars.

Partnerships like this make it possible for the children of our nation's severely wounded Service members and fallen heroes to pursue their educational dreams and build bright futures.

Pictured here is NGS Scholar Jhaniya Haynes with Gary Sinise. Jhaniya is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics with a minor in Astronomy at Austin Peay State University, with the ultimate goal of becoming an astrophysicist. This summer, she’s working on a research project with her professor as a paid internship.

Jhaniya had the opportunity to meet Gary while volunteering with the Gary Sinise Foundation at the 2025 Franklin Parks Family Day event. Reflecting on the impact of her scholarship, she shared:

"My father was injured in 2014 in Afghanistan and is now wheelchair-bound. He has always focused on education and wanted all his children to have the best education possible. This scholarship allows me to focus on my education and pursue outside opportunities."

Stories like Jhaniya's are exactly why this support matters. Thanks to the generosity of the Gary Sinise Foundation, Scholars can focus on their education, pursue ambitious goals, and honor the sacrifices their families have made in service to our nation.

Thank you, Gary, and thank you to the entire Gary Sinise Foundation team, for standing alongside military families and investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and dreamers. 🇺🇸⭐

06/12/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated the graduation of NGS Scholar Jurnee Pea. Today, in honor of Women’s Veterans Day, we honor the woman who helped make that milestone possible: her mother, Army Staff Sergeant Sophia Denmark (Ret.). 🇺🇸

In 2007, while deployed to Baghdad with the 566th Area Support Medical Company "Cobras," Sophia was critically wounded in a mortar attack. She awoke to sirens, severe injuries, and the realization that her life had changed forever. As she drifted in and out of consciousness during medical evacuation, one thought kept her fighting: getting home to her daughter, Jurnee.

When Sophia awoke at Balad Air Base, her left leg had been amputated below the knee.

For many, that would have been the end of the story. For Sophia, it was the beginning of a new mission.

She faced years of recovery, rehabilitation, and the challenges that come with life after combat. Through it all, she continued to move forward—determined to be present for her children, advocate for fellow veterans, and build a life defined not by what she lost, but by what she refused to surrender. Years later, Sophia shared that the first word she spoke after the blast was her daughter's name: "Jurnee."

Today, Sophia remains as busy as ever, cheering on the next generation. Her daughter Briley is headed to Nationals next week for volleyball, while Barron Jr. is pursuing qualification for the Junior Olympics in track and field. Alongside her husband, Barron, Sophia continues to pour her energy into supporting her family and celebrating their accomplishments—just as she did when she fought her way home nearly two decades ago.

Pictured here with her husband Barron, daughter Briley, Jurnee, and Barron Jr., Sophia's story is a powerful reminder that the strength forged in service extends far beyond the battlefield.

As we celebrate Women’s Veterans Day, we honor Sophia's service, sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. We also celebrate the legacy of that strength reflected in Jurnee's graduation and the bright futures of all her children.

Thank you, Sophia, for your service to our nation and for the example you continue to set every day. ❤️🤍💙

06/11/2026

Celebrating NGS Scholar Jurnee Pea!

Jurnee Pea graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Biology and minors in Pre‑Pharmacy and Biochemistry, and will be continuing on to University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy. Her long‑term goal is to own and operate her own pharmacy.

Jurnee’s passion for pharmacy began in high school through a pharmacy technician club and has grown ever since. Her mother, Staff Sergeant Sophia Denmark, was wounded by a mortar blast in Baghdad in 2007 and lost her leg below the knee; her determination to return home to four‑year‑old Jurnee has been a powerful inspiration in Jurnee’s life.

“NGS is the best organization I have been a part of…the team is always looking out for me,” Jurnee says.

NGS is deeply grateful to Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund for helping support Jurnee’s dream major and future in patient care.

06/10/2026

🎓 Congratulations to NGS Scholar Mastin Burkett on his high school graduation! 🎓

This milestone was made even more special because Mastin's diploma was presented by his mother, Melissa—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and substitute teacher at his school. What a meaningful moment for a mother and son whose journey has been shaped by service, sacrifice, and perseverance.

