Ketia Kronicles

Remember the Reason: Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Let's not forget the reason behind this weekend! Our troops give up their time, families and lives to keep us all safe, and I'm blessed to celebrate them daily. I count my blessings for being able to continue to share stories with my parents (both served our country), because many of our soldiers lives are lost in the battles they fight.

I found a new site - Together We Served - and it's great! Great stories from our troops! Check it out when you get a chance!

Stay safe this holiday weekend, and please take time to remember the reason for this holiday! Happy Memorial Day!

Ketia

K4K Scholarship Winner: Meghan De Amaral - US Army Brat

2011-05-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

Name: Meghan De Amaral/United States Army Brat

Age: 18

Current High School: Fort Knox High School

Current Location: Fort Knox, Kentucky

Interests: Reading and Playing Tennis

Major: Political Science

College: Texas A&M University

K4K Scholarship Winner: Jonathon Bigsby - US Air Force Brat

2011-05-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Name: Jonathon Bigsby/ United States Air Force Brat

Age: 18

DOB: December 3^rd 1992

Current High School: Yokota High School

Current Location: Yokota, Japan

Interests: Karate, Life Sciences, Board Games, Puzzles, Literature, Studying Japanese, and Culture

Major: Asian Studies

College: University of Oregon

K4K Scholarship Winner: William Bradley - US Air Force Brat

2011-05-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

Name: William Bradley/United States Air Force Brat

Age: 18

DOB: February 18th, 1993

Current High School: Kadena High School

Current Location: Okinawa, Japan

Interests: Performing Arts and Exploiting Service Opportunities

Major: Chemical Engineering

College: Brigham Young University

K4K Scholarship Winner: Nicholas Xavier Krenek - USMC Brat

2011-05-14T04:28:00.000-07:00

Name: Nicholas Xavier Krenek/United States Marine Corp Brat

Age: 16

DOB: June 3^rd 1994

Current High School: Matthew C. Perry High School

Current Location: Iwakuni, Japan

Interests: Astronomy, Guitar and Music

Major: Physics, Astronomy

College: University of Arizona

K4K Scholarship Winner: Morgan Karney - US Navy Brat

2011-05-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Name: Morgan Karney/United States Navy Brat

Age: 17

DOB: June 25^th 1993

Current High School: Coronado High School

Current Location: Coronado, California

Interests: Water Polo, Swimming, and Playing the Flute

Major: Criminology

College: Gonzaga University

Ketia4Kidz Golf Outing Pictures!

2011-05-05T03:03:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the photos from the 1st Annual Ketia4Kidz Golf Outing!

Click -> HERE <-

Ketia4Kidz Golf Outing Recap & Thanks!

2011-04-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I'm so thankful for everyone that came out and supported the Ketia4Kidz Golf Outing at Mirror Lake Golf Club last month! It was a huge success, and we raised awareness and increased our funding for more events this year! I know our military children will benefit because of all of you!

Many thanks to all of you that helped make this possible!

Volunteers

LaQuita Peters
Nikki Templeton
Kris Templeton
Warren Pettis
Lenora Johnson
Barbara Turner
Shannon Bacon
Liz Nichols
Darlene Grayland
Jennifer Hanson
Chris Barnes
Victor Swanier
Rosie Swanier
Levi Terry

Sponsors

Olive Tree
Gabes
Accel Physical Therapy
Express Fitness
Outback
Wilson Air Conditioning SVC
West End Automotive
Dependable Tire Company
Lumpy Jones
Educational Dynamix
Volvo Rent
Publix
Walmart
Sons Honda
Haralson Spinal Clinic
Mike (Jordan's)
David L. Hollowell Foundation
Paradise Auto Spa

Special Thanks to our "Hole-in-One" Sponsors

Liberty Chevrolet
Mini of South Atlanta
PGA Superstore

Wins In Our Sights - So Is Home!

2011-03-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Watsup guys! April is almost here and I will be headed back to the US of A very shortly! I am super excited to see my family and friends. The closer it gets the more anxious I get - causing me to not get as much sleep as I should sometimes. I can't help myself!   My father tells me to stay focused and don't smell the barn too soon. I think I can see the barn but I don't smell it quite yet!

My team finished the second half of the season undefeated with a fourth place seed. We were the only team in the Polish league to go undefeated during the regular season in 2011. In January we lost to Rivas in our last Euroleague game. After the game our coach told us we wouldn't lose another game this season. (knock on wood)    Two weekends ago we kicked butt and won the Polish Cup.
We are currently in the first round of playoffs playing against the fifth seed team, Lider Pruszk. The team to advance in the first round has to win a series best out of three. (the team that wins two games first) We played the first game on Thursday at home barely pulling out a win. Our last three games as a team we have played more down than up. I think we have been a little fatigued. During this time of the year EVERYONE is tired. Who can overcome the mental part of the game as a team will be successful.   Every game recently, someone can't play due to injury. This has caused lineup changes causing us to figure out how to win in other ways as a team. I think we have shown resilience which is a great sign of a winning team when it counts in the long run. Our only five player went down in the first half of our last game. She is a major key to the puzzle of this team. We have no idea if she will be able to return for the remainder of the season. More adjustments have to be made and games to continued to be won!

During our Polish Cup, Coach George gave us an Eleanor Roosevelt quote, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." I'm just praying all of my teammates dreams are filled with beauty instead of ugliness.

Reminder: A little less than two weeks remains for the deadline of the scholarship applications!! Keep them coming in guys! I can't wait to read and review them!

til next time..............K4K

Ketia4Kidz Golf Outing!!

2011-01-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

Tales From Overseas...

2011-01-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hey World from the North Pole also known as Poland!

I am over this big body of ocean - a long ways from home trying to help my team succeed in getting better each week and reaching our goal of winning the Polish league championship. I play for Lotos Gydnia with Monica Wright (WNBA). Yesterday we played our final Euroleague game against Rivas Ecopolis. Rivas Ecopolis is located in Spain, and they have a very familiar American face to me, DeWanna Bonner (my Phoenix Mercury teammate). The best days overseas consist of seeing people from home you know and it was great seeing DB. It was not only my last Euroleague game of the season but my first as well. When I arrived to Poland there were already two Americans on the team and Euroleague only allows two Americans to play. We started off on fire and playing like we had played with one another for years. We were up 27-3 at one point. All that matters in basketball is the end result, Rivas ended up having more points than us when the fourth quarter buzzer went off. They drained three after three and we couldn’t stop them. Our coach told us we learn from our mistakes and he will sign his name on a contract stating that we wont lose another game like that for the rest of the season.

Time to continue to work!! Our next game isn’t until next Wednesday so stay tuned!

Taking basketball out of the equation, I like the location I’m in. The snow-weathered days are the least favorite of mines. My mom is out visiting for a few weeks. Her great company helps the days move by swiftly. I am so appreciative of her taking the time to come out to visit and spend time with me. It means the world to me. I will miss her so much when she leaves.

Don’t forget to click on my news tab for information on my military scholarship! You, someone you know, or someone you know may know someone who is qualified!!

…… til next time

K4K

Ketia Kronicles - MLK Jr. Day

2011-01-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

The Adrian & Corena Swanier Scholarship Application Available NOW!

2011-01-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

It's been awhile, but I wanted to let you all know that I'm back to updating my blog and my site. You'll see more news coming soon!

Life has been busy for me, especially now that I'm playing over in Poland (new blog coming soon), but it's been a blessing! The biggest blessing of the new year is that you can NOW download and apply for the Ketia4Kidz "Adrian & Corena Swanier Scholarship"! This is a dream come true for me, my family, and the foundation, and I'm glad that this day has finally arrived.

For more information on the scholarship, please check out:

Adrian & Corena Swanier Scholarship

I'll be in touch! Look for the next Ketia Kronicles Newsletter on Monday! I'll be talking about the scholarship, playing in Poland, and more!

Take care everyone!

Ketia

Scholarship News: Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship!!!

2010-10-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ketia Supporting Military Children

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to let you guys know that we are officially launching the Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship in honor of my grandparents! I'm sooooo excited about this, and I'm so happy that my foundation (Ketia4Kidz) is growing! Check out the details below, but I will be adding an application to my website VERY soon! Thanks for the support, and thanks to everyone that came out to my first basketball camp last weekend in Columbus, GA!

Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship

The Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship was established in 2010 to recognize the contributions and provide educational assistance for our Military Children. This program will award five (5) $1000 Scholarships for use towards a four year degree, vocational, or technical certificate.

Only dependent unmarried children under age 21 (23 if enrolled as a full time student) of active duty personnel, and retired military members, or survivors of deceased members, may apply for a scholarship. You must be enrolled or planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.

Applicants must be enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the fall term of 2011. All applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 basis) to be eligible to apply. The minimum GPA requirement applies to both high school and college students. Students will also need to provide a 2 page essay about their experience as a military brat. Students attending a community, vocational, technical or junior college must be enrolled in a program of studies designed to allow the student to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applicants who receive an appointment to one of the U.S. Military Academies (or affiliated preparatory schools) or are awarded a full scholarship at any accredited

U.S.

post-secondary institution of higher education are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees, and other related expenses.

Application and Deadline coming soon!

Swan Song - Phoenix Mercury Video

2010-09-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Check it out!!! Swan Song

Phoenix Mercury President/GM Ann Meyers-Drysdale!

2010-09-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ann Meyers Drysdale
General Manager and President, Phoenix Mercury
Vice President, Phoenix Suns

One of the true pioneers in women’s basketball, Hall of Famer and award-winning broadcaster Ann Meyers Drysdale is completing her fourth season as General Manager of the two-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury (2009,2007). Meyers Drysdale was named the third General Manager in Mercury history on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 and added the title of president in late June of this season.

Enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. as a player in 1993, Meyers Drysdale’s basketball resume spans over four decades after becoming the first high school player ever to make a United States National Team in 1974.

