The U.S. Postal Service now postmarks mail when it reaches a regional processing facility, rather than when it is dropped off locally. This means mail may receive a postmark that is later than the day it was sent.

Because IRS regulations require us to honor the postmarked date when issuing tax receipts, we kindly encourage donors who plan to give by mail to send their gifts earlier than usual. This will help ensure gifts are postmarked by December 31 and qualify for 2025 tax purposes. Giving online is also a secure option and can be completed any time.

If you prefer to mail your gift closer to year-end, USPS offers several ways to ensure your mailing receives an official acceptance date:

• Request a manual postmark at a retail counter
• Use Certified Mail or a Certificate of Mailing
• Purchase postage at the counter and retain the PVI label

If you have already given or are in the process of making a gift, thank you. Your generosity makes an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of Marine children, and we want to ensure your year-end giving experience is seamless.

If you have any questions, our team is available to help at (703) 549-0060.

Thank you for your continued support of Marine families.

With gratitude,
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Important Year-End Update for Investors Who Give by Mail appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Our veterans are an inspiring example of the courage and character that make America’s armed forces the greatest on earth. They not only exemplify noble values themselves, but they also impart qualities of Honor, Courage, and Commitment to their children, our Nation’s next generation of leaders.

Beyond the 18.6 million veterans living in our country today—including approximately 2 million Marine veterans — we also acknowledge the countless family members and children of these veterans who were called to make sacrifices as well. This includes bright, determined children like the Marine Scholars you support through the Scholarship Foundation.

As we honor veterans today, we recognize how their dedication to our country goes beyond their time enlisted. They continue to serve and to be an inspiration to the next generation, creating a better future for us all.

Let this day stand as a testament to the strength and importance of the veterans in our lives. As a supporter of our mission, thank you for reflecting the spirit of Veterans Day, not only today, but all year.

Semper Fidelis,

LtCol Ted Probert USMC (Ret.)
President and CEO
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Honoring the past, looking toward the future appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

At the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, we honor the storied legacy of generations of Marines by investing in the children of Marines —young men and women raised with the values of honor, courage, and commitment.  Our investment in them is an investment in America’s future.

In celebration of this historic anniversary, I invite you to join the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in our goal to secure 250 new investors.  Your investment in educating the children of Marines will help ensure that the legacy of the Marine Corps endures for generations to come.

Thank you and Happy 250th Birthday!

Semper Fidelis,

Lieutenant General George W. Smith Jr., USMC (Ret.)
Chairman
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post 250 Years of Honor, Courage and Commitment appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

How has military service been a part of your life story or your family’s journey?

While I don’t remember a lot of details about my father’s time in the military, there is no doubt that it has had an impact on my life.  My father, who passed away in 2020, never lost his punctuality, never had a hair out of place, never gave the task at hand any less than regimented focus. I inherited his mind and aptitude for finance, but not punctuality! The respect that my parents and family have for those that serve has always been a part of our lives. 

What values are most important to you, and how have they shaped your life?

Service to our country and to our community has always been a core value for my family.  My grandfather worked in publishing, so literacy, reading and education were also a central part of our lives.  Going to college and graduating in four years was expected and a given. It was expected that my brother and I would not squander our educations.  My mother did not serve in the military, but she has been an active volunteer my whole life. It was expected that I would give back to my community – with my time, talent, and/or treasure.  Whether through my work or volunteer service – education always seemed to be the focus.

When and how did you first hear about the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation?

I met Jeanna Adams, MCSF’s current Chief Scholarship Officer, at the National Scholarship Providers Association conference in 2011 or 2012.  We chatted and compared notes, and then I reached out to her a few months later after watching NCIS one night when David McCallum (Ducky) mentioned MCSF.  We stayed in touch through NSPA and in 2019, Jeanna invited me to attend the Houston dinner as a guest of MCSF.  General John Kelly spoke at the dinner that year. I talked with several active and retired Marines who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  It was an emotional night – and as they talked about their service and sacrifices, I thought “what the hell have I done?” and it felt like my answer was “nothing”, especially compared to them.  That was the first year I raised my paddle to give to MCSF. 

