Veterans Day reminds us of the extraordinary bravery and dedication of those who serve our country. In San Antonio, Military City, USA, that commitment is woven into the fabric of the community, from the historic grounds of the Alamo to the city’s many military bases. The Valero Alamo Bowl proudly honors veterans and their families, whose leadership, perseverance, and patriotism continue to inspire our city and the fans who come together each year to celebrate teamwork and service.
As a token of our gratitude, Bowl partners underwrite tickets for active-duty military and veterans to attend the game as our guests. We extend special thanks to our official military appreciation partner, USAA, and to other supporters of our military outreach, including Boeing, Bud Light, Cavender Auto Group, Gold’s Gym, Hero Hut, Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, San Antonio Area Chevy Dealers, and Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D.
In addition to honoring heroes on game day, the Valero Alamo Bowl supports military members, their families, and the broader community through a variety of programs. Each initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to honor those who serve, celebrate their sacrifices, and share the spirit of the Bowl with the men and women who protect our nation. The Valero Alamo Bowl’s other annual programs include:
USAA Military Spouse Scholarship
As the Official Military Appreciation Partner of the Valero Alamo Bowl, USAA annually provides a scholarship opportunity for military spouses stationed in or around San Antonio who are looking to further their education via degree programs, certification programs, technical training, or vocational schools.
The Valero Alamo Bowl selects one military spouse to receive a one-time $7,500 award. The recipient will be invited to the Valero Alamo Bowl Kickoff Luncheon Presented by USAA the day before the game and the Valero Alamo Bowl as an honored guest.
Nominate a Military Hero presented by The Boeing Company
In partnership with The Boeing Company, this year the Valero Alamo Bowl ran the Nominate a Military Hero campaign for the first time. Friends, family, and loved ones could submit the name of their active-duty or reserve military member or veteran to win a VIP package and the opportunity to participate in the unfurling of the American flag during the National Anthem. The Valero Alamo Bowl thanks Boeing for its generosity in providing an incredible experience for our servicemen and women, and joins them in celebrating their impact on San Antonio.
The purpose of the Wounded Warrior Project is to raise awareness and enlist public aid for injured service members. To reach their goal, the Wounded Warrior Project provides direct and unique programs and services to meet the needs of heroes who have been injured in action. We are grateful for the support of Anne and Steve Ballantyne and the Law Offices of William B. Kingman, PC in helping advance this mission. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Hero Hut Tailgate presented by Cavender Auto Group
Hero Hut is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to support and encourage veterans of all generations to discover a civilian life defined by service and surrounded by community. As a proud partner of the Valero Alamo Bowl, Hero Hut hosts hundreds of veterans, first responders, and their families at the annual Hero Hut Tailgate presented by Cavender Auto Group and proudly sponsors the Hero Hut Military & First Responder Club presented by Cavender Auto Group outside of Section 348. This year, the Hero Hut Tailgate presented by Cavender Auto Group will feature a flyover by “That’s All Brother”, the WWII plane that led the Normandy invasion, at 4 p.m. before the game. In addition, Hero Hut selected 120 local veterans to attend the Valero Alamo Bowl and help unfurl a field-sized American Flag during the pregame ceremonies. Representing each branch of the military, the selected brave men and women stand for those serving around the world and right here in San Antonio—Military City, USA.
Vet Tix provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. The Bowl joins them to support our troops by honoring their service and providing positive family and life experiences, during and after their years of service to our country.