NEW ORLEANS, LA – Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce Eta Psi/UAB as the recipient of the USO Service Award and Gamma Rho/Florida State as the recipient of the USO Fundraising Award for the 2023/2024 academic year. Both chapters were recognized as part of the 168th Anniversary Convention held in New Orleans.
In 2013, Theta Chi Fraternity embarked on a philanthropic partnership with the United Service Organizations, commonly known as the USO. For 77 years, the USO’s mission has been to strengthen America’s military by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation. Theta Chi is proud to have partnered with such an outstanding organization and looks forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership in the years to come. Since our partnership with USO began Theta Chi brothers, alumni, friends, and our chapters have raised a grand total of $1,243,316.82!
In 2015 the Fraternity launched a friendly competition between chapters known as “Operation Military Red.” The competition tracks the dollars raised and hours served in support of the USO.
Two separate recognitions were developed for Operation Military Red: The USO Service Award and the USO Fundraising Award. The USO Service Award is presented to the chapter that commits the highest number of combined service hours to the USO in a given academic year. Similarly, the USO Fundraising Award is presented to the chapter that raises the most money for the USO in a given academic year.
The brothers of Eta Psi/UAB hosted five days of field and athletic events called G.I. Jane Week, where the Greek community participated in teams to compete and support the USO. Combined, the brothers from this chapter served 1,722 hours for the USO.
The brothers of Gamma Rho/Florida State raised $19,414 for the USO through their USO Challenge Week and other events.
Collectively, Theta Chi chapters and colonies across the country raised more than $150,000 and volunteered over 13,000 hours for the USO, and plan to continue expanding our efforts with our philanthropic partner to make in the difference in the lives of service members one event at a time.