As an amateur, Meyers Drysdale was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship from UCLA. The UCLA basketball legend was a four-time Kodak All-American, the first male or female to achieve that honor. Upon graduation, Meyers Drysdale held 12 of 13 school records and led the Bruins to a national championship in 1978. Meyers Drysdale, who was the first female to be named to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and had her jersey No. 15 retired, also competed in volleyball and won a national championship in track in 1975.

An outstanding all-around player, the 5-9, 140-pound guard represented the United States in the 1976 Olympics, 1975 and ’79 Pan American Games and the 1975 and ’79 World Championships. She earned a silver medal as part of the first women’s US Olympic Basketball team at the Montreal Games in 1976.

Meyers Drysdale remains the only female ever to sign a free-agent contract with an NBA team when she signed with the Indiana Pacers in 1979. After being released by the Pacers, she provided color commentary for Pacers broadcasts and was the first woman to broadcast an NBA game.

The first player drafted in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL) in 1978, Meyers Drysdale resumed her playing career for the New Jersey Gems, where she was named MVP after leading the league in steals and averaging 22.2 points. She also took home the title as one of only two women to win the ABC Sports Superstars competition three years in a row from 1981 – 1983 and was the only woman to participate in the men’s competition.

Most recently, Meyers Drysdale has established herself as an expert analyst on ESPN, NBC, ABC, FOX Sports and CBS and has done commentary for men’s and women’s basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball and baseball since 1979. Meyers Drysdale’s illustrious broadcasting resume includes the 1984, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics as well as a stint as a broadcaster for the 1988-89 Loyola Marymount men’s basketball team, coached by former Mercury Head Coach Paul Westhead and featuring Mercury Head Coach Corey Gaines, a guard on the team. Meyers Drysdale is also a frequent contributor to WNBA.com. Her incredible sports journalism contributions were recently honored as the 2006 winner of the United States Sports Academy’s (USSA) Ronald Reagan Media Award, joining an elite group of winners that includes Howard Cosell, Bob Costas, Keith Jackson, Frank Deford and Rupert Murdoch.

In her role of General Manager, Meyers Drysdale is in charge of all basketball operations, including player procurement, scheduling, and management of the league’s salary cap.

Meyers Drysdale has five sisters and five brothers, including brother Dave Meyers, who also played college basketball at UCLA, under legendary coach John Wooden and won two NCAA Championships with teammate Bill Walton. He played five seasons (1975-80) for the Milwaukee Bucks after being one of four players traded from the Los Angeles Lakers for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.

In 1986, she married former Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale and took the name Ann Meyers Drysdale. It was the first time that a married couple was members of their respective sports’ Hall of Fame. The Southern Californian native and Drysdale, who passed away in 1993, have three children together: sons Don Jr. (D.J.) and Darren, and daughter Drew.

A Great Experience - Ketia4Kidz Family Night

2010-07-16T07:14:00.001-07:00

On June 29, 2010 I got my first opportunity to host an amazing family during my road trip to Atlanta, Ga. The Bower Family consists of Darlene (mother), Courtney (17), Dustin (13), and their deployed husband/stepfather SSG Bower who has been deployed to Iraq for 4-5 months. Darlene got in a serious car accident back in February of this year and sustained severe injuries. My goal was to get them away from home and just have some time to enjoy themselves, take their minds off everything going on and have a fun night.

It was their first WNBA game ever. Unfortunately we lost a close game to the Atlanta Dream but the Bower family was able to take my mind off of the L. We went to dinner after the game to the Sundial Restaurant located in the Westin hotel. It is on the highest floor of the hotel, rotating 360 degrees giving you an amazing view of the city of Atlanta. My parents also joined us for dinner. We took pictures and enjoyed the evening.

I took time over the 4th of July weekend to think about how grateful we are. I hope everyone appreciates how much freedom they have being an American. I would like to thank all the veterans and active military soldiers now for allowing us to have freedom. People don’t know what these individuals and their families go through on a daily basis. I would challenge anyone to TRY and walk a day in their shoes. GREAT LUCK is what I would say. Thank You veterans and active soldiers!

I’m looking forward to doing even more with veterans and their families, especially the youth. I’m hoping to talk to our First Lady – Michelle Obama – on Monday when we visit the White House for winning the WNBA Championship last year. She’s been doing an amazing job with the military families, and I want to find a way to do even more and be involved with her efforts! I’ll keep you posted!

Thanks everyone!!! Have a great weekend!!

June Ketia Kronicles!!!

2010-06-09T06:39:00.001-07:00

The First Lady Supporting All of Us!!!

2010-06-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article about our First Lady supporting our military families!!! View it HERE!

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Ketia4Kidz Foundation and myself, I'd like to wish all of the Armed Forces, their families, and those that support a very happy Memorial Day! Without all of you, we would not have the safety and respect from everyone around the world. I am thankful for having your support, and I'm glad to be able to find a way to support you and the work that you do on our behalf.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

2nd Annual K4K Basketball Classic & Clinic

2010-05-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Straight to the Point Gala - Update

2010-05-11T11:36:00.001-07:00

What's up everybody?!!

Let me get Straight to the Point - pun intended. We're looking to invite all of Phoenix to join us (my teammate Temeka Johnson) THIS THURSDAY for a great night of foundation fun! We'll have food, drinks, presentations, dedications, signed items, give-aways and my teammates! Even some of the other Phoenix athletes!

Everything goes to charity! Don't miss this! Tickets sold only online here!

See you all there!!!!!!!

Ketia

Straight to the Point Gala

2010-05-06T06:49:00.001-07:00

WNBA World Champions Temeka Johnson & Ketia Swanier Join Forces for their 1st Annual Straight to the Point Gala for Charity

WHO:

WNBA World Champion Phoenix Mercury PGs Temeka Johnson & Ketia Swanier, HOPE Foundation, Ketia4Kidz Foundation & Fuzion Cares

WHAT:

1st annual Straight to the Point Gala to benefit the HOPE Foundation (Temeka Johnson) and Ketia4Kidz Foundation (Ketia Swanier)

WHEN:

Thursday, May 13th

WHERE:

The Clarendon Hotel – Rooftop – Phoenix, AZ

TIME:

6:30PM – 10PM

MORE:

Join the Champions as they spend a night celebrating their foundation successes, highlighting key programs and events for the Arizona community, and raising funds for ongoing community opportunities. The night will be filled with surprise guests (members of the Arizona Cardinals, Mercury teammates and more), music, food, drinks, give-aways, dedications and a special silent auction of signed memorabilia. This unique affair is highlighted by attendees wearing elegant attire accompanied by their favorite pair of sneakers! All proceeds from the event (tickets and auction) will be split evenly between both foundations. Tickets are available for $100 (tax-deductible) at www.FuzionCares.org. Media passes are available – contact Fuzion Athlete Management.

ABOUT:

Heaven Opens People’s Eyes (H.O.P.E.) –Temeka Johnson’s Foundation
www.MeeksHOPE.org

Ketia4Kidz Foundation – Ketia Swanier’s Foundation
www.Ketia4Kidz.org

CONTACT:

Fuzion Athlete Management
773-359-3417 (office)
Quency@FuzionAM.com

# # #

Ketia Kronicles - Month of the Military Child

2010-04-09T03:12:00.000-07:00

We All Scream For Ice Cream!!!

2010-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

This past weekend the Ketia4Kidz Foundation hosted an ice cream social at Ft. Benning, GA for 3rd Brigade/3rd Infantry Division families. 3rd Infantry is located on Kelly Hill at Ft. Benning. My father was a member of the 3rd Infantry when he and my mother were stationed at Ft. Benning. In 2003 he was deployed to Iraq and took part of the initial ground war. He was deployed for a year and half and I only got the chance to speak with him once every blue moon. The news was my map of my father. There once came a time when I honestly did not know if I would be able to hug my father ever again. Basketball became my outlet. God, my mother, school, and basketball were my priorities and they helped pass the time, keeping my mind off my father.

Both my mother and father were able to attend the event. My mom was definitely my backbone during my father’s deployment. Not once did I ever see her cry or be down in those tough times. She stayed strong and I thank her for that. She made sure I did well in school. Being a 1SG she was in charge of numerous soldiers working more than nine hour shifts a day. On the weekends she would drive me back and forth to Atlanta for AAU practices and tournaments. She was there when I got my drivers license. I didn’t realize it then but it was a huge help that I could get myself back and forth to school. She is truly my number one hero. I hope parents take advantage of her and ask her questions about how she made it through and managed to raise a calm respectful teenager. She deserves a lot of the credit. Thank you Mom, because I definitely don’t tell you enough!

This event really hit home for me because my family and I were once in these families actual shoes. I wanted to do something that would bring us all together where we could enjoy ourselves and conduct an event that would allow the families to take their minds off of loved ones deployed. The event touched not only the kids but the parents as well. I had tons of fun bringing joy to the kids and seeing them with huge smiles and ice cream smeared all over their faces.

……K4K

Ketia4Kidz Ice Cream Party!!!

2010-03-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Quency Phillips
Fuzion Athlete Management
Quency@FuzionMG.com

Ketia4Kidz Foundation & WNBA Champion Ketia Swanier Hosts Fort Benning Ice Cream Party for the Kidz of the 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division
ATLANTA – March 2, 2010 – Phoenix Mercury WNBA Champion, Ketia Swanier, continues her off-season work in the community, as she hosts an Ice Cream Party for the kidz of the deployed 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division (currently in Iraq) in Fort Benning, Ga. The WNBA Champion will take time from her off-season training to treat the kidz to ice cream, as well as sign autographs and spend time discussing how she transitioned from military brat to WNBA champion.

“I know what it’s like to have parents deployed, and Fort Benning is already a special place to me,” said Swanier. “It will be nice to go back and see how the kidz are doing, since I last saw them after the season. I’m looking forward to a fun time, and giving the kidz – and their parents – another reason to smile.”

This is another event in a series of off-season programs for the Ketia4Kidz Foundation. In April, the foundation will hold its 2nd annual basketball classic at Fort Hood, TX, with more events being launched throughout the year. Over NBA All-Star Weekend, the foundation joined with Champions4Champions to put on a special basketball clinic for the children of Ft. Hood. The event was a resounding success, with more events being planned in the near future.

