NGS Insider: July 2026 Edition

2026 BootCamp: Growth and Community

We are thrilled to share highlights from 2026 BootCamp! Last month, No Greater Sacrifice (NGS) Scholars who are entering their freshman year of college gathered in Washington, DC, for this immersive college-prep experience.

BootCamp once again proved to be a transformative week for our Scholars, all while fostering community for them and their families. The Scholars worked alongside NGS staff and dedicated volunteers to create a personalized financial and academic roadmap and identify personal strategies to help them prepare to navigate the complexities of college life. They also refined their resumes and bios and took CliftonStrengths assessments to learn about their top strengths — all tools designed to guide them through their college journey with clarity and purpose.

Scholars participated in engaging sessions led by leaders in networking and business on self-advocacy and thriving in college, followed by a standout panel of NGS Scholars and Alumni who shared firsthand insights on navigating campus life and building toward professional success.

Beyond academic enrichment, the Scholars enjoyed memorable activities, attending a Washington Nationals baseball game, touring the Capitol, and a competitive scavenger hunt throughout Washington, D.C. These shared experiences helped forge bonds that will last far beyond this event.

One of the week's most memorable events was the Freedom Award Reception, hosted by the Entertainment Software Association, where Scholars, sponsors, and supporters gathered to celebrate community, purpose, and patriotism. NGS honored General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the NGS Freedom Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to military families.

BootCamp was made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors and partners. We are especially grateful to LKQ Corporation, our title sponsor, for supporting every step of the experience and welcoming our Scholars for a memorable Welcome Gathering at their D.C. office. We also thank Microsoft for providing laptops and event space to the Scholars and for their ongoing commitment to the NGS mission.

Special thanks to our supporters at Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, Gary Sinise Foundation, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, the Entertainment Software Association, Emily and Chip Grace, Gray and Andrew King, COL and Mrs. David Sutherland, USA (Ret.), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, AgencyQ, CrowdStrike, and Bcore for helping make this event a reality.

To our volunteers and our incredible photographer Matt Mendelsohn, thank you for helping capture the spirit of BootCamp in every detail.

And finally, to our NGS Scholars and your families — thank you for showing up with courage and curiosity. You continue to inspire us all.

NGS Has a New Website!

Special thanks to AgencyQ for the amazing support in producing the new No Greater Sacrifice website.

Giving Opportunity: In Honor of America's 250th

In honor of America's 250th, your gift of $250 provides education for the children of our nation's fallen and severely wounded Service members. Honor the service and sacrifice. Invest in their children.

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