US ARMY BROTHERHOOD OF TANKERS INC

The United States Army Brotherhood of Tankers (USABOT) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable veterans organization dedicated to preserving the proud legacy, history, and traditions of the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry community, while providing direct assistance and support to those who have served and those who continue to serve in the Armor branch. Founded by a small but passionate group of Tankers who understood the power of unity and remembrance, USABOT has evolved into a national brotherhood encompassing veterans, active-duty soldiers, reservists, National Guard members, and families from every generation of Armor service.
From the dusty fields of North Africa and the frozen forests of Europe to the sands of Iraq and the valleys of Afghanistan, Tankers have written history in steel and courage. USABOT exists to ensure those stories live on, that every generation of Armor soldiers knows they are part of something larger than themselves, and that no member of our brotherhood ever stands alone.
Mission Statement
USABOT’s mission is simple yet profound:
To preserve the history and traditions of the U.S. Army Armor Force, to unite Tankers across all eras, and to support soldiers, veterans, and their families through education, outreach, remembrance, and charitable aid.
Through programs rooted in brotherhood, honor, and tradition, USABOT ensures that the Armor community remains strong, visible, and connected both on and off the battlefield. Our motto, “Stay on the Tank,” reminds every member that the bond of Armor service never fades.
Who We Serve
USABOT proudly serves:
• U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry veterans of all eras World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan
• Active-duty Armor soldiers, Reserve, and National Guard members
• Gold Star families and surviving spouses
• Military dependents and students through scholarships and mentorship programs
• Partner organizations that share our mission of remembrance, education, and service
USABOT’s membership represents the entire lineage of the Armor Corps — from the early pioneers of mechanized warfare to today’s digital-age warriors commanding M1A2(SEP3) Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
Core Programs and Impact
1. Preservation and Education
At the heart of USABOT’s mission lies the commitment to preserve the history and heritage of the U.S. Army Armor Force. We partner with military museums, historical foundations, and educational institutions to document and share the stories of Armor soldiers through oral history projects, digital archives, and public exhibits.
Our members volunteer their time as historians, educators, and curators to support organizations such as the National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation and the Armor and Cavalry Museum at Fort Moore.
The Brigadier General Alvin F. Irzyk Memorial Scholarship Program
Education is a cornerstone of USABOT’s charitable outreach. The Irzyk Memorial Scholarship Program, named after a legendary World War II Armor commander, provides educational assistance to the children and dependents of Tankers and Armor veterans pursuing college, vocational, or graduate studies.
Funded through donations, sponsorships, and grant support, this program not only honors the legacy of a great leader but empowers the next generation of students to lead, innovate, and serve. Recipients of the Irzyk Scholarship represent the values of courage, resilience, and leadership that define every member of the Armor brotherhood.
3. Soldier and Veteran Support Initiatives
USABOT recognizes that service does not end with separation from the Army and neither does the responsibility to support those who have worn the black beret of the Armor branch. Through the Brotherhood Assistance Fund, USABOT provides emergency financial relief, connects veterans with local resources, and partners with organizations addressing mental health, homelessness, and reintegration challenges.
In addition, our members engage in holiday giving programs such as Toys For soldiers’ families, Adopt-a-Family, and Gold Star outreach, ensuring that veterans, families, and children facing hardship are not forgotten. These initiatives reflect the enduring Armor creed “One Team, One Fight.”
4. National and Regional Events
Each year, USABOT hosts the Annual Tankers Homecoming (ATHC) a multi-day national gathering that rotates among historic Armor sites including Fort Knox, Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Fort Stewart, and Washington, D.C. This event serves as both reunion and remembrance: a celebration of service, leadership, and sacrifice.
The Homecoming features museum tours, leadership panels, banquet dinners, memorial ceremonies, and social gatherings that strengthen the sense of belonging within the Armor family. During the event, the Brotherhood pays tribute at Arlington National Cemetery and recognizes outstanding Armor soldiers and supporters with medallions, certificates, and honorary awards.
