2026 Freedom Award Reception and BootCamp

This June, No Greater Sacrifice brought its Scholars to Washington, D.C., for a week that closed with a singular honor. At the Freedom Award Reception and Game Night on June 25, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was recognized with the Freedom's Future Award for his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to those who have sacrificed for our nation — and he took time to meet the children of our fallen and severely wounded Service members whom the evening was built to honor.

BootCamp, held June 24–27, is NGS's immersive college-preparatory program — four days built to grow confidence, resilience, leadership, and community as Scholars prepare for college. This year's Scholars cheered on the home team at a Nationals game donated by LKQ, sharpened resumes and college plans at Microsoft's Innovation & Policy Center, toured the U.S. Capitol, and explored the city through a D.C. scavenger hunt — learning from NGS partners, including the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, along the way.

On the evening of June 25, Scholars, families, and supporters gathered with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the reception's host, for an evening of recognition and connection — a time to honor our 2026 Scholars and their families, including Gold Star families and Veterans, and the sacrifices they carry.

The week was made possible by the partners and sponsors who invest in the next generation of leaders. Our deepest thanks to LKQ Corporation, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Entertainment Software Association, Microsoft, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Emily and Chip Grace, Gray and Andrew King, agencyQ, COL and Mrs. David Sutherland, USA (Ret.), CrowdStrike, Matt Mendelsohn Photography, and BCore.

Together, we honor the sacrifices of our military families and invest in their children's futures through education.