Ketia4Kidz Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to provide tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured active duty military service members of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Foundation will provide enrichment activities and tutoring that nurture and sustain the children during the time a parent[s] is away in service to our country. Please check www.Ketia4Kidz.org for more details. Please contact Fuzion Athlete Management at Info@FuzionAM.com or at 773.359.3417 for information related to the event.

Ketia Kronicles - March Newsletter

2010-03-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

2010 NBA All-Star Weekend

2010-02-24T04:54:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!!

I wanted to drop you all a quick blog to let you know how well the clinic went during All Star Weekend at Ft. Hood, TX. I got the opportunity to team up with a group called C4C. Champions 4 Champions is a group of legendary NBA players and volunteers who travel globally to support our military troops and their families by bringing them entertainment and fun activities. On February 18 we held a free basketball clinic for children from the ages of 6-16. I got the opportunity to share my experience of what it was like for me growing up in a military household with two parents serving our country to the children.

My main focus was letting them know how important it is to receive an education no matter what their goals in life are, and the importance of respecting their parents and teachers because they are the ones that want them to succeed and are there everyday to support them. I interacted with the kids as they did basic mini drills, signed autographs, and took pictures.

D-Trained (www.dtrained.com) showed his support for the Ketia4Kidz Foundation and provided the kids training and healthy eating information. I got a chance to meet a victim, Sgt. Alonso Lunsford, who survived the Ft. Hood tragedy in November 09 after being shot multiple times. He used to coach women’s basketball in North Carolina before the war. It was truly an honor and a blessing for Sgt. Lunsford to stop by and share some knowledge with myself and the kids. I was able to get my other UConn family, Rip Hamilton (with a nice assist from Ben Gordon), to send Sgt Lunsford an autographed jersey (pics coming later) as well for the event.

During the clinic, I did a radio interview with the legendary Sam Jones who use to play basketball for the Boston Celtics. His show that day reached over 325,000 people! He is one of the top 50 greatest NBA players of all time. Such an honor!!

Everything went well and I am excited to go back to Ft. Hood in the next few months for the 2nd Annual Ketia4Kidz basketball tournament. The kids and parents were awesome. My goal is to touch at least one child’s life and I hope they received something positive out of it.

Til next time…….K4K

All-Star Weekend and More!!!

2010-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

It’s been awhile since I have reached out - and does Ketia4Kidz have some exciting things in store!! I encourage you all to spread the word and stay updated on the website! I personally have set a few goals for myself in twenty-ten.

I am back home training for the rest of this off-season. Not only am I around loved ones, but more importantly I’ll be able to really work on my game and improve from last season. When you’re at the top everyone wants to knock you down so you have to work that much harder to stay up there! I also get a chance to really focus on my foundation work and boy are things opening up!

The next big event Ketia4Kidz will be hosting is a basketball clinic at Ft. Hood, TX on February 13, 2010 during NBA All-Star weekend. Temeka Johnson and Sylvia Fowles will be joining via skype due to overseas priorities. DTrained will be there to help with the clinic, as well as the help of volunteers and WNBA staff. The Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury have pledged support, and Chicago Sky staff members will help throughout the clinic. Ben Gordon and Michael Lewis will also be in attendance. Click on events at ketia4kidz.org for more info.

All the support we have received for this event is amazing. There are so many I can’t even name them all so I thank EVERYONE who has showed their support for this event! It won’t be able to be as successful as it will be without you all!

I'll also be on the Host Committee for a special Haiti Benefit Gala with Samuel Dalembert on Friday, February 12th! It's for a great cause, so if you want to help out or learn more, check out Sam's site www.DalembertFoundation.org for more information.

On another note my favorite NFL team, New Orleans Saints, are going to Miami….yeah buddy!! Wish them luck! Even if you are a Colts fan . Who Dat!

Talk to you soon….

K4K

NBA All-Star Weekend at Ft. Hood!!!

2010-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Quency Phillips
Fuzion Athlete Management
Quency@FuzionMG.com

Ketia4Kidz Foundation Hosts Fort Hood NBA All-Star Weekend Event
with WNBA/NBA Friends and FAM

ATLANTA – January 22, 2010 – Phoenix Mercury WNBA Champion, Ketia Swanier, continues to hit the mark in the community by hosting a free basketball clinic and extravaganza for the children on Fort Hood military base. Ms. Swanier has joined forces with WNBA friends, – Temeka Johnson (Phoenix Mercury) and Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) – NBA friends, sponsors and more to pass on their knowledge of basketball, as well as visit with the children, wounded military veterans, and more during the 3-hour event.

“NBA All-Star Weekend is a global stage and it’s important to show our support and appreciation for the troops,” said Swanier. “This is something small, in the grand scheme of things. But with the recent happenings at Ft. Hood, as well as with what’s going on in Haiti and across the world, it’s important to show that we can all come together to make a positive change.”

Temeka Johnson and Sylvia Fowles are both overseas (France and Russia, respectively), but will join the event via Skype to greet the children, and perform a Q&A for everyone in attendance. Temeka Johnson’s HOPE Foundation is also a partner in this event, where Ms. Johnson will be providing give-aways to the kids, as well as bringing in the support of Nike to this event. Sylvia Fowles will launch her foundation later this year, which will support children dealing with epilepsy. Members of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky organization will also be joining in to provide support for the event. Elite trainer, DTRAINED, will facilitate the basketball clinic alongside the players, other WNBA personnel and volunteers.

“I am proud of my athletes for being so willing to come together in complete solidarity,” said Quency Phillips, CEO of Fuzion Athlete Management. “Ms. Swanier, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Fowles will continue to demonstrate the amazing things that they can accomplish off of the WNBA court. Each player is dedicated to supporting our youth, their community, and leaving a legacy that far outweighs their success on the basketball court.”

A list of NBA players joining the event will be announced soon. More news will be reported in the coming weeks, as sponsors are still being solidified for the event. Please check www.Ketia4Kidz.org and www.FuzionCares.org for more details. Sponsorships are still available. Please contact Fuzion Athlete Management at Info@FuzionAM.com or at 773.359.3417 for information related to the event and sponsorship.

The Ketia Kronicles Newsletter

2010-01-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

NEW Ketia Kronicles!! Click to enlarge!!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope your holidays were as memorable and enjoyable as mine! I spent Christmas in Maryland with my boyfriend’s family. As always, they treated me like one of their own and I never encounter anything less than fun when I’m spending time with him and his family.

On the 29th of December, Ketia4Kidz held its' Second Annual Fish Fry fundraiser in my father’s hometown, Pass Christian, Mississippi where I spent most of my childhood life. One reason I love this event is because I’m able to see family members that I don’t get to see on a regular basis. They are my foundation and largest support group behind my parents. They are a huge part of my success thus far. Thank you family for your continued support!

The Fish Fry was a success in my eyes. It continues to grow every year, and this year we reached more people. The event is typically scheduled from 11AM-3PM, and we have people from all over the area (and businesses) coming out to enjoy good food and a good time. I saw a lot of my family, and the Army came out to support us. I look forward to building a stronger relationship with the Army in 2010. We have some great work to do together for military children. If you are ever in the area during the event I encourage you to grab a fishplate or two because the fish tastes amazing! We will be sure to post pictures soon!

A homecoming gala was added this year as a part of the event. The gala began late in the evening. It included a raffle, giveaways, and silent auction. This is one of the ways that we raise funds for the programs that my foundation serves. Whether it's a basketball camp, an autograph signing, the Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Fund, or give-aways, the fundraiser represents a worthy cause. Even better, individuals do not have to be present to participate in the raffle or giveaways, so more people get involved with this fundraiser. Our silent auction was one of the highlights of the night. We auctioned off signed items from some of my WNBA Champion teammates, and even a signed football from this year's New Orleans' Saints! That was the biggest item. For those of you that weren't able to be there, no worries, we have an online auction coming up through Twitter and Facebook with some more great items.

Next year's planning has already started with IP Biloxi Casino wanting to help out even more next year with the gala, so I can't wait to see how much better 2010's event will be! Stay updated on Ketia4kidz.org. Just click on events to learn more!

My FAM 3D, DJ Dow Jones, Brandon and J. Bracy held it down at the homecoming gala performing for everyone who came out. I strongly encourage everyone to check these guys out when they perform in a city near you!! Thank you guys for showing love and support!! I also want to thank former New Orleans Saints' All-Pro Mike Lewis for coming out and showing his support as well! He's the big brother in FAM, and he's doing some amazing things in the community, and helping other

Happy New Year to all again. Thanks to all who support me! Much love,

K4K…..

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

Wanted to quickly say Happy New Year to all of you! This decade will be a dream come true! Stay tuned for our release of Ketia Kronicles print edition!!! I'm so excited about everything that is going on. Ketia4Kidz.org!!!

Be safe everybody!!

Ketia

Let the Countdown Begin!!

2009-12-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone did you guys miss me?

I know it has been two weeks too long! My time in Turkey is getting short as Christmas break arrives in two weeks. I am sssooo excited to get home to see my family and loved ones. These past two weeks have been a little bit of a struggle for me. I’ve been fighting off not only a cold, but homesickness as well. My parents have been my biggest supporters throughout my entire life. I’m used to seeing them at least once a month. Overseas prevents that from happening and its taken a little bit of a toll on me. I continue to take it day by day and thank the Lord for blessing me with the opportunities that He has given me. ARMY brats are use to being thrown into a fire and adapting, because they persevere through tough situations. My parents got deployed back to back on a consistent basis in my adolescent and teenage years. Being put in these positions made me have a strong backbone. I had no choice. I tell myself everyday that it could be a lot worse.

On a another note our overall record is 4-3. We lost to Instanbul University and won this past weekend over Kocaeli. We definitely still have room to grow overall as a team; we just have to make it happen. We have a huge game this weekend against Fenerbahce, the number one team in the league. Hopefully our coach prepares us well.

I will end this blog with words from Mr. Rev Run: “Its not what the situation is, it’s what we make of the situation.”

