SAN ANTONIO – Nearly 3,000 USAA employees and volunteers gathered at the company’s San Antonio headquarters to support military families through a series of community service events, including the second annual Gold Star Gamers’ Cup.
The Gold Star Gamers’ Cup serves as a heartfelt tribute to Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one while serving in the U.S. military. This year, the event saw participation not only from USAA employees but also from public figures, including San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie. He actively engaged with participants during the esports tournament, even taking a turn at the controller to compete alongside Gold Star family members.
“It’s been great so far. USAA is great at this,” Champagnie expressed. “It’s great to just be here, be involved and just show up to the community.” His presence not only added a layer of excitement but also highlighted the importance of community involvement and support for military families.
The event is about more than just gaming; it fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. USAA’s commitment to honoring Gold Star families through this tournament is a key aspect of their corporate social responsibility efforts. This tournament is designed to recognize the sacrifices made by military families while offering a fun and engaging way for employees to show their support.
In addition to the esports tournament, USAA participated in Operation Homefront, a large-scale back-to-school volunteer initiative that benefits military families. This effort is particularly significant as it aims to ease the financial burden of back-to-school preparations.
“I’m a military brat, a veteran and a military spouse, so bringing opportunities like the Gold Star Gamers’ Cup and working with nonprofits that serve the military, like Operation Homefront, is really close to my heart,” said Glenda Oakley, corporate impact director at USAA. “It’s very important for us to serve the military community.” Her sentiments reflect the deep-rooted connection and commitment that many at USAA have to military families.
During the event, thousands of volunteers came together to pack approximately 7,400 backpacks filled with essential school supplies for military children in the San Antonio area and beyond. This initiative not only aims to support families as they prepare for the upcoming school year but also reinforces the community’s commitment to its military members.
The backpacks will be distributed to military children throughout the Alamo City, a region with a strong military presence due to several installations. Organizers emphasized the importance of this initiative in helping to alleviate back-to-school expenses and ensuring that students have the necessary tools for their education.