How has our work made a difference in your life, or the life of someone you know?

The opportunity to be engaged and get to know so many Marines has made the “supporting our troops” so much more real for me.  Meeting our scholars and their parents is so inspiring.  It lets me see the direct impact of my gifts of money and time.  There’s no bigger reward for me.

Why did you feel it was important to include the MCSF in your will and legacy?

We do not do enough for our service members, our veterans, and their families. The system is so big, it doesn’t feel like one person can change that.  But this is the way I can do my part. They served our country—it’s my time to serve them.  Donovan Campbell, a veteran Marine who spoke at the Houston dinner a few years ago, talked about saying “thank you for your service”. He let us know that we should continue to say that but also make sure our servicemembers know we are doing our part to continue to make this country one worth the sacrifices they made and continue to make. 

Would you recommend others get involved in supporting the MCSF through a legacy gift? If so, why?

I think so many people think that having a will or leaving a nonprofit a bequest is something only the very wealthy do.  But it’s not the dollar amount that is important.  You can specify $500 or 10% of the estate after your beneficiaries are taken care of.  Leaving that remainder amount allows the gift to grow over time.  You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave an estate gift.  And it’s just as important to let MCSF know you’ve included them in your estate plans. Connecting with the Scholarship Foundation ensures you can learn about the difference we are making now. This is the legacy you are leaving – making sure the children of our Marines have every opportunity this country and their fellow citizens can provide them.

Learn more about legacy giving to support the Scholarship Foundation.

The post The Power of Legacy Giving appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Despite the pain and loss,11 September stands as a lasting symbol of resilience, unity, and compassion. It reminds us of our strength as citizens and the power we hold when we come together as a uniformed nation. The true meaning of community is revealed when strangers become heroes, lifting others from darkness, opening their doors, and extending their hearts to those in need.

At the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, our mission is rooted in honor and remembrance. Today, we pay tribute to those taken far too soon. We stand in solidarity with those who lost loved ones or experienced the horror of that day. We proudly salute the brave men and women who stepped forward to serve and protect our great Nation. 

As we reflect on the lives taken in 2001, I am reminded daily the KIA bracelet I wear, honoring a Marine who was on the 104th floor of the North Tower with Cantor Fitzgerald. We also remember the years of Marine service and sacrifice that followed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The bright, hopeful children of Marines we meet every day—even those who have endured profound loss—are living proof that even in the darkest of times, strength endures and light carries forward.

Time may pass, yet acts of Honor, Courage, and Commitment are never forgotten.

Sincerely and Semper Fidelis, 

LtCol Ted Probert USMC (Ret.)
President and CEO
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Keeping the Torch Lit – Never Forget appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Chester Nez was the last surviving member of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. His legacy lives on not only in our country’s history but also in the hearts of his family, the Navajo community, and here at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Talise Francisco, Nez’s great granddaughter, is a first-year scholarship recipient and member of the Dibéłizhiní – the Black Sheep clan – Navajo community of Chichiltah in New Mexico. Her mother, veteran Hospitalman Third Class Valeria A. Robinson USN, Nez’s granddaughter, continued their family’s legacy of service.

We spoke with Talise and Valeria about their family’s long history of service and sacrifice.

What do you remember about Chester Nez, and how do you honor his legacy?

Valeria: “As a Navajo, we are raised to know who our family are through K’é, a Diné (Navajo) Kinship. K’é is a very important social identity as a Navajo as it defines our family and descendants. My clans are Dibéłizhiní (Black sheep Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House Clan), my maternal grandparents are the Honágháahnii (One who walks around clan), and my paternal grandparents are the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge clan).

“Our grandfather, Chester Nez, was one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers…I remember my elderly people speak very highly of him and how he served in the war. One thing that I always remember was his encouragement to do something good for ourselves and most importantly, to learn our Navajo language.”

What does it mean to you and your family to have been awarded a scholarship from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation?