Until next time… help me countdown my days until I land in America! 14 and counting...

K4K

Slam Magazine: Dedicated to Their Profession

2009-12-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

Dedicated to Their Profession
Even the champs have little time to enjoy their success.

by Ben York

The 2009 WNBA year was irrefutably one of the greatest seasons in the WNBA’s short history. With the amount of talent, athleticism, and supreme competition that was featured on a daily basis the league gained a form of admiration and reverence that was long overdue. But perhaps more importantly, it led to an increase in overall awareness regarding the extraordinary lives these athletes lead and a perfect example of what true hard work and devotion is; something these remarkable ladies don’t get an adequate amount of praise for.

The year was capped off with what is being called the best WNBA Finals series ever between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever. Storming out of the gates with one of the finest individual games you’ll ever see, Game 1 of the Finals created a buzz and excitement about women’s basketball that was unprecedented. Fortunately, this continued throughout the rest of the series with the Phoenix Mercury coming out on top in Game 5. With record-setting TV ratings and in-game attendance, the 2009 WNBA Finals provided a platform to showcase an amazing product that is still not being fully appreciated.

“This season was so amazing that I couldn’t even began to put it in words because I’m afraid I would leave out an important part,” Mercury center Tangela Smith said. “Every time I think back to that last second with the buzzer going off, all the confetti, and the song ‘We Are the Champions’ blasting in U.S. Airways Center it bring chills down my spine.” It truly was a magical scene; the players finally feeling fulfilled after a long, arduous season, the release of emotions, and the realization of attaining the pinnacle of sports achievements.

“This year my theme has been ‘expect the unexpected’ and so far it has been that,” Mercury guard Temeka Johnson said. “I couldn’t have painted this picture any better, and to win it all with the group of women I was among topped everything. This championship season was something very special.”

The emotions that Tangela and Temeka speak of are very real, and very humbling. It truly does become difficult to articulate that euphoric moment. For a brief second in time, the Mercury could celebrate and bask in the glory of coming out on top of what has been called the greatest WNBA Finals series of all-time.

Unfortunately, the window of time to reflect and enjoy that success for the Phoenix Mercury was far too small.

For players in the WNBA, the salaries they receive during the season aren’t quite enough to sustain themselves and their families throughout the year. Surprised? Some players make less than an elementary school teacher. With a collective salary cap hovering around $800,000 total per team, the 11 women are forced to look for financial opportunities elsewhere. During the past few decades, the most popular alternative has been heading overseas to play professionally during the WNBA off-season. And while this has been a blessing for these ladies and provided a viable means of supplementing their income in order to adequately provide for their families, there is an enormous toll it takes on the body both physically and mentally.

“I really don’t think many people understand what these ladies go through,” said Mercury head coach Corey Gaines. “They play all year long. In Europe, they practice twice a day all year. They’ll wake up and head to their first practice in the morning, do some sprints and conditioning, then head home for a short break, and come back for a full practice in the afternoon. This is all year long! A lot of them head overseas just hours or a couple days after the WNBA season ends. I remember my first year coaching the Mercury in 2007 we got Diana [Taurasi] and Cappie [Pondexter] back the day before our first game – and it’s not like they are just coming back from New York or something, they’re coming all the way from Russia. On top of that, we played our first game on national television and it was the debut of Candace Parker. But you know what? To Cappie and Diana’s credit they came out and played their butts off, they came out balling. Plus, Diana was sick and not feeling well. Truthfully, I don’t know many men that could handle it.”

Gaines has been around all facets of the game since high school. He played at UCLA and Loyola Marymount in college, had a stint in the NBA for several years, and played professionally in Europe for a long while. Gaines says the amount of time that these women put in is unbelievable, and makes for a challenge in terms of coaching. “It’s a fine line,” Gaines said when asked how much basketball is too much. “If you add the European season onto the WNBA season it’s an incredible amount of basketball. Sometimes the Olympics or World Championships are even in there. It’s tough. You want your players to play during the off-season but you also want them to have a break. It might not necessarily be a break from basketball all together but you want some of their stresses to subside after a long season, whether it’s in the WNBA or in Europe. But at the same time I understand the financial part of it and the financial need. Plus, most of our [Mercury] players are playing in the Championships overseas so it adds that much more basketball. Like I said, it’s a fine line and the amazing part to me is that they do this for years at a time. I really don’t know a lot of men that would be able to handle it.”

Even more remarkable, is that their courageous sacrifices aren’t being talked about. WNBA players simply accept this as part of their lives and don’t make a big deal out of it. The vast majority of players have a humbleness inside them and feel extremely fortunate even to have the opportunity to play overseas. Not only does it speak to the incomparable work ethic of these ladies, but also to their immense love of the sport.

“To be honest, when you still have that burning desire for the game and the love for it is still strong in you, there is no such thing as too much basketball,” Temeka Johnson said. “You are thrilled to be able to what you love to do, continue to entertain those that love to watch you play, and the passion and desire of getting better drives you even more.”

For some players, the amount of basketball played year round is not even something they think about. It’s almost second nature. Their love trumps any and all of the negatives that playing so much can have on your mind and body. “For me, I’m in love with basketball,” Mercury All-Star Cappie Pondexter said. “It can never be too much for me. This is a sport I was born to do and so I cherish every moment I have with it.”

There is a true sense of appreciation and thankfulness that these women have received from playing basketball. “If you really love something I think there is never too much of it,” Mercury guard Ketia Swanier said. “So, until basketball breaks my heart, there is never too much of it.”

At the same time, balancing their love of basketball with their personal lives and families who are hundreds of miles away for half the year can become increasingly difficult, especially for veterans. Tangela Smith has played in the WNBA for 12 years and understands the impact it can have on one’s life more than most.

“This year I was able to take a one and a half month break, but most of my other teammates were not as fortunate,” Tangela said. “They had to go overseas right after we won the championship and that’s what I have done for 11 years out of my 12-year career. It’s very hard and it really takes a toll on your body but I love the game so much that it’s all very much worth it to me. You have to really take care of your body and stay as healthy as you can because that will definitely keep you in the league for a very long time. The traveling is difficult as well because not only are you traveling within the country you are playing but if your on a team that plays in some kind of Euro-league or Cup you would have to travel to other countries as well. Sometimes you are all alone and you are playing with a team full of women who don’t speak English and sometimes even the coach doesn’t. Nowadays it’s better because you can have more than one or two Americans on the same team and more English is spoken. But, like I said before it’s so worth it if you are very passionate about playing and the good definitely outweighs the bad.”

Being gone for several months makes the time you do have with family that much more meaningful. “It’s hard to head overseas when you only have ten days to divide over what loved ones you will visit and getting everything prepared to leave America,” Ketia Swanier said. “I always feel like there is never enough time to spend with my family but basketball is what I’m committed to do and love doing it.” It’s certainly not surprising that staying in touch with friends and family is next to impossible when spending multiple months of every year in a foreign country. Relationships can quickly fade and if there is a family emergency, a car ride or flight isn’t a viable option for the majority of the time. On the other hand, WNBA players and their families have accepted that it comes with the territory. “The hardest part about leaving is the amount of down time you have and you don’t get to enjoy family, friends, and being at home,” Cappie Pondexter said. “It’s the hardest thing to do but at the same time we have to because it’s our livelihood.”

From a coaching perspective, it also becomes tricky to maintain cohesion with your team while they are overseas. Unlike in the NBA where contact can come easily with a quick flight or phone call, many of a coach’s players are hundreds of miles away in various foreign countries. “I stay busy, that’s for sure,” Corey Gaines said. “It’s another fine line. The players need their privacy but at the same time you can’t go months without talking to your team or knowing what’s going on. That’s one of the reasons I make sure I visit as many players as I can when they are overseas. We stay in touch with texting and phones but seeing them face to face is better than a phone call. It also provides an opportunity to see other players up close in practices and games where you wouldn’t get that chance otherwise. So although it’s challenging it helps with the relationship when we can connect overseas as well.”

When the players do return to American to play in the WNBA season, a lot of people aren’t aware that they just finished a grueling European season maybe just a few hours before. They come back to America and are expected to head into another training camp and be mentally prepared for the increasingly competitive WNBA schedule. For WNBA coaches, the key philosophy is balance. “Doug Collins said that the game is now 80 percent percent managing and 20 percent Xs and Os and I believe that,” Gaines said. “Look at the greatest coaches in the game – Phil, Popovich – they manage their team the best. They know their players the best. With the way we (Mercury) play it’s tough because we want the team to be in running shape but you also realize you don’t want to burn them out. Paul Westhead and I never believed in running as a punishment so we like to get the players in shape while playing and going hard. Again, it’s a fine line.”

While the trials and tribulations that WNBA face can be exceedingly difficult, many are pointing to 2009 as a turning point for the league. The appreciation of what the players do all year and the sacrifices they make are beginning to be known. Is the WNBA finally hitting the mainstream? “I hope so,” Corey Gaines said. “It looks that way if you go by the numbers. More people watched on TV and more attended the games; it was sold out in the Finals. When we won in Detroit in 2007 that game actually wasn’t sold out. Hopefully the attention will carry over next year. I’m hoping it does.”

Regardless if it carries over or not, it’s about time these ladies get the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they make and for their dedication to basketball. Quite simply, it’s unprecedented in professional sports – and should be honored.

Hardwork & Preparation...

2009-11-23T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Last week we lost to Mersin and bounced back strong earning a win against Ceyhan this weekend.

“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”

During those six long practice days the team made adjustments to prepare for Ceyhan. Unlike past weeks, this particular week we took a day to review Ceyhan’s plays and how we would guard them. Preparation and hardwork are keys to success. Our preparation and hardwork payed off this week. Winning was the only thing on our minds. We came out the gates powerful and never looked back. We pushed the lead to 20 in the second quarter but Ceyhan would not fall. They made a great fight back cutting the lead to about 4. After halftime we continued to throw punches that connected and Ceyhan began to tumble. The final score was 84-62.

