ThanksUSA Washington Concert to Benefit Military Families to Be Held This Weekend

ThanksUSA Washington Concert to Benefit Military Families to Be Held This Weekend

Part of a fundraising drive to provide scholarships for military spouses and dependents

WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ThanksUSA, a charitable effort to mobilize Americans to "thank" the nation's active-duty troops, will present a benefit concert this Saturday, July 26, 2008, at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., at 7:00 PM EDT.

Headlining the event will be Stephen Cochran, a former U.S. Marine and country newcomer, and international recording artist Mylin, whose father served in the U.S. Navy. The concert is part of a broad fundraising drive to provide college scholarships to the spouses and dependents of active-duty troops.

Over the past two years, ThanksUSA has awarded nearly $4 million in need-based, post-secondary scholarships to more than 1,350 spouses and children of military members serving on active-duty status; scholarships have been presented to recipients in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Tickets for the concert are on sale for $25 each and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by visiting www.ThanksUSA.org and clicking on ThanksUSA Benefit Concert.

"Mylin and Stephen Cochran have been active supporters of ThanksUSA. This benefit concert allows us to show appreciation for the sacrifices our troops make in serving our country while raising money to fund scholarships for their families," said Michele Stork, executive director of ThanksUSA.

Mylin, daughter of a U.S. Navy sailor, has released four albums on an international major label, topped international charts, and played recent shows on Nick Lachey's tour, with Five for Fighting, and Patti LaBelle. She has played 11 shows at U.S. military bases over the past 18 months in support of the troops, and has recently been invited on a USO Tour to Romania and an AFE Tour to Asia.

Stephen Cochran joined the Marines after the events of 9/11 and completed two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, returning home injured from his second tour. Cochran used his recovery time to reignite his passion for songwriting and released his debut country album in the fall of 2007.

Both artists are currently featured in a ThanksUSA "PSA" for the troops airing on radio and television across the country through availability by the National Association of Broadcasters

The benefit concert will include additional performances by singers/songwriters Leslie Satcher, Monty Holmes and Scott Sturla. Defense News Editor Vago Muradian will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. ThanksUSA also welcomes Ret. Army First Class Sergeant Dana Bowman and ThanksUSA scholarship winner Robert Johnston as special guest speakers.

"A lot of well-intentioned organizations are working to help the troops," said Mylin. "What ThanksUSA has done is so practical, impactful, and lasting in the lives of the troops and their families, and is the most effective I've seen. I'm honored to be a part of what they're doing."

"I love the Marine Corps -- everything they did for me gave me the drive to know that I can do anything I want to do," added Cochran. "I'm proud to be able to give back with this benefit concert and with this organization that is doing so much for all the men and woman serving in the military."

ThanksUSA's need-based scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to the spouses and children of active-duty military personnel who plan to pursue a post-secondary education, including vocational and technical training. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities.

The concert is produced by National Events Inc. Media, and partners include WMZQ radio, NBC4 television, Capitol File magazine, and Military Times Media Group. American Airlines is the official airline for the concert.

Interested individuals, organizations and corporations are encouraged to make a direct donation to the ThanksUSA scholarship fund at www.ThanksUSA.org.

About ThanksUSA

Founded in the fall of 2005, ThanksUSA, a non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization, is an effort to thank the men and women of our armed forces and their families for their service to the country with the gift of education. The organization provides need-based, posts-secondary education opportunities to the children and spouses of active-duty status military personnel through competitive scholarships. For more information, visit www.ThanksUSA.org.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: ThanksUSA

CONTACT: Amanda Belcher, +1-202-326-1724, amanda.belcher@edelman.com,
for ThanksUSA

Web Site: http://www.thanksusa.org/

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