City of San Antonio Military and Veteran Affairs Department

Our Department attended the O'Dark Thirty event this week featuring its "I CARE" All Star Eye Care for Veterans and their families, which addresses critical healthcare gaps for Veterans and their loved ones. This program ensures access to comprehensive eye care--medical, surgical and optical services for low income and homeless Veterans, as well as their immediate families. By easing the financial and emotional burdens tied to military separation, civilian transition and caregiving responsibilities, this initiative promotes healthcare equity for some of our nation's most vulnerable. Because when one person serves in the military, their whole family serves in the military, their whole family serves alongside them. The keynote speaker, Michael "Rod" Rodriguez (pictured here) is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation. He joined the Army in 1992 and became a Green Beret in 1997. After ten deployments, Rod was medically retired in 2013 due to combat injuries. His last role was as a Sniper Instructor at Fort Liberty, NC. In 2016, he joined the GWOT Memorial Foundation as a board member to help build a Memorial on the National Mall honoring those who served in America’s longest war. Rod also served on President George W. Bush’s Military Service Initiative Advisory Council and was featured in Bush’s book, Portraits of Courage. In 2021, he played a key role in evacuating U.S. allies from Afghanistan and continues to support their resettlement. An artist who works with metal, Rod advocates for the healing power of art. https://www.icare-sa.org/ I Care San Antonio

SPARC is a KBR program launched in 2023 to support critical neuroscience research taking place through donation to?the Department of Defense/Uniformed Services University Brain Tissue Repository (DoD/USU BTR). The SPARC program provides: Community outreach on brain donation Education to decedent next of kin on brain donation to the DoD/USU BTR Recovery services for donation Insights and analytics on donation activities ? DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository Mission: The U.S. Department of Defense established the DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository to collect, preserve and study brain specimens obtained from deceased Service Members and veterans to support research aimed at a better understanding of the long-term effects of military career on brain health. It is important to understand traumatic brain injury (TBI) among military Service Members, especially blast-TBI, and their overall goal is that results of research on these specimens will lead to better means for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the adverse effects of military service on brain health. ? DoD/USU Brain Donation Awareness Program: The purpose of the Brain Donation Awareness Program is to create a voluntary-based registry for those persons interested in brain donation while they are still living. It is open to anyone 18 and older, who has served in the military (Reserves, Active, Veteran), with or without TBI, PTSD, or any other co-existing disorders. https://lnkd.in/gV_QGyn2

!!!HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!! A Salute to Service San Antonio Zoo is proud to announce the upcoming addition of our third new train to our beloved fleet with a unique homage to our city’s deep military ties! Become part of this extraordinary train and create generational memories while supporting San Antonio Zoo. Honor a Service Member:?Celebrate the achievements of a loved one, or yourself, who has served or is currently serving in the military. Create a Lasting Memory:?Your plaque will be a permanent part of the train, seen by thousands of visitors to San Antonio Zoo. Support Wildlife Conservation:?All proceeds from plaque sales will support our mission to conserve wildlife and provide exceptional educational programs. ? Give the gift of honoring a loved one, pay tribute to a military career, or leave your own legacy with a naming opportunity on this train. Take advantage and secure your legacy today on this unique train! Name a Seat?with a $1,000 donation Name a Bench?with a $2,500 donation Name a Coach?with a $10,000 donation Each naming opportunity will be represented by a plaque on the train for the life of the train. Limited availability. https://lnkd.in/gVB6XaRu

On 8 November, our Department spent some time with one of our Military City USA ? partners, Long Tab Brewing Company. David Holland (pictured 2nd from right) is the founder and CEO of Long Tab and proudly brews the one and only Military City USA? beer. We would like to say THANK YOU to David for hosting us! David Holland completed 18D in 1991 and 180A twenty years later. He served in both the 20th and 19th SF, with a large majority of that time on one ODA team (Operational Detachment Alpha). David has deployments to Central and South America, Central Asia, and the Middle East including combat deployments to Afghanistan. He also attended several military schools including Sniper School and Jumpmaster while finally retiring in 2018. If you haven’t paid a visit to Long Tab Brewing in San Antonio Texas, you are really missing out on good beer and tasty food. The venue is also filled with plenty of history featuring military service members. Stop by and say hello to David! #militarycityusa #sanantonio #military #veterans Longtab Brewing Company

To all who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces, Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service to our Country.

Musical Bridges Around the World honors Veterans. I was priveledged to open last night’s 2nd concert of Musical Bridges Around the World’s 27th Season at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio. After honoring our Veterans and wishing the Marine Corps a happy 249th birthday, the packed house was treated by a performance that included the comedic genius and musical virtuosity of violinist Brad Repp and pianist Aldo Gentileschi. Their performances blended humor, pop culture, and exceptional musical talent. They were complimented by the extraordinary Italian soprano diva, Maria Luigia Borsi who has graced the world's most prestigious stages with her remarkable talent. It was an unforgettable evening. And yes, Marines do appreciate culture! Another reason to love Military City USA!?? #?? Military City USA?? #?? Military and Veteran Affairs Departament, City of San Antonio #?? Musical Bridges Around the World

Great seeing so many of our Veterans in the City show up!

Great seeing so many of our Veterans in the City show up!

The Military and Veteran Affairs Department was honored to be invited by Citibank-San Antonio to be the guest speaker at their Citi Salutes Veterans Day event. Mr. Tim Woliver (Lt Col, USAF, Ret) represented the department as the guest speaker. The event included music from the Air Force Band of the West, the UTSA Army ROTC Honor Guard, a presentation from K-9s For Warriors, and even a birthday cake cutting ceremony in honor of the United States Marine Corps' 249th birthday! Daniel Albarracin, Co-Chair of Citi Salutes-ERG -- job well done...wonderful event! #MilitaryCityUSA #Veterans #Military #CityofSanAntonio #Citi Citi

On 7 November, at Municipal Plaza City Chambers, we celebrated the United States Marine Corps Birthday and their 249 years of honor, courage, and commitment. The United States Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of strength and sacrifice since 1775, defending freedom with unwavering dedication. To all Marines, past and present, and their families—thank you for your service and resilience. Mayor Ron Nirenberg provided remarks, in front of City Council, to the Marine Corps during A Session and took part in the ceremonial cake cutting led by Lieutenant Colonel John P. Mullen with the Marines from the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Here's to 249 years of fierce loyalty, brotherhood, and patriotism. Semper Fidelis! https://lnkd.in/gjgzCr-G