On a side note right before the third quarter began the power went out in the gym. The weather was nice outside, no rain or thunderstorms were the reason to cause the interruption. While the power was getting fixed both teams were shooting to stay warm. Eventually the power turned back on and the lights came back on. Each team went back to their benches thinking the second half will start. Nope, not at all. The power cut off again!! It took another ten minutes for everything to work properly for our game to continue. Only in Turkey!!

Today we are back at work to continue our win streak vs Instanbul University on Saturday. A twin of one of my teammates, Roneeka Hodges, plays for Instanbul University. I’m excited to see them go head to head. It will be fun to watch but even more fun to continue our win streak! Wish us luck! Hooah!!!

Until next week…..K4K

Long Week Ahead..

2009-11-16T16:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey Hey!

Sorry to start you guys with bad news, but we lost this past weekend to Mersin. It was a tough game but unfortunately we couldn’t pull it out. We were down most of the first half - managing to make a run in the second quarter and tie the game up going into halftime. The second half Mersin was just too much for us and kept a double digit lead for pretty much the remainder of the game. We have a whole week until we can redeem ourselves on Sunday vs Ceyhan. That’s one of the disadvantages of playing one game a week. When you lose you’re ready to take anybody out to get back on that win streak. Instead of playing again soon, I’m on a six day wait list. On a good note practice, practice, practice makes better right?!

Sunday was an off day for the team so Chante and I decided to get away from Tarsus and hangout with Barbara and some of her teammates in Mersin (25 minute drive) after the game. Sunday we traveled to Adana (25 minute drive) to watch two teams in our league. I wish there was more time to get out and about, because it helps time move swiftly.

Since I started with bad news I’m going to end with great news. The Ketia4Kidz 2nd Annual Hometown Fundraiser on December 29th is getting closer and closer. Rap artist 3D will be making an appearance - shout out to FAM! Big things and a great future is all in store for the foundation so please stay tuned!

Until next week…..K4K

Happy Veteran's Day Mom & Dad!

2009-11-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Mom & Dad!!

I just wanted to wish you both a very Happy Happy Veteran's Day!! You two are my heroes! I think there should be more than one day to honor you all. People don't understand what you all have gone through. You guys should feel like heroes; the way you've served your country and worked hard to protect people's loved ones. May God bless you all!

I wish there were more people with hearts and backbones as strong as you guys. Much love from Tarsus Turkey. See you in 6 weeks!! Take this day out for yourselves and do something special - you guys deserve it!

Love,

Ketia

News From Turkey!

2009-11-09T12:15:00.001-08:00

First, let me start by saying that the new K4K website has finally launched with a new look, upgraded features for people to know what’s happening in my life, and updates for upcoming K4K news and events. I hope you all love the new website as much as I do! Email me at ketia4kidz@yahoo.com for feedback……

Since winning the WNBA championship, I’ve been in Turkey. It’s been almost three weeks now, but I’m learning my way around. I play for a club out of Tarsus, Turkey with Americans Roneeka Hodges (Minnesota Lynx) and Chante Black (Connecticut Sun). The weather here is amazing. If I closed my eyes outside I almost thought I was back in Phoenix. ALMOST.  I live in a building with all of my teammates except for one. A dorm would be the best comparison of our living conditions except each room has their own bathrooms and living areas. In some ways it’s cool, because we all can hang out and learn more about each other.

As for the team, we are 2-1 recording our last win on Friday. After losing our first game, we’ve gotten things back on track with 2 good wins. It’s different from the WNBA, but I’m working hard to get better for next season. We have this weekend off and go back to work Monday afternoon. My roommate Chante and I have just been hanging out enjoying this time to ourselves. We play Mersin next Saturday against one of my former college and professional teammates, Barbara Turner. It will be the first time ever we will be enemies on the court. Stay tuned next week for the results and how life in Turkey is going…

You can keep up more with me on Facebook (Ketia Swanier) and Twitter (@MarieGAPeach11)!

Until next week… K4K

Sports Illustrated for Kids!!

2009-11-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Slam Magazine: Commemorating Altruism

2009-11-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

Commemorating Altruism
For the WNBA, community is key.

by Ben York

Unarguably, the WNBA and its players set the quintessential standard in terms of professional athletes genuinely having a noble penchant to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

It’s not even debatable.

Now, before I get hate mail from devout fans of other professional leagues, let me state that I respect and admire those athletes who do make a profound effort and emphasis on giving back. But if we’re honest with ourselves, collectively it’s certainly not close to what could be done with the amount of money that floats around the “big 4” – NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL.

That’s why the WNBA gets the crown; they do more with less.

It’s no secret that WNBA players’ salaries are considerably less than other professional athletes; much less. The salary cap for WNBA teams in 2009 was $803,000. For comparisons sake, Kevin Garnett made about $300,000 a game for the Celtics in ’08-09 (about $25 million for the entire year). Thus, Garnett made more money in three games than the combined salaries of any WNBA team (11 players) for the entire 2009 season. This isn’t a knock on Garnett, not by any means (he does a lot in the community with his Foundation); it’s merely an illustration of the disparity in pay between the WNBA and NBA.

In spite of this, the vast majority of WNBA players continually make an unwavering priority to give back to the community; not because their absurd salaries forced them to or for tax benefits, but because they each have an indelible zeal for improving the world around them and because it’s the right thing to do.

If you’re thinking that I’m questioning the authenticity of some professional athletes in terms of their Foundations and personal focus on improving the community, well, you’d be correct. In fact, I very much question the genuineness of many athletes when they make an appearance at a Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters ,etc. and this comes from a first-hand perspective. I’ve worked for many years in both the non-profit world and the sports world and have been around a multitude of professional athletes and celebrities who unquestionably were forced to make an appearance somewhere or write a check with the sole purpose of enhancing their public image. And while, ultimately, the organizations still get funding and exposure, there simply is a different feeling and impact that is created when it comes from a sincere place. The fact remains, however, that we undoubtedly hear more about those events than any of the countless accomplishments in the community by WNBA athletes.

I, for one, think it’s about time we recognize, acknowledge, and honor what is being done in the community by WNBA players and the WNBA Cares program. WNBA Cares focuses on programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, breast health awareness, youth and family development, and education as well as team-sponsored community events. There are a countless number of players and team representatives that have volunteered their time and money for these special community events.

However, here are descriptions of several of the more notable non-profit organizations that have been developed by individual WNBA players. I encourage you to browse their Foundation’s website and get involved!

Kudos to the tireless efforts of these women.

Temeka Johnson, H.O.P.E. (Heaven Opens People’s Eyes)

Meek’s HOPE is active in the community in a number of ways and has made a key decision to help underprivileged children find hope and better their lives. She offers the Jewel Johnson Teacher Scholarship, in honor of her grandmother, to deserving students from Louisiana or attending Louisiana institutions. In addition, Meek’s HOPE has adopted schools to help with projects, mentoring, and fundraising. HOPE also sponsors area youth to receive personal hygiene makeovers for girls and boys, works with local schools and agencies to identify organizational needs, and hosts “A Very Meek Christmas” for local youth where HOPE and Temeka take them on a Christmas shopping spree.

Ketia Swanier – Ketia4Kidz

Ketia4Kidz provides support to the children of deployed and severely injured active duty military service members of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It also provides enrichment activities and tutoring to children while their parent(s) are away in service.

Tamika Catchings – Catch the Stars

Tamika’s mission is to motivate at-risk youth in the Indianapolis area to achieve their dreams and goals by providing positive academic and sports related programs. Largely centered on academics, the foundation also focuses on sportsmanship, healthier lifestyles, mentoring, and basketball/fitness clinics.

Swin Cash – Cash for Kids

Swin developed the Cash for Kids program to assist youth agencies and schools both inside and outside of the classroom in the areas of Arts & Culture, Youth Development, and Athletics.

Candice Wiggins – The Candice Wiggins Foundation Fund

The Candice Wiggins Foundation Fund honors the legacy of Alan Wiggins in its dedication to growing awareness, dialogue and funds to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Ruth Riley – NothingButNets

Ruth is a major player in this movement. Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Ruth has also been awarded the WNBA Community Assist Award for her dedication to community outreach initiatives related to youth health and wellness - particularly in her work for Nothing But Nets.

Betty Lennox – The Lennox Foundation 22

Betty Lennox’s Foundation centers around supporting kids in all communities that battle with the horrors of neglect and abuse. The money raised by The Lennox Foundation 22 will assist different shelters and homes to enrich their programs and educational needs for their communities.

Tamika Raymond – Thames River Family Programs, NothingButNets

Tamika worked with the Thames River Family Programs (TRFP), a transitional home for women and their children. In addition to her work with TRFP, Tamika was a regular participant and avid supporter of WNBA Cares events and causes, including Nothing But Nets and several visits to local schools, youth organizations, and fan events during the year.

Dawn Staley – Dawn Staley Foundation

The foundation’s mission is to create a future of hope for at-risk youth by providing opportunities that help them realize their dreams and become productive and responsible citizens. The creation and support of educational and sports programs which challenge minds, build character, and help youth to develop to their fullest potential academically, socially and physically are the essence of the foundation.

Swanier Giving Back After Reaching Her Dream

2009-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

By SHAWN SKILLMAN | Sports Anchor
Published: October 14, 2009

Columbus, GA - She is used to flying, she is used to being alone, and now she needs to get used to be called a champion. It took Ketia Swanier just two WNBA seasons, but she finally earned a championship after working for one her entier basketball life.

“After letting it sink in after a couple of days now, it makes you think about growing up playing AAU basketball and everyones dream is to win a championship,“ Swanier said. “Columbus High, making it to the finals and losing. Going to college having a rollercoaster ride out there (UConn) I got better each year, and made it to the Final Four my senior year, losing, even though we should have won. Going to the next level, then getting cut, picked up by Phoenix, I mean it has been amazing.“

Landing in Phoenix was a dream come true, they had thought about trading for her while she was with the Sun during her rookie year. She was drafted with the #12 overall pick in 2008 to Connecticut but was cut, and picked up by the Mercury. She won the Big East Sixth Man Of The Year award her senior season in college and is the only player in school history to rank among the top 10 career leaders in games played (142), assists (479) and steals (247).

