For Immediate Release
Theta Chi Fraternity and the USO Announce a National Partnership
September 13, 2013 – Indianapolis, IN – Theta Chi Fraternity and the USO (United Service Organizations) are proud to formally announce a national partnership. The USO joins the list of Theta Chi Fraternity’s preferred philanthropies, to which chapters and alumni are encouraged to contribute.
The Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity recently passed a resolution which states:
Whereas the USO has a long history of extending an assisting hand to the men and women of the armed forces of the United States and to their families; and
Whereas Theta Chi Fraternity has a proud military tradition beginning with its founders and extending to the present day through the service of many of its members; and
Whereas the USO has sought the Helping Hand of Theta Chi in its mission of support of American Troops and their families; therefore
Be it Resolved, that the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity proudly endorses and supports a national partnership between Theta Chi Fraternity and the USO.
Executive Director Mike Mayer said, “Theta Chi is proud to announce this philanthropic association with such an outstanding organization. By supporting the USO, Theta Chi not only honors its Creed, but also its storied military roots.”
Through this partnership, the USO will provide support to Theta Chi Fraternity chapters with a Resource Kit and an official website to assist with service projects and fundraising efforts. In addition, the USO will provide reporting of participating Theta Chi chapters on an annual basis. Upon completion, this Resource Kit will be sent to each chapter President, and the USO is planning to offer follow up calls with each chapter to make an introduction.
The USO also noted that every effort will be made to partner with an equivalent organization to the USO in Canada for our Zeta Gamma Chapter at the University of Alberta.
Prior to this partnership, several chapters of Theta Chi Fraternity across the country held local philanthropy events called “G.I. Theta Chi”. The event had its origin at the Iota Theta Chapter at the University of Central Florida in February 2007. “G.I. Theta Chi” events raised funds for worthy causes such as the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Theta Chi Fraternity hopes that its chapters maintain relationships with their established philanthropies, and strongly encourages chapters to also partner with the USO through their local service projects and philanthropy efforts.
"For more than 70 years, the USO has been by the side of our nation’s troops and their families, every step of the way," said Tracy Tucker, USO Director of Fundraising and Development. "There are so many ways for Americans to get involved with the USO and help impact the lives of those who sacrifice so much for our country, from volunteering their time, to collecting needed items for our troops at USO Centers; to hosting an event to raise much needed funds that will go to support USO programs and services. For more information about what you can do to help make a difference, visit uso.org.”
When asked for comment, Theta Chi alumni strongly encouraged and endorsed the partnership with the USO:
“In my 28 years active duty in the U.S. Army I was entertained many times by the USO Shows - saw Bob Hope in Panama and Vietnam. But it was the smaller less famous folks that we saw more often and appreciated just as much. I'm glad, and proud, that Theta Chi is helping to keep up the good work.” – Lt. Col William Waterman (Pi/Dickinson 1957)
“I commend Theta Chi's joint initiatives with the USO. As a retired U.S. Air Force officer, (and grandfather of a current USAF F-15E Strike Eagle fighter pilot), I was entertained by Bob Hope and his USO entourage many years ago during my Vietnam War combat tour. As such, I have always had a healthy respect for the USO and have contributed MONTHLY to help sustain their operations at home and abroad. Accordingly, I have received their quarterly "On Patrol" magazine…The byline on that magazine is "Until Everyone Comes Home." - Col. Ray V. Fair (Alpha Nu/Georgia Tech 1956)
“Glad to hear of Theta Chi’s partnership with USO, a great organization. Throughout my Army career, I experienced the terrific worldwide shows sponsored by them, in Vietnam, Germany, Japan and here at home. Thanks for getting involved with them and their exceptional support of our Armed Forces.” – Col. Michael Cockill, U.S. Army, Retired (Epsilon Gamma/Widener 1958)
“I am so pleased that Theta Chi is doing this. The USO has given many lonely military people a place to feel at home for a while. I contribute to the USO on a regular basis.” – Lt. Col Rex L. Holloway (Tau/Florida 1960)
“Great to hear! The USO of South Texas on NAS Corpus Christi always feels like a home away from home. They keep the fridge stocked with cold drinks and food and they serve a free lunch every Wednesday for anyone on base who can come by. It's a great place to get away from the stress of flight school and to relax. I'm excited for the opportunity that Theta Chi has to get involved. I look forward to seeing the chapters embrace the USO and help them become even better.” - 1st Lt Tread Snedecor, USMC (Delta Rho/NC State 2010)
“I have been the recipient of the USO's generosity on numerous occasions. From relaxing and talking with veterans in their airport locations, to receiving packages and utilizing their services to communicate with family at home while deployed in the Middle East, the USO's willingness to help our service members is unparalleled.” Capt. Lucas Elgie, USMC (Alpha Phi/Alabama 2005)
Friends of Theta Chi Fraternity and the USO have also shared their support:
“I am so proud of the brothers of Theta Chi for joining forces with the USO to help service members and their families. I know Cadet Freeman and Chase would be proud also. This is in the finest of Norwich traditions, and you all continue to live the spirit of service to Nation and others before self. WELL DONE!” - RADM Richard W. Schneider, President, Norwich University
“(You) may remember me as Ann Jillian. I am a retired actress, three time Emmy nominated, Golden Globe winner. My body of work spans almost 50 years. In a career filled with many highlights, one stands out personally for me with particularly warm memories - my association with Bob Hope and his beloved USO, an organization whose mission it is to boost morale for our military men and women and their families, as well as provide essential support through their generous programs.