During high school, Mastin distinguished himself both in and out of the classroom. He earned recognition through the President's Education Awards Program while actively participating in marching band, concert band, track and field, ski club, and the Technology Student Association.

This fall, Mastin will attend the Florida Institute of Technology, where he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Construction.

Mastin is the second No Greater Sacrifice Scholar in the Burkett family. Through customized educational scholarships, NGS proudly supports the children of severely wounded Service members like retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Richard Burkett, helping ensure their children can pursue their dreams without the burden of educational debt.

Before beginning college, Mastin will join fellow incoming freshmen at NGS BootCamp in Washington, D.C., where Scholars build community, prepare for the transition to college, and connect with leaders who exemplify service above self. One highlight of the week will be meeting General Dan Caine, who will be honored with the No Greater Sacrifice Freedom Award for embodying the values of Freedom, Sacrifice, Community, Patriotism, and Esteem.

To learn more and to see how you can support NGS, visit https://buff.ly/hDVEhVx.

Congratulations, Mastin! We are proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see what you build next. 🇺🇸🎓

06/06/2026

Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Their legacy reminds us that freedom is never free—and that behind every act of service is a family forever shaped by it. We remember. We honor.

06/05/2026

Thank you, Frontline Optics for your generous donation from your Memorial Day sale!

It is because of donors like Frontline Optics that No Greater Sacrifice can support children of fallen and severely wounded service members.

Thank you for your generosity!

06/05/2026

Our Freedom Award Reception recognizing Chairman of the The Joint Staff, General Dan Caine is in three weeks!

This special evening hosted by the Entertainment Software Association will bring together supporters, NGS Scholars and families as General Caine meets and honors children of our nation’s fallen and severely wounded Service members.

✨ Limited Sponsorships Available ✨

📩 If you would like to sponsor this meaningful gathering, we invite you to connect with us for more info: [email protected]

06/04/2026

At just 19 years old, Thanairy Pérez Ramos is graduating from University of Illinois Chicago with not one, but two Bachelor of Arts degrees: Political Science (with a concentration in Law and Courts) and Criminology, Law and Justice. 🎓⚖️

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Thanairy is now pursuing a path toward Environmental Law, determined to advocate for the environmental and policy issues impacting the island she proudly calls home.

Thanairy grew up in a low-income household alongside her two sisters, learning early that success is earned through perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work. Her mother worked long hospital shifts, while her father served 22 years in the U.S. Army National Guard — examples of resilience and selfless service that continue to shape her character and ambition.

In 2005, her father, Sergeant Moisés Pérez, was severely wounded during a mortar attack while standing guard in Tikrit, Iraq. His sacrifice became a lasting source of strength and inspiration for Thanairy as she forged her own path dedicated to justice, advocacy, and service to others.

“It is inspiring that foundations like No Greater Sacrifice are willing to help the children of the fallen, who many times are overlooked, and help them achieve what they want. The support NGS provides is immense and I am forever thankful to be part of the investment of this organization.”

06/04/2026

Did you know the VA offers CDL training to those who receive Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits? This is all thanks to the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Read more about it at the link below!

VA has implemented a key part of the “Dole Act,” improving how certain Commercial Driver’s License training programs are approved for VA education benefits.

06/02/2026

Meet Abbey Karcher — TCU – Texas Christian University graduate, Communication Studies scholar, and the third Karcher sister to earn her degree with No Greater Sacrifice support. 🎓💜

She is heading to a career in sales, marketing, or advertising — anywhere she can connect with others and help people grow.

Abbey's dad, Colonel Tim Karcher (U.S. Army, Ret.), was wounded by a gunshot while serving in Iraq, and later lost both legs when his vehicle was struck by an IED during his third tour in Iraq. After nearly 26 years of service, he retired as a Colonel — and his strength has shaped every one of his daughters.

Thank you to the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund for supporting Abbey's journey. 🙏