She began setting the scoreboards on fire at Columbus High averaging 23.2 points, 8.5 steals, 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds as a junior while leading Columbus High to a 23-5 record. She was named the 2004 Georgia AAAA Player of the Year.
She knows the highs, and the lows, but stayed positive throughout. “It’s been a lot of adversity but being a military child you learn you have to adapt to different changes,“ Swanier said.

And that military background is the reason for her Ketia 4 Kids Foundation which gives support to children from military families. “I am trying to be an advocate for these kids and make everyone aware of the challenges for these children,“ Swanier said. “I was in a single parent home for seven years as my dad was deploying, coming back home, and then my mom deploying, it was tough. But I got through it because my parents were great, and I worked hard.“

Swanier is not staying in Columbus long, she is catching a flight to play basketball in Turkey. But she will be coming home, she and the rest of the Mercury, will visit President Obama at The White House.

WNBA Champion!

2009-10-13T03:20:00.000-07:00

On October 9, 2009, Ketia Swanier and the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever for the 2009 WNBA Championship. A proven winner, Ketia now adds WNBA champion to her impressive resume. The former Georgia AAAA Player of the Year and UCONN standout, played a key role throughout the season and playoffs, backing up Temeka Johnson at the PG position. Having started the season with the Connecticut Sun, Ms. Swanier quickly adapted to the new uptempo pace of the Phoenix Mercury providing quickness, defensive pressure and leadership for the Mercury.

This season was a dream-come-true for the 2nd year player out of UCONN. Players such as Temeka Johnson and Diana Taurasi spoke throughout the season about the spark that Ketia provided off of the bench. Ms. Swanier credited Temeka Johnson for making the transition easier in the new system and on a new team. The future is promising for the guard, as she will be asked to perform at an even higher level for the Mercury, while pressing the defense with her penetration and improved jump shot.

Ms. Swanier will be heading to Turkey shortly to continue her basketball season. Prior to her departure, she will make a few appearances on behalf of her foundation - Ketia4Kidz - starting with a school visit at Dexter Elementary School in Ft. Benning on October 14th. The foundation will also honor Ketia, by hosting a Championship Dinner at Olive Tree Restaurant on Sunday, October 18th. Ketia will be on-hand to meet with sponsors, donors, family and friends, as well as raise awareness and funding for the foundation.

For more information, please contact Ketia4Kidz at Ketia4Kidz@yahoo.com. For media requests and interviews please contact Quency Phillips (Quency@FuzionAM.com).

Education Resource Center

2009-07-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

# Admiral Mike Boorda Scholarship Program — Up to $2000 awarded each year to varied number of undergraduate students in Navy/Marine Corps active duty.
# Agron Seal Scholarship — $1000 awarded each year to 1 undergraduate student who is Active Navy SEAL, Spouse or dependent.
# Air Force ROTC College Scholarship — $9000 to $15000 awarded each year to 2000-4000 ROTC undergraduates.
# Air Space Education Foundation Spouse Scholarship — $1000 awarded each year to 30 undergraduate or graduate students who are spouses of active duty Air Force members.
# American Legacy Scholarship — $26000 awarded each year to undergraduate students who are children of active duty US military and Guard.
# Army ROTC Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program — $5000 to $16000 awarded each year to 180-250 ROTC freshmen and sophomore undergraduate students.
# Dolphin Scholarships — $3000 awarded each year to 25-30 undergraduate students who are US Navy submarine active or retired.
# Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) Chapter 30 — $37224 awarded each year to varied number of undergraduate students who are veterans.
# Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve) — Up to $10692 awarded each year to varied number of undergraduate students who are Reservists.
# Scholarships for Military Children — $1500 to 500 awarded each year to undergraduate students who are dependents of military personnel.

# Home Front America
# Military Family Scholarships
# Vice Admiral E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program
# Dependents of Deceased Service Members Scholarship Program
# USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Scholarship Fund
# Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
# Anchor Scholarship Foundation
# National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Application Form
# Sarah Klenke Memorial Teaching Scholarship (14 kb .pdf) for graduating seniors interested in majoring in Education.
# Military Officers Association of America Scholarship 2005
# 2007-2008 MG James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Military Children
# The Student Guide 2004-2005 - a comprehensive resource on student financial aid covering the U.S. Department of Education’s major aid programs.
# U.S. Department of Education: Financial Aid - finding out about, and applying for, financial aid.
# The 82ND Airborne Division Association Washington, D.C. Chapter Scholarship
# National Eagle Scout Scholarships Scholarships are available to Eagle Scouts through the Cooke Scholarship Endowment, the Elks National Foundation, and the National Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund.”
# National Jewish Committee on Scouting Eagle Scout Scholarship National Jewish Committee on Scouting Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs The National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCS) will award a national scholarship to the Eagle Scout who best meets the qualifications outlined in the nomination application ( below ). Financial Need Applicants for the Vernon or Arkans scholarships must submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Instructions for Completing Application The applicant should type or print all information.
# VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program Rationale The VFW has entered into a cooperative effort with the Boy Scouts of America to encourage posts to organize Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews. To further this effort, the VFW national headquarters offers Wood Badge scholarships to assist selected chapter members in acquiring skills that will better equip them to serve the youth of their communities. Members at large and retirees can qualify by being sponsored by the nearest VFW post in.
# National Eagle Scout Scholarships Scholarships are available to Eagle Scouts through the Cooke Scholarship Endowment, the Elks National Foundation, and the National Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund.”.
# Scholarships Scholarships The following scholarships are available to Scouts: Lamar University College of Engineering Offers four-year scholarships (total value of $28,200) for Eagle Scouts majoring in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Thomas, Director of Recruiting And Cooperative Education, Lamar University. Phone: (409) 880-7870 or e-mail thomasjl@hal.lamar.edu The Boy Scouts of America http://www.scouting.org
# Federal Children’s Scholarship Handbook 2007 for children of federal employees and members of the military community.
# Federal Employee Education & Assistance (FEEA) Scholarship Program for dependents of civilian federal employees.
# Local European Scholarships & Contest Database on the Heidelberg Web Site

Despite challenges, military brats should aim high in game of life

2009-05-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

However challenging their lives might be, military brats should aim high, according to Ketia Swanier (pronounced swan-yea), who while growing up seldom had both of her parents at home. Ketia’s mother, Rosie, and her father, Cornell, both were Army First Sergeants. Ketia now plays for the Women’s National Basketball Association. She visited Fort Hood, Texas on Thursday and Friday with Keela Carr to speak with military brats at Smith Middle School and a meet and greet at the Clear Creek Main Exchange and Saturday for her 1st annual basketball classic at Bronco Youth Center.

While she was going to school at Fort Polk, La., and then at Fort Hood, one parent or the other was deployed, first to Bosnia, Saudi Arabia and then Iraq, she said.

Their absence didn’t stop Ketia from having a stellar career in basketball or from giving back to military children facing similar challenges today.

“I was born a military brat; so I experienced what these kids are going through…a lot more people are being deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan so I feel like it’s worse,” Ketia said, before the basketball tournament sponsored by her non-pofit organization, the Ketia4Kidz Foundation (www.ketia4kidz.org), and the Child, Youth and School Services.

After playing point guard for the University of Connecticut from 2004 to 2008 (she graduated the year before they swept everyone to win the women’s basketball NCAA title), she became a first-round draft pick in the WNBA, where she plays for the Connecticut Sun.

The mission of Ketia4Kidz is “to motivate children of active-duty military personnel to achieve their dreams and goals by promoting excellence in academics and sports related programs,” according to its Web site.

“I just wanted to give back to the military kids and show them as an example they can do anything they put their minds to do,” Ketia said.

Despite their frequent absence, her parents motivated her most. Both were with her Saturday.

Rosie’s message for parents was, “As a mom, always be there to support them and push them. Never tell them they can’t do it. Always encourage them…”

Her mother said Ketia began playing basketball at Fort Polk, when she was six years old. That year they were stationed at Fort Hood, where they remained until Ketia was nine.

“Hood was good;” Rosie said. “I enjoyed the community because it was so much of a Family-oriented thing.”

Just five-feet six-inches tall, Ketia didn’t let her size stop her, either.

“Being small, you’re quick; that’s a big strength so I try to use that to my advantage,” she said.

Her advice to children now is, “Stay in school; make good grades. No matter what happens you’ll have that knowledge. Nobody can take that away from you.”

After leaving Fort Hood, Ketia will get ready for the Sun’s training camp May 17. She also looks forward to working more with Keela Carr, who also accompanied her Saturday.

After walking last summer from Barstow, Ca., to Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath was placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Carr founded the 1,000 Thanks organization.

“The primary message has always been to show gratitude for veterans and to support troops,” Carr said.

On Memorial Day she will repeat her journey, visiting veterans hospitals and military installations from Barstow to Arlington. This time, she’ll have a team that includes a trainer and three drivers.

Again, she’ll miss Fort Hood.

“That’s another reason I wanted to come with Ketia today,” she added.

Carr, an athletic trainer who lives in Central Florida, met Ketia through a friend.

The difference between their organizations, she said, is, “With Ketia4Kidz we focus on the children of military Families. A lot of the time we focus on the grownups and leave the kids by the wayside.

“So, partnering with Ketia,” she added, “I’ll be letting the kids know they have a resource, supporting them.”

The classic included games between players representing the Copperas Cove Crusaders and military kids of the Ellison High School Scorpions, comprised of junior varsity and varsity teams from both schools.

After leading 23-11 at halftime, the Scorpions JV team lost in overtime, 43-38.

Coach Lonzo Cobaris blamed the Scorpions’ loss on “No teamwork. We had a big lead and gave it up because it was all about me; they didn’t play together as a team.

Crusaders coach Ken Hagger attributed the win to “A little pep talk (at halftime) and hustle. The guys just pulled it out. We changed over to a man-to-man (defense) and that pressure made the difference.”