USABOT also supports active-duty competitions such as the Sullivan Cup (Best Tank Crew) and Gainey Cup (Best Scout Crew), where our volunteers provide hydration stations, morale tents, and mentorship bridging generations of Tankers through shared experience and pride.
5. Community Partnerships and Collaboration
USABOT’s charitable success is built on partnerships with civic groups, veteran nonprofits, corporations, and local businesses. Working alongside sponsors such as Drip Drop Hydration, Soldier Fuel, Soldiers wish, Freedom Flag Monument and numerous regional partners, USABOT channels resources directly into programs that improve the lives of veterans and their families.
Our commitment to collaboration over competition ensures that smaller veteran nonprofits also benefit from shared grants, sponsorships, and awareness campaigns. Together, we amplify our collective impact ensuring that those who served are supported with dignity, opportunity, and compassion.
6. Digital Modernization and Historical Archive
To ensure the Armor legacy endures for generations, USABOT has developed a modern digital infrastructure. The organization’s redesigned website and forum connect members worldwide, allowing for interactive storytelling, educational resources, and historical preservation.
Our expanding online archive captures oral histories, unit rosters, and rare photographs that would otherwise fade into obscurity. USABOT’s digital outreach through social media, podcasts, and video interviews also bridges the gap between older veterans and younger soldiers strengthening the unity of the Armor family across time and technology.
Core Values
USABOT stands firmly on three enduring pillars:
1. Brotherhood – The bond among Tankers transcends rank, time, and distance. We are united by shared experiences and an unbreakable commitment to one another.
2. Honor – We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and accountability. We honor not only our fallen but also the living legacies who continue to inspire.
3. Tradition – We protect and pass forward the history, customs, and esprit de corps that define the Armor branch from Fiddler’s Green to the thunder of Abrams, Bradley tracks.
These values guide every action, decision, and initiative within USABOT.
Leadership and Governance
USABOT operates under the leadership of a National Commander, Executive Officers, and a Board of Directors, composed entirely of volunteers. Each brings decades of combined military experience, nonprofit governance, and professional expertise to ensure the organization’s accountability, transparency, and long-term success.
This all-volunteer structure ensures that the vast majority of resources directly fund programs that benefit soldiers, veterans, and their families, not administrative overhead. Board members also serve as ambassadors of the Brotherhood, seeking sponsorships, grants, and public engagement opportunities to advance USABOT’s mission nationwide.
Financial Stewardship and Accountability
As a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, USABOT adheres to strict standards of financial transparency, ethical fundraising, and responsible stewardship. Donations, sponsorships, and grants are carefully managed to ensure maximum impact for beneficiaries.
Annual financial reviews, open-board reporting, and donor recognition systems maintain confidence and trust. Every dollar donated to USABOT supports programs that educate, commemorate, or directly assist members of the Armor community. Our leadership views stewardship not merely as a fiduciary duty but as an extension of service to those who served.
Vision for the Future
USABOT’s long-term strategic vision focuses on expanding its national footprint and deepening its charitable reach. Goals include:
Establishing regional battalions and chapters to enhance local engagement and mentorship
• Building a scholarship endowment fund for sustainable educational support
• Launching a mobile Armor History Exhibition to bring the legacy of Tankers to schools, museums, and communities nationwide
• Strengthening alliances with Armor School leadership, ensuring today’s soldiers understand the lineage they inherit
USABOT’s ultimate vision is to become the premier Armor heritage and support organization in the United States, bridging the generations through unity, history, and purpose
Conclusion
The United States Army Brotherhood of Tankers is more than a veteran’s organization it is a living monument to courage, camaraderie, and service. Through education, remembrance, and compassion, USABOT keeps alive the stories of those who served and provides hope and opportunity for those who follow.
Every donation, every partnership, and every member helps strengthen the Armor Brotherhood, ensuring that the thunder of our tanks, the honor of our history, and the unity of our soldiers will echo for generations to come.