Visiting USAA Corporate Headquarters

Our last stop on the San Antonio run was a day long visit on the 29th at USAA Headquarters.  This complex is mind boggling!  Even if you straightened out the angle in The Pentagon, USAA HQ would still have more direct office space.  The campus itself is nestled on 290 acres of prime real estate that mimics a small city.  Well, with 21,000 employees on site, it's a bit more than a small city!  The grounds have tennis courts, fishing lakes, softball fields, a bank,  and a distinguished guest housing area.  I asked why they didn't have a golf course and they said they did but they needed the space for more buildings!  I promised to write down a comment for the suggestion box that they install a virtual golf room.

Our primary hosts for the day were members of the USAA-VFW Affinity team, lead by Mr Joe Torres out of their Phoenix office.  Many of you have met Joe at our national conventions.  VFW and USAA have just completed ten years of partnership in helping veterans and after this visit it was clear we all want another ten years. As a pointed