As a performer, I always thought that I was not officially in "show business" until I was invited by Bob Hope to entertain our servicemen and women overseas. My turn came in the Christmas of 1983, when Bob asked me to join him on his tour to the Middle East to entertain our fleet off the shores of Beirut, Lebanon - only two months after the attack on our military barracks. I remember standing in the wings of a make-shift stage on our home base, the USS Guam, and watching Bob well up with emotion when he saw the enthusiastic response of his "Guys and Gals" as he called them. I instantly understood his devotion. This was real. These were the brave men and women who sacrifice their all when their country calls. They were our "heroes". Through Bob Hope I had forever become a part of the USO's history, but the USO and the faces of the servicemen and women had forever become a part of my heart.
Today I am 63 years old and mother to a Theta Chi brother (and current Beta Tau/USC Chapter President!). I am so proud that Theta Chi chose to partner with the USO, and will assist the USO in lifting the spirits of and lending "an assisting hand" to our military service people and their families around the world. (How fitting that Theta Chi's original founding fathers were two military cadets!) I can't wait to see the great things that will come as a result of this union.” - Ann Jillian Murcia, President, Beta Tau Chapter Parents Club, University of Southern California
Our Mission: A Helping Hand
The USO is looking forward to Theta Chi Fraternity’s assistance and support. Theta Chi efforts will not only support our deployed troops and their families, but will also aid the USO in assisting our heroes that return with visible and invisible wounds of war.
“Partners like Theta Chi Fraternity make it possible for the USO to fulfill its mission of lifting the spirits of our nation’s troops and their families,” said Tracy Tucker, USO Director of Fundraising and Development. “Thanks to their donations and dedication to our mission, together, we are able to provide programs and services that among other things, keep troops and their loved ones connected during deployments and provide our wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers with the resources needed to live full and rewarding lives. It is what they need and deserve and we are grateful to those who help us make it happen.”
What Theta Chi Fraternity’s Support Can Provide
- $300 can help relaunch a troop’s career. With Career Opportunity Days, wounded, ill and injured troops are given guidance to help them secure jobs as they reintegrate into the private sector.
- $500 can provide 20 military child empowerment packs that help military children deal with the challenges of bullying and multiple deployments.$1000 could sponsor 15 wounded warrior care packs with everyday comfort items our wounded heroes can use on their road to recovery
- $1000 could sponsor 15 wounded warrior care packs with everyday comfort items our wounded heroes can use on their road to recovery
- $3000 could allow 300 parents to read their children a bedtime story
- $8000 could send a full USO2GO to a unit in the remotest part of Afghanistan
Colonel Jennings F. (Butch) Stright, USAR, Ret.(Epsilon Eta/IUP 1966) reminds all Theta Chi members of why this partnership is so critically important. "It was truly moving to hear of the partnership between the Brotherhood of Theta Chi and the USO. During my over 30 years service on active duty and in the reserve I had the opportunity on many occasions to witness the fine work done by the USO in support of our deployed troops. One of my fondest memories of my service in Vietnam looking forward to, and attending, USO shows that traveled to even the remotest parts of the country. The USO was able to bring a piece of home and a respite of fun to an otherwise often unpleasant situation. The opportunity for the brothers of Theta Chi to be associated with the USO will bring honor to us and allow the USO to extend the reach of their important work."
About the USO
The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President’s Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT&T, Clear Channel, The Coca-Cola Company, Grand Canyon University, jcpenney, Jeep, Kangaroo Express, Kroger, Lowe’s, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation and TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.
About Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with over 175,000 initiated members and has established 224 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.
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CONTACT:
Tracy Tucker, USO Director of Fundraising and Development 703-908-6466 / ttucker@uso.org
Ben Hill, Associate Executive Director 317-824-1881 / news@thetachi.org