US Soccer Team

In early September 2009, the members of the US Men’s Soccer team participated in a unique opportunity to make a difference. As a result, fans see the team preparing for the World Cup in the upcoming months, but also honoring some of their heroes- the members of the armed forces. The team gathered in Salt Lake City to film a PSA to support ThanksUSA, a non-profit that is thanking America’s troops and families with the gift of education. ThanksUSA provides two year, four year, and vocational school scholarships based on financial need and community leadership to the children and spouses of active duty military personnel. Since 2005, nearly 1800 scholarships have been awarded to these military family members in all fifty states. Each scholarship is valued at $3,000 and the goal for 2009 is to award another 500 scholarships, totaling 1.5 million dollars.

During the PSA, midfielder Jose Francisco Torres and defender Jonathan Spector thank the troops for their service and encourage others to do the same through donating to this great organization. The entire team felt honored to be included in this campaign, especially at a time when our nation remembers the events of September 11th.