Talise: “It means so much to me, and it is a great honor to be awarded a scholarship from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation… I gave [the application] a lot of thought and the main thing that came to mind were how much the Navajo Code Talkers and the veterans mean to me. This scholarship will help pay for my college and to be successful. During the awards ceremony in Washington, DC, it was mentioned that the veterans and military personnel enlist in the military to serve our country so their children have opportunities like applying for this scholarship… I am so grateful for my mom to have served our country so my brothers and I have these opportunities.”

What do you hope others can learn from the Navajo community, Navajo Code Talkers, and Indigenous culture?

Talise: “I hope others can learn about the historical challenges we have faced and are still facing, but most importantly, to learn about the sacrifice and bravery that the Navajo Code Talkers did during World War II and why our Navajo language is sacred. I would also like others to learn more about the tribes within the Indigenous culture, our languages, our community and kinship, the cultural preservations, and the traditions we have as Native Americans.”

 Valeria: “My hopes for the next generation are to give as much effort to learn and understand the Navajo language. Our Navajo language is very sacred, and I would like for the next generation to keep our language and culture alive. Our Navajo culture is incredibly unique. We still live on the reservation and depend on border towns to get supplies and essentials. Some of us still live without electricity and running water. Although we have these struggles, living this lifestyle is normal for us. We still practice our Navajo traditions and encourage our youth to learn our Navajo language.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share about Chester Nez and the Navajo Code Talkers?

Talise: “I was crowned as the Chichiltah Veterans Princess for four years. My platform was to encourage our youth to learn about the Navajo Code Talkers and to learn our Navajo language. As a princess for the veterans in my community, I traveled to many places where I sang songs and the National Anthem in the Navajo language and made speeches about our sacred Navajo language. I participated in the Navajo Code Talker Day events and Veterans Day events where I was fortunate to meet other Navajo Code Talkers on our reservation.

“I encourage everyone to honor our Navajo Code Talkers not only on this day but every day. If it wasn’t for our Navajo language and our Navajo Code Talkers, the outcome of World War II would have been different. I am so honored to be a descendent of my great grandfather, and I honor his legacy by learning the Navajo every day, stressing the importance of our Navajo language and most importantly, put K’é (kinship) above everything I do and say.”

Valeria: “In my community of Chichiltah, we have five Navajo Code Talkers – Chester Nez, Kee Etsitty, Richard Dooley, Robert Walley, and Thomas H. Begay. Everyone in our community is always so proud to acknowledge them. My uncle, Thomas H. Begay, is one of the last two Navajo Code Talkers left. Today, I am so honored to say that my grandpa was one of the original Navajo Code Talkers… I have so much respect for our Navajo Code Talkers and encourage our youth to learn our Navajo language because it is very sacred.

“Our Navajo Code Talkers are our heroes, and we, as the Navajo people, hold them dearly in our hearts.”

The post Honoring a Legacy of Service and Sacrifice: National Navajo Code Talker’s Day appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Each day, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation works to perpetuate the legacy of fallen Marines, Navy Corpsmen, and Religious Program Specialists by guaranteeing scholarships for their children to attend college or technical school. We can never repay the debt we owe these selfless servicemembers, but we can honor their sacrifices by ensuring higher education is a sacrifice their children never have to make. 

On behalf of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, our board of directors, staff, and Marine and Navy families, I hope you and your family have a meaningful and safe Memorial Day. Never forget.

Sincerely,

General Robert B. Neller USMC (Ret.)
Chairman
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Memorial Day Reflection appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Our veterans are an inspiring example of the courage and character that make America’s armed forces the greatest on earth. They impart these qualities – Marine values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment – to their children. These are the next generation of leaders: bright, determined children like the Marine Scholars you support. 

It is one thing to honor the 18.6 million veterans living in our country today—including approximately 2 million Marine veterans. Beyond these servicemembers, we also acknowledge the countless family members and children of these veterans who were called to make sacrifices as well. I am proud to know that the Scholarship Foundation helps veterans ensure that a college education is not one of the sacrifices their families must make. 

Let this day stand as a testament to the strength of the veterans in our lives. As a supporter of our mission, thank you for holding the spirit of Veterans Day in your heart, not only today, but all year. 