Between the JV and varsity basketball games, a three-point shooting contest and dunking contest were held. Romando Garcia, a Copperas Cove high school student, hit six of 12 attempts to win the three-point shoot out. Nagee Adams, a Copperas Cove sophomore won the slam dunk contest. In the varsity game, the Scorpions led 31-17 at halftime and won 59-38.

Ketia4Kidz Help Future Leaders Experience Their Dreams

2009-02-14T03:31:00.000-08:00

Ketia Swanier visited Faith Middle School in Fort Benning, Georgia today to present 15 students of the National Junior Honor Society a $1,000 check to help them fulfill their dreams. In April, they will embark on a three-day journey to Washington D.C. to experience and to explore the city where our nation’s leadership resides and works. The 15 selected students have demonstrated scholarship with their grades, excellence with their character and a willingness to serve their school and community. These students have also been selected to represent Faith Middle School in the ongoing partnership announced by Ketia on January 12, 2009 with Pass Christian Middle School of Pass Christian, Mississippi. The selected students from each school will share their challenges with each other via technology, particularly what it is like to have parents frequently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The selected students from Pass Christian Middle School will have the opportunity to share their experiences of living through Hurricane Katrina.

In addition, the Ketia4Kidz Foundation purchased and gifted Toastmaster International leadership kits and will provide lunch for 15 selected youths of the Fort Benning Youth Services Program. The Youth Services Program will host a Teen Leadership Course for eight weeks beginning April 4, 2009. The course will help the youths become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The selected youth participants will practice and learn public speaking skills by filling a role in a mock meeting, ranging from giving a prepared or an impromptu speech to serving as a grammarian.

Inspiration for the New Year: Leighton Parker, 11, celebrates through giving

2009-01-14T03:51:00.000-08:00

Leighton Parker of Lagrange, Georgia recently celebrated turning 11 in a big way, but not with ponies, helicopter rides, or even a trip to Chuck E. Cheese.

Upon learning more about the Ketia 4 Kidz Foundation and its goals to help military children in need,

Leighton made a decision during her party planning that was anything but typical of a young lady her age.

She asked her party guests to donate to the Ketia4Kidz Foundation instead of bringing her gifts. When asked why she decided to support Ketia4Kidz instead of receiving new toys and clothes for her birthday, she responded, “My desire to help military kids was an honor and a very unselfish act.”

Not only was Leighton thrilled and enthused to contribute to Ketia 4 Kidz’s causes, but so were her friends. She explained that her guests and friends “thought it was great” that she chose to collect donations and that they were excited as she was to contribute.

Thank you to Leighton Parker and her friends for their generous contributions. Their act of pure generosity and selflessness is a shining example for all of us as we begin the New Year, and we are grateful for their dedication to and interest in Ketia 4 Kidz.

Columbus High’s Swanier returns to retire jersey

2008-12-06T03:37:00.000-08:00

Before Ketia Swanier played her first game for Connecticut, her AAU coach Mike Green told reporters she was a “wizard with the ball.”

Before she was chosen in the first round of the 2008 WNBA draft, former Orlando coach Carolyn Peck told ESPN that Swanier would be “added value to any team.”

But long before the media took any notice — when Swanier was in middle school — former Columbus High coach Ashley Powell said she saw those same things in the young point guard.

“I saw her play in eighth grade, and I knew I wanted to coach her at Columbus,” Powell said.

“Just watching her, I knew she was a smart, talented player and she would do good things on the court.”

Swanier started four years at Columbus under Powell, leading the Blue Devils to the 2004 state title game before going on to play for UConn and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.

In November, Swanier signed with Rybnik, a team based out of Rybnik, Poland, in the country’s PLKK league.

Swanier is taking a break from pro basketball this week, traveling more than 5,000 miles back to Columbus, where the Blue Devils will retire her No. 21 jersey today before the start of a game against Hardaway.

“It’s always a big accomplishment to have your jersey retired,” Swanier said. “I’ve been trying to find time to do it the last couple years, and I’m very glad it’s finally worked out to where I can come back and do it.”

Play with the boys

Swanier was more than just the best player on the girls team during her tenure at Columbus High. She may have been the best player period, Columbus boys coach Larry Ferrell said.

“I really wish she could have played with the boys team,” Ferrell said. “She was good enough, and I could have used her.”

Swanier made a habit out of warming up against the boys, according to Powell, and typically had something to teach everyone on the court.

Once the game started, her ball-handling skills and shooting were only outshined by her ability to make it from baseline to baseline in seconds.

“Ketia would grab a rebound and then be down the court before anyone else on either team,” Powell said. “She was just so fast it was hard to stop her.”

Swanier led the Blue Devils through the state playoffs and into the 2004 finals against St. Pius. There, Swanier fouled out in the final minutes, and the Blue Devils watched their thin lead evaporate in a heartbreaking loss. The previous November, Swanier had signed with UConn, so she knew her playing days were not over yet.

Powell said there was little doubt among anyone who saw Swanier play that the point guard would go on to the next level.

“Coaches would sit around and say, ‘Where do you think she’s going to go to college,’ ” Powell said. “We never doubted she would play somewhere.”

Fans and coaches hardly were the only ones to notice her high school performances. Swanier was named the Georgia AAAA Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and made the all-state first-team roster 2002-04.

Connecticut Sun: Swanier reaches out to fellow ‘Army brats’

2008-12-04T03:41:00.000-08:00

By MATT STOUT
mstout@norwichbulletin.com
Posted Dec 04, 2008 @ 11:38 PM

Even now, when Ketia Swanier thinks back to her childhood, rarely both parents are involved. Grocery store trips in Europe with her mother. Getting ready for school as her father does her hair. Waiting for one to return home — then hoping the other doesn’t have to leave.

Bosnia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq weren’t places in the news for Swanier. She hoped to see them on the caller ID.

“I remember breaking down by myself because I didn’t really ever speak to my father” while he was deployed in Iraq, Swanier said. Her mother, Rosie, and father, Cornell, were both First Sergeants in the Army, now retired. “Two years. … I didn’t know if I would ever see my dad again. He was there when the war started.”

“It’s tough,” Cornell said. “And she understands that.”

The former UConn star is helping more people to.

Home now for three days to attend a ceremony at her alma mater, Columbus (Ga.) High School — which is retiring her No. 21 high school jersey — Swanier, who finished her first season with the Connecticut Sun in September, continues to promote her new foundation, Ketia 4 Kidz.

Launched in late August, the organization’s goal is “to motivate children of active duty military personnel to achieve their dreams and goals by promoting excellence in academics and sports related programs,” according to its mission statement.

Through fund-raisers and appearances, Swanier’s hope is to assist children in military installments with opportunities she didn’t have growing up on different bases and in different countries. More so, she wants to give them hope.

“I think the greatest thing about it is I’m a living example of it,” Swanier said by phone Thursday night. “I’m pretty sure being an Army brat now, or even having one parent, is really hard, harder than when I was because of the war going on. I just want to let these kids know that you can still do and achieve anything you want to do.

“People always say, ‘Support the troops, support the troops,’” she added. “Well, a lot of people forget about the children.”

Swanier’s organization is growing rapidly. She visited wounded soldiers and their families at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., in early November, and has joined Keela Carr and The Journey of a Thousand Thanks campaign, a walk across the country in support of the troops.

Spanning more than two-and-a-half months this May, Carr will trek from California to D.C., stopping at military installments to help promote both the National Veterans Homeless Support Organization and Ketia 4 Kidz.

“There will be an RV behind her and it will have my logo on the RV,” Swanier said. “If I definitely get a chance to meet up with her somewhere, I’m definitely going to do it.”

Carr first contacted Swanier through e-mail, a sign of her foundation’s growth. Since the Web site (ketia4kidz.org) launched last month, it’s received roughly 50,000 hits, her father said.

“In four days, she’s had almost 3,000,” added Cornell, one of approximately 10 family members and friends who help Ketia with the organization. In the spring, family members in Mississippi will hold a fund-raiser. “There are people out there who know about it.”

For the moment, Swanier hasn’t scheduled as many appearances as she would have liked. She’ll return to Poland after the weekend to continue starting for Rybnik, which also features WNBA players LaTangela Atkinson and Kasha Terry. She’ll likely be there until March or April in the same country her mother was stationed in while Ketia was 10 years old.

“You still have a limited number of channels,” Ketia joked. “I don’t remember a whole, whole lot but it was easier because I was with my parents. Now I’m on my own.”

But she’s working to ensure no Army brats are.

A Patriotic Partnership - Saying Thanks across Our Country - A Thousand Times Over - Believe in your dreams!

2008-12-02T03:46:00.000-08:00

On May 26, 2008 after months of planning what can only be described as a very grass roots event. I set out on foot on a 2,700 mile cross-country adventure departing from Ft. Irwin California and culminating near our nation’s Capitol on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

As I traveled, it was my privilege to meet, shake the hands of, and personally thank more than 1,000 veterans and individual members of our Armed Forces. In addition, I toured multiple military facilities across the country and had the honor of participating in a USO event at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.

At last, after 75 days of the greatest and most grueling adventure ever,

The Journey of a Thousand Thanks came to a quiet and triumphant end.

Now, with the first crossing ending in success, and bringing in more than 2000 media hits, funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and recognition and an award from the White Houses’ USA Freedom Corp office, the plans for 2009’s journey are well under way!

For 2009’s journey, we have partnered with the Ketia4Kidz Foundation and The National Veterans Homeless Support Organization as we cross the country to thank our troops, and proudly shine a light of support on the children of active duty military families as well as bring much needed assistance to many of our veterans who are in need.

With so many of our veterans, service personnel and their families in need of financial assistance and the staunch support and encouragement of their fellow countrymen, A Thousand Thanks, Ketia4Kidz and The National Veterans Homeless Support invites you to be apart of an event unlike any other as we salute the very best of our nation, one step at a time.

Our Route

The route will span some 2,000 plus miles with stops at military installations and some of the nation’s most beautiful cities.

We are hoping to stay visible and accessible, so that supporters across the country can not only follow us, but come out and join us as well.

Of course, we ask that you keep your eyes tuned to our official web site for any updates or changes to the route.

