As we continue our behind-the-scenes Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Mark Cason—a U.S. Navy veteran, longtime San Antonio resident, and one of the individuals who held the full-field American flag during the National Anthem at the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl.
Mark’s story begins with a strong foundation in service. “My father was an Air Force officer. He did 26 years from E-1 (entry-level enlisted rank) to O-4 (Major rank), and he did it during the 60s and 70s,” Mark said. “There was a lot of turmoil going on then, and most of that time we were overseas in Germany.” After moving to San Antonio as a teenager, he attended James Madison High School and developed a deep-rooted connection to the city he still calls home. “San Antonio just became the place for me.”
He eventually joined the Navy at nearly 35 years old. “Actually, I had my 35th birthday at Great Lakes at boot camp. [Governor George W. Bush] at the time had to write a letter to the Navy to get approval for me to graduate boot camp after 35.” Mark went on to serve 10 years, with his last duty station at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi—balancing his service with being a single father to three sons, all of whom would later serve in the military themselves.
In his current role with the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Veteran Leadership Program, Mark supports veterans across the San Antonio community. His volunteerism and outreach led to a special invitation to take part in the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl on-field flag ceremony.
“I had helped with Hero Hut and the pregame experience the year before,” he said. “When I started talking about it this year, [they] had mentioned that they were going to put it out for some veterans to do the flag… and then they asked me if I wanted to do it as well.”
Hero Hut, a nationwide non-profit that builds collaborative community spaces for military, veterans, first responders, and their families, has partnered with the Valero Alamo Bowl since 2022. Their efforts include a free tailgate on game day for veterans, first responders, and their families as well as an in-stadium military and first responder hospitality club. The Bowl welcomes thousands of service members each year, and prides itself on creating lifelong memories for San Antonio’s military community.
“Since the beginning, the partnership between Hero Hut and the Valero Alamo Bowl has grown in both reach and impact,” says HeroHut ambassador Victor Salazar. “Each year, the support from the Bowl has become more intentional and collaborative. They’ve made a real effort to elevate our mission by increasing visibility, offering more resources, and involving us in meaningful ways on game day and beyond. It’s gone from a simple presence to a full partnership, one rooted in shared values and a true desire to honor those who serve.”
Last year’s experience made a powerful impression on Cason. “When we did the walkthrough is when everybody first started understanding what it means to hold the American flag like that,” he said. “A lot of us are combat vets. A lot of us come from military backgrounds and families. But just that experience, it’s almost as big an experience as when you’re on deployment and you’re coming home… it’s just that overwhelming sense of pride, respect, and just being an American.”
For Mark, it was also about sharing the moment with his family. “I wear a cowboy hat a lot, so I had on my hat, and I ended up being right in the middle of the end zone, Colorado Buffaloes, right in front of the goalpost, and that was my spot. Everybody in my family from all over the United States could see exactly where I was at.” His grandchildren were thrilled. “They were calling me, G-Pop, G-Pop, we saw you on TV, we saw you holding the flag!”
Though he’s participated in other ceremonies, this one stood out. “I’ve done some other flags, but they were always 40 or 50-yard flags, not 100-yard flags… never with the flag like that. I didn’t have to speak or anything. All I had to do was just hold the flag, lead my guys out, and just be there. It was great.”
He also recognizes how the Bowl honors service members in a way that feels sincere. “When they recognize veterans here, it’s almost like, please stand, and then have a moment of silence, as well. Most places you just stand and do your veteran wave and do your clap with everybody else. But here, it’s like a solemn moment of respect.”
After the ceremony, Mark stayed to watch the game. Having attended several Valero Alamo Bowls over the years, he noted that every year the event gets better—and last year’s experience, even without the flag ceremony, would have been his favorite yet. “It’s way more than just a football game. It’s a holiday experience in San Antonio with America’s game,” he said. “You’ve got people from all over the country coming in, amazing weather, amazing culture, and you’re right downtown by the River Walk. It’s just bigger, better, best—never let it rest.” Mark’s story is a shining example of how the Valero Alamo Bowl brings together football, community, and patriotism in a way that’s uniquely San Antonio. Stay tuned for more stories from the people who help make the Valero Alamo Bowl such a memorable and meaningful event!
To read the entire interview transcript, please click here. Note: interview transcript has been edited for length and clarity.