Andi Grant is the Founder of Give2TheTroops® and began the organization in 2002 in the basement of her home. Being an anxious wife of a deployed U.S Marine Sergeant who served 2 combat deployments for OIF, she strongly felt the need to "give back to those who give all".

Andi has 20+ years of professional and volunteer experience including working for the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service, The U.S. Department of Defense, Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve and several private companies.

She has lived in many countries which gives her a great appreciation of other cultures and lifestyles. Andi loves the United States of America, which aids and supports other nations and grants her freedom.

While overseas at Embassy Lisbon, Andi coordinated the Marine Security Guard Sponsorship Program and was an active volunteer for the International Bazaar Fundraiser and the American Members of the United States Embassy (AMUSE). She regularly attended NATO events and was recognized by the Ambassador and Charge d'affaires with multiple awards for her community service and “Esprit de Corps”.

In Portugal, she volunteered many years as a Girl Scout Leader for Daisy Scouts, Junior Scouts and Cadets, participating in conferences for the Europe region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in Adelboden, Switzerland.

Andi earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in public communications at Syracuse University, where she was a University Telethon Fundraiser, President of the Alumni Association, a “University Top 100 Student" and an Ambassador to the Chancellor. Additionally, she was the Events and Fundraising Chair for her sorority.

Prior to Syracuse University, she studied at La Universidad Santa Maria in Caracas, Venezuela. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and understands basic German.

A philanthropist at heart, she has a long history of helping others. While living in New York City, she tutored underprivileged children with the "Two Together" program in Harlem. She raised funds and organized multiple walks and drives for The ASPCA, The American Diabetes Association, The American Red Cross, The American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The American Cancer Society and The March of Dimes. She's also a Secure Member of the Department of Emergency Management/Homeland Security's Infragard Connecticut.

Andi is HONORED to be on the Board of Directors of the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundationand to be a member of the Patriot Guard. She also volunteers at her Church's Children's Ministry and is an Honorary Member of the Newington, CT Rotary Club.

In March, 2004, Andi received the American Red Cross' Community Impact Award for her efforts with Give2TheTroops.

In 2005, Andi received two (2) awards from The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve: The "Seven Seals" award and "Spirit of Volunteerism" award.

In June, 2006, Andi received the President's Call to Service Lifetime Award for volunteering more than 140,000 hours to charities throughout her life and inspiring others to engage in volunteer service. That same month, she was recognized for her efforts by President George W. Bush during her visit to the White House.

In November, 2007, she received the National Award and George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

In 2008, she received the Connecticut Sun Basketball Team's Community MVP Award, presented by News Channel 8 and MYTV9 for her overwhelming impact she made on the lives of others and her exceptional and lasting contributions to the community through her unique commitment and humanitarian spirit.

In 2009, she received three (3) U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendations from General George W. Casey, Jr. (Chief of Staff), Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh, COL Robert M. Cosby, CPT Peter Aleria, and SGT Jose Acevedo for her contributions and commitment to our U.S. Army community.

In July, 2009 she was presented with The American Legion Department of Connecticut 2009 Americanism Award for her service, dedication, patriotism and support of all Veterans in Connecticut and abroad.

Andi is very passionate about supporting all branches of our military. She participates in many community activities throughout the nation including the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon and Stephen Siller's Tunnel to Towers Run, visiting our wounded troops at hospitals and clinics, and welcoming home the troops at Dallas/Ft Worth Airport. Additionally she supports the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Patriot Guard Riders, Vietnam Veterans of America, The l Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation (Andi is a lifetime member), The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Disabled Veterans and many other military-related organizations and foundations.

Andi wants our military members to know they're never forgotten. She will always appreciate and remember our troops (past, present and future), our veterans, our MIA's, POW's, WIA's and KIA's for their selfless sacrifices and she'll always refer to them as "heroes."

Email Andi at: Andi@Give2thetroops.org