Our Team

A Thousand Thanks

A Thousand Thanks is the result of grand moment of inspiration and has become the catalyst project for bringing organizations and foundations together for a united cause.

A Thousand Thanks exists solely to inspire a spirit of service and gratitude from the American people to the American Service men and women.

Ketia4kidz Foundation

The Ketia4Kidz Foundation is the life long dream of Former UConn point guard and now professional basketball player for the WNBA Connecticut Sun, Ketia Swanier, a self-described “military brat” with national and international moves and both parents serving their country, Ms. Swanier knows very well the challenges that children of active duty families face. “I understand what these children are experiencing with us fighting two wars. Both of my parents deployed several times.”

It is this special knowledge that Ms. Swanier hopes to use as she and her foundation reach out to the children of our military. Ketia4Kidz will motivate these children to realize their dreams and achieve them through promoting excellence in academics and sports related programs.

National Veterans Homeless Support

The National Veterans Homeless Support is a labor of love for Vietnam veteran George Taylor. Mr. Taylor honorably served his country in the U.S Army’s 173rd Airborne Division. Over the last 20 years, Mr. Taylor has continued to serve his country as the executive director of the NVHS.org. Mr. Taylor and his organization have dedicated themselves to business of helping homeless veterans.

The NVHS has a network of social programs that include Post Traumatic Awareness and counseling, assistance with enrollment VA medical and mental services, as well as access to rehabilitation programs such as narcotics & alcoholics anonymous. It is Mr. Taylor’s mission to remind these men and women that they once wore the uniform of this great country.

The Mission

On May 26, 2009, I will again set out on foot acroos the country in a show of gratitude and support for those men and women who have worn, and those who still wear the uniform of this country.

From California to Our Nation’s Capitol, with stops at military installtions and cities along the way, I will walk to bring awarness to the challenges that our veterans and military children face .

Funds raised from this event will be donated to The National Veterans Homeless Support Organization and The Ketia4Kidz Foundation.

Get Involved

The Journey of a Thousand Thanks event is inviting corporations and foundations to become apart of this unique project through tax-deductable donations or sponsorship.

Sponsors will be recognized for their participation:

* With acknowledgement and a link on the official web site.
* National Exposure of company logo on event vehicle and apparel.
* In all press releases and correspondence with military installations

Individuals & Volunteers

We are very excited to welcome private citizens and those who would like to be involved as volunteers at our “event” cities to contact us info@athousandthanks.us with questions about how, when and where you can be involved.

Website : www.athousandthanks.us

Email: info@athousandthanks.us

Keela Carr: 404/663-6959

Website: www.ketia4kidz.org

Email: ketia4kidz@yahoo.com

Phone Number: 706-577-1731

“Fighting For Our Military Children”

2008-12-01T03:53:00.000-08:00

The day I met Ketia in person over ten years ago remains lucid: pigtails, walking on her tip-toes with an unusual gait, and a crooked right pinky as she appeared in the gym doors. It was a surreal moment for an eleven-year-old: my parents had been writing to our local congressional representatives for months on behalf of Ketia’s father, Cornell, who was hoping to receive his next assignment in Georgia after an extended tenure in Warzburg, Germany with the United States Army. He wanted his daughter to play basketball for my father and the organization with which I had become involved at a young age: the Georgia Magic. To quote my father and my second father, our coach Mike Green, “We knew she was something special that day.” The rest is history.

From the age of 11 to 18, I spent every summer in ill-ventilated middle school gymnasiums with Ketia and our teammates, sometimes three practices per weekend to optimize our time together and save our parents the headache of driving several hours during the week. She played a large role in leading our team to 7 consecutive Georgia State AAU Championships, 7 consecutive National Sweet 16 appearances, 1 national title, and 1 national runner-up.

We shared in these successes, but more importantly we shared in certain heartbreaks together. Ketia’s father was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq for multiple tours in the early stages of the United States’ Middle East conflicts. He missed game after game, national tournament after national tournament, and win after win during the crucial years of her career. Her mother, also a retired Army First Sergeant, spent ten months in Bosnia. Practically every year from sixth grade when I met her through high school, Ketia lived in a single-parent home or with relatives. Ketia continued to dream big despite the notable absence of her father and the stress his tours in Iraq inevitably created.

After a stellar career in high school where her jersey will be retired on December 5, four years as a student-athlete at the legendary University of Connecticut, and being selected as a first-round draft pick in the WNBA, Ketia has taken the initiative to support children in the same predicament that she long endured. In August, she officially formed the Ketia4Kidz Foundation to support and uplift the children of active duty military personnel through sports, education, and life skills programs. Within it first two months of operation, Ketia made appearances at Fort Benning, where her parents were stationed before their retirement, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. to greet wounded veterans and their families. She has recently partnered with A Thousand Thanks to raise awareness on a national level of the challenges facing military children. Despite her many commitments as a professional athlete, she has elected to spend so much of her spare time to fulfill a dream of her own through fulfilling the needs of others. I was never graced with Ketia’s skill, speed, or natural instinct on the basketball court. I am not a professional athlete; I am a banker! I was honored to share the floor with Ketia and she graciously expresses the same gratitude to me. As all of us well know, our veterans, active duty personnel and their children have made and continue to make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country. I am proud to support Ketia as she works to lessen this burden and uplift our military children.

Tiffany
Georgia

Swanier Has Military Kids In Mind

2008-11-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

By JOHN ALTAVILLA | The Hartford Courant

November 5, 2008

Connecticut Sun guard Ketia Swanier, who helped lead the UConn women
to the Final Four last season, is the only member of her WNBA team not playing basketball overseas. But she has a good reason for putting her career on hold.
Swanier has been using the time to fulfill a dream. And the pursuit of that will take her to Washington this weekend with her father, Cornell, a retired Army First Sergeant. The Swaniers will visit wounded soldiers and their families at Walter Reed Hospital, one of the first steps Ketia is taking to help establish her Ketia4kidz Foundation.
The daughter of a military family — both parents are retired from the Army — Swanier’s goal is simply expressed in the charity’s mission statement:

“To motivate children of active duty military personnel to achieve their dreams and goals by promoting excellence in academics and sports related programs. These programs will include reading, study skills, life skills, goal setting, sportsmanship as well as living healthier lifestyles.”

Swanier’s website, www.Ketia4kidz.org, is scheduled to be up soon. In the meantime, one of the Sun’s two first-round picks last season is beginning to make appearances to promote her charity. She will hold her first fundraiser Dec. 5 when her high school jersey will be retired by Columbus High (Ga.).

“My father was deployed to Iraq and Saudi Arabia,” Swanier said. “My mother [Rosie, also a retired Army First Sergeant] was sent to Bosnia for 10 months. Practically every year I spent from sixth grade through high school, I was in a single-family home because one of my parents was always somewhere in the world.

“I want to give the children of these families an example, encourage them to dream big and believe they can still accomplish things.”

The first beneficiary of the foundation will be Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., where Swanier’s parents were stationed before their retirement. Funds will be used to provide school supplies and tutoring, etiquette and life skills programs.

Swanier will resume her basketball career soon, although she doesn’t know where she will play.

“I’m just working on my shot right now,” Swanier said. “I go to the gym a few days a week. And I’m doing workouts to take care of my body. [Sun coach Mike] Thibault told us playing overseas was our own decision. He just told me what I should work on.”

Building A Foundation (Connecticut Sun News)

2008-10-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

Building A Foundation

Connecticut Sun guard Ketia Swanier doesn’t really need to explain why she is establishing the Ketia4kidz Foundation.

Her motivation is summed up in the mission statement:

To motivate children of active duty military personnel to achieve their dreams and goals by promoting excellence in academics and sports related programs. These programs will include reading, study skills, life skills, goal setting, sportsmanship as well as living healthier lifestyles.

As the daughter of two retired Army First Sergeants, Swanier has a special appreciation for the challenges faced by children with parents on active duty in the military.

“If you were to tell my story, throughout middle school and high school, five of those seven years, I was in a single parent home,” Swanier says. “One of my parents was deployed somewhere…I was still growing. I was just going to school and doing after-school activities. It probably was a stressful time on me, just because while I was over there, my mother was deployed to Bosnia for 10 months. And as soon as my mother got back, my father was deployed to Saudi Arabia. So it probably was stressful on me, but as a kid, I didn’t realize.”

She does now.

“Just all the things military kids go through…their parents leaving… all this stuff goes on and they’re effected by this, whether they know it or not,” Swanier explains. “I just want to give back, and let them know: dream big and you’ll be able to do what you want to do. Don’t give up. That’s the main thing.”

Swanier, who just completed her rookie season in the WNBA with the Sun after a stellar career at UConn, began to develop a serious passion for basketball while her parents – Cornell and Rosie – were stationed in Germany when she was in the fifth grade.

Her father conducted some on-line research and found an AAU team in Georgia, and Ketia was allowed to travel back to the United States to participate in tryouts. She made the squad, then spent the next few summers living with an uncle while competing for the Georgia Magic.

Looking back, Swanier realizes she was fortunate.

“A lot of kids, especially overseas, if you’re at that age, nobody really recruits from the military,” she says. “Because my parents were pretty pro-active getting me a program, I was able to do that.”

Swanier’s parents have also played an important role in starting her foundation, working though all of the paperwork and other requirements that accompany the establishment of a non-profit organization. Fundraisers have been planned, and a website (ketia4kidz.org) should be launched very soon.

The first beneficiary of the Ketia4kidz Foundation will be nearby Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, where Swanier’s parents were stationed before their retirement. Money generated in upcoming fundraisers will be used to provide school supplies, or to help fund tutoring, etiquette and life skills programs.

Eventually, the idea is to expand to other military installations while also broadening the range of support for children with active duty parents.

“One of the things I really want to do is have camps overseas,” says Swanier, who is well aware of the impact she can have on children. “A lot of young ladies are watching TV, and one day they want to play on that Final Four floor and go to the next level. Not a lot of people are able to accomplish that, and I just feel like it’s a blessing. Hard work does pay off.”