Semper Fidelis, 

Colonel Odie Van Opdorp USMC 

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 

The post Veterans Day Reflection appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

As I reflect on the history and future of the Corps, I want to thank you for your commitment to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. When you invest in these scholars, you honor the service and sacrifice of all Marines and ensure our Nation’s next generation of leaders have access to the educational opportunities they need to take their place in American society. You do more than say “thank you for your service” to these Marine families—you demonstrate that their children’s education is a sacrifice they should never have to make.

Thank you for your support of our mission to Honor Marines by Educating Their Children. To the Marine Corps family, Happy 249th Birthday!

Sincerely,

General Robert B. Neller USMC (Ret.)
Chairman, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Happy 249th Birthday, Marines appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Despite the pain and loss we sustained, 11 September will forever serve as a symbol of resilience, global unity, and compassion. It is a testament to our strength as citizens and to the power we foster when we band together as a country. The true meaning of community is revealed when strangers become heroes, reaching out to lift others from darkness, or open their doors and hearts to those in great need.

Our mission at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is focused on honor and remembrance. Today we pay tribute to those who were taken far too soon as we stand in solidarity with those who lost a loved one or had to experience these unspeakable acts of violence. We also proudly salute the brave men and women who selflessly stepped forward to serve and protect our beloved Nation.

As we mourn the lives lost in 2001, I reflect daily on the KIA bracelet on my wrist of a Marine who was on the 104th floor of the North Tower. We also are reminded of the years of Marine service and sacrifice that followed in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The bright, hopeful Marine children we meet every day—even those who have made extreme sacrifices—are testament that even in the darkest of times, strength can be found, and light can be carried forward.

We must never forget.

Sincerely and Semper Fidelis,

LtCol Ted Probert USMC (Ret.)
President and CEO
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Never Forget appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

In this great Nation, we live freely, safe in the knowledge that these liberties are protected by those willing to voluntarily stand up and join our Nation’s military. At the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, we work every day to honor the legacy of our Country’s Marines, Navy Corpsmen, and Religious Program Specialists by guaranteeing scholarships for their children to attend college or technical school. By ensuring their children can secure their own futures through the promise of higher education, we help to deliver the American promise their parents took an oath to defend.

On behalf of the Scholarship Foundation, our board of directors, staff, the thousands who support our mission, and Marine and Navy families across the Nation, I wish you and your family a meaningful and safe Memorial Day. Never forget.

Sincerely,

General Robert B. Neller USMC (Ret.)
Chairman
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The post Memorial Day Reflections appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, there wasn’t extra money to pay for higher education. As he was of age during the Vietnam War, Harold knew that he might be selected for the draft regardless. He decided to enter the service as his own decision. Motivated by education, he also knew that he could utilize the GI Bill to pursue higher education after his tour of active duty was over.

“Little did I realize I would stay in the Corps for 30 years before I would fulfill my dream of higher education where I would receive my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and teaching credential at age 55,” he said.

As a dedicated servicemember and someone who treasures the value of education, SgtMaj Dulude got involved with the MCSF starting in 1963, where he attended one of the first banquets held.

Our Marine Scholars made a lasting impression on him, “Over the years, I have seen the quality of students that are the recipients of this program, and I am a proud and dedicated investor. It took many years before I could afford a constant stream of funds to help this program, but I have achieved that, and I will continue to donate on a monthly basis for many years to come because I have designated that this support will continue through my trust document.”

Sergeant Major Harold A. Dulude, USMC (Ret.), exemplified unwavering dedication to Marine families and passionate advocacy for higher education among the children of servicemembers. For nearly a decade, he played a pivotal role as a valued investor at the Scholarship Foundation. Inspired by the remarkable character and integrity displayed by Marine Scholars in their relentless pursuit of academic goals, he became a Fidelis Fund member when the fund was established in 2020.

Our Fidelis Fund investors are a loyal community of supporters who contribute at least $1,000 annually. If you would like to learn more about how you can join this program, visit this page or contact lindsey.howard@mcsf.org for more information.

The post In Loving Memory appeared first on Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.