2025 Annual Appeal

  November 1, 2025

 

Dear Friends of the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc,

         As I sit down to write my first annual appeal letter as the new president of the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc, (CTNGFI) I want to take a moment to recognize my predecessor.  This year Chris Mackenzie retired as a board member and president of the CTNGFI.  For well over 10 years, first as Director and then President, Chris dedicated countless hours and energy to making the CTNGFI relevant and responsive to the service members and families of the Connecticut National Guard.  Because of his hard work, the CTNGFI can be proud of it’s record of awarding over $1.9 million dollars in grants and scholarships. Chris, thank you very much!

         I now turn my attention to you, and ask you to help me continue the fine and noble work that Chris began.  That record of awarding over $1.9 million dollars would not be possible were it not for the generosity of donors like you.  

         A month ago, I did not think I would be saying this, but our general fund is suffering.  The federal government shut-down is taking its toll on our Connecticut National Guard service members and families.  Everything from service members not being paid when they drill, to federal employees considered essential and must work, but are not being paid – our members are struggling.  Since October 1, the start of the shut-down, we have experienced a significant increase in requests for help.  Many of our members are suffering, and need your help!

        Can you imagine counting your last dollars, trying to decide what matters most – keeping the lights on, or buying a few groceries to get through the week – and having to make that same painful choice, week after week. 

        This is the situation that many of our service members and military families are facing.

        When you make a contribution to the CTNGFI you join a special community of donors dedicated to ending the suffering of our members and families in need.  Your gift will make a positive and practical difference in lifting up service members and their families, who are suffering.  Your gift to our general fund will be used to help support our members suffering with such needs as weekly care and emergency relief, food assistance, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, home health care and medical expenses. 

        Your donation, no matter how large or small, could be the lifeline to our military families and service members who have nowhere else to turn.    Please make this special difference – a life-sustaining difference for many – by sending your contribution today to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc.

        In addition to the impact that the federal government shut-down is having on our members, overseas deployments are also taking their toll.  For 2025-2026, over 1,000 CT National Guard members are deployed around the world.  Because of these deployments, we have seen an increase in requests for help – not only for monetary assistance, but also for food and gift cards.  

       With such a large number of service members deployed, we anticipate that this year’s Operation ELF Holiday Party will be especially large, requiring many more toys and gift cards than normal, for the families of those deployed members.  If you are not able to make a monetary donation, won’t you consider making a donation of gift cards and/or toys to Operation ELF?  This year Operation ELF will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

       In order for us to assist these families, we need your help.  Our hope is to continue to support our Guard family as long as the need exists, but we cannot do it alone.  We need your help.  Contributions can be made by check, credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.  You can donate by check or credit card, by using the enclosed reply card and envelope, or for PayPal by going to our website at www.ctngfi.org  and clicking on the “how to help tab” and then the donate button.  To donate by Venmo use our account name:  @ctngfi.  If you are using Venmo, please be sure to provide your name, address and/or email and cell number for proper acknowledgement of your donation.  

       This is the season for giving thanks ... and in that spirit, thank you for all you do for our Foundation.   Please send your most generous gift today.

       Sincerely,

 

       Michelle McCarty

       President

 

P.S.  If you are age 701/2 or older, have you considered making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to the Foundation?  For those over 72, such gifts may be counted toward your Required Minimum Distribution for the year.  Please also consider including the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. in your estate plans.  Your legacy gift can create a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term well-being of our foundation.  

** Before making any estate plans always consult a qualified financial advisor or planner to discuss your particular situation, needs and goals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Scholarships awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year

The Connecticut National Guard Foundation Inc Announces  

Scholarship Recipients for 2024 – 2025 Academic Year

 

The Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc is pleased to announce it has awarded scholarships to the following recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year.

 

Benalcazar, Natalie:  PFC Natalie Benalcazar is a member of the 1048th Transportation Company, CT Army National Guard. She lives in Danbury, CT and is a 2023 graduate of Danbury High School.  She is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.  Her career goals include a career in nursing and rehabilitation, with her ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.     

 

Garcia, Joseph:  Joseph is a SPC in the 141st Ambulance Company, CT Army National Guard. He lives in Stamford, CT. Joseph is a 2023 graduate of the University of Connecticut, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences.  He is currently attending Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.  His ultimate goal is to serve in underrepresented communities as an Emergency Medicine Physician.  

 

Moffat, Paige:  Paige is the daughter of  SFC(Retired) Reisha Moffat, former member of the CT Army National Guard.  Paige lives in Washington, DC and is a 2023 graduate of The College of the Holy Cross, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in International and Chinese Studies. She has been accepted into Georgetown University for her master’s degree, allowing her to pursue her dream of further studies and her passion on internation affairs, with a focus on US-China relations and policymaking.     

 

O’Neill, Katherine:  Katherine is the daughter of COL(Retired) Vincent O’Neill, former member of the CT Army National Guard.  Katherine lives in North Granby, CT and is a 2025 graduate of Granby Memorial High School.   This Fall she will be attending the University of Connecticut, majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology, with her long-term goal of becoming a doctor. 

 

SNOW, Oliver:   Oliver is the son of LTC(Retired) Kristen Snow, formerly with the 103rd Air Wing, CT Air National Guard.  Oliver lives in Clinton, CT and is a 2025 graduate of Xavier High School, Middletown, CT.  This Fall he will be attending The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy.  His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in astronomy, with a focus on radio astronomy.  

 

Sullivan, Aiden:  Aiden is the son of MAJ Benjamin Sullivan, HHD 118th Medical Battalion, CT Army National Guard.  He lives in East Hampton, CT, and is a 2025 graduate of East Hampton High School.  This Fall he will be attending Purdue University, studying to expand and broaden his knowledge of engineering technology. 

 

SGT Felix M. Del Greco, Jr Memorial Scholarship(s)

The purpose of the SGT Felix M. Del Greco, Jr. Scholarship is to honor SGT Del Greco’s memory by awarding annual scholarship(s) to children of Connecticut Army National Guard members who are attending an accredited undergraduate degree program.  

 

Baldoni, Riley  from Cheshire, CT is attending Providence College. 

 

Rodriguez, Madison  from Canton, CT is attending Keene State College. 

 

Sullivan, Aiden  from East Hampton, CT is attending Purdue University.  

 

Thomas, Shamira  from East Hartford, CT is attending Fordham University – Rose Hill.