Insider
NGS Insider: May 2026 Edition
In honor of Memorial Day: a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, the Kapacziewski family on Fox News, the Freedom Award Reception invitation, BootCamp sponsorship, a Graduate Spotlight on Hayden Hickman, Rudy's Camo Cup for a Cause, and leaving a legacy of service.
In Honor of Memorial Day
Army COL David Sutherland (Ret.) recently led supporters of No Greater Sacrifice (NGS) on a meaningful visit through Arlington National Cemetery.
As we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we are reminded their legacy lives on through the families, children, and communities they leave behind. NGS remains committed to supporting Gold Star and severely wounded veteran families through education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Join us in honoring and preserving the stories of our nation's fallen heroes by supporting their children's future and higher education.
NGS in the News!
Watch the Kapacziewski Family's recent Fox News interview. They remembered their hero, Joe Kapacziewski, and discussed how NGS has made a tremendous impact on their lives. Thank you Mike Emanuel for hosting.
View the video here.
Event Invitation: Join Us at Our Freedom Award
Learn more about the 2026 Freedom Award Reception
Sponsor the NGS 2026 BootCamp and Freedom Award
BootCamp is more than just an event; it is a transformative experience - an immersive multi-day community-building college preparatory program designed specifically for NGS Scholars. Tangibly invest in them as they enter their freshman year of college by supporting their journey through BootCamp this June.
Please reach out to us at info@nogreatersacrifice.org for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
Graduate Spotlight: Hayden Hickman
Hayden Hickman graduated as a double major from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. He made the President's List, Dean's List, and the University Honors College, and he is on the accelerated STEM PATH to an MBA, which he plans to finish in May 2027.
At the University of Alabama, Hayden has gained real-world experience as an account management and engineering change intern, a Teaching Assistant, and a leader on the Sigma Pi Fraternity Executive Committee. He also served as an Ambassador of the Society of Operations Management Students and was inducted into Order of Omega.
Hayden's journey is shared with his brothers, Landon (Sports Management) and Clayton (Forestry Science and local firefighter), who are also supported by NGS. Together with their mom, Gold Star spouse Tiffany Hickman Kennedy, and stepdad Benjamin Kennedy, they honor the memory of their father, Army SFC Jason Omar Bradley Hickman, killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.
Hayden says, "I would like to say thank you to NGS for all of the support and thought you have always put in for me ever since the first time we met."
Congratulations Hayden! We here at NGS could not be more proud of you!!
Partner Spotlight: Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
Last call! This is the last week of Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q's annual Camo Cup for a Cause campaign. NGS is honored to once again be selected as one of the benefiting charities of the campaign.
Throughout the month of May, Rudy's locations across Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arizona are raising funds in support of military-inspired charities. Guests are invited to purchase a camo cup and donate $1 to receive a coupon for a free 32-ounce drink on their next visit while supplies last.
Since 2012, Rudy's has raised more than $4 million through impactful campaigns for charities. Our heartfelt thanks to Rudy's for continuing to invest in Veterans, Service members, and their families - and for including No Greater Sacrifice in this meaningful tradition.
Learn more about the campaign here.
Charity Tip of the Month: Leave a Legacy of Service
In honor of Memorial Day, consider empowering military children's education by including No Greater Sacrifice in your estate plans.
A planned gift - through your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy - can create lasting educational opportunities for the children of our fallen and severely wounded Service members.
Getting started is simple:
Speak with your attorney or financial advisor
Add NGS as a beneficiary in your estate plan
Update an existing will or account designation
Your legacy can help ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Keep Reading
More from the newsroom
The Freedom's Future Impact & Donor Report finds nearly 130,000 children affected since 9/11, with 35,000 expected to need an estimated $1.37 billion for college.
NGS welcomes new Associate Director Boston Gilbert, a former Recipient and son of Maj. Troy Gilbert, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2006.
For Month of the Military Child, NGS honors the resilience of military children and its promise to the families of fallen and severely wounded Service members.
Retired Col. Tim Karcher reflects on the Presidential Leadership Scholars program and how it has shaped his work for military families since his 2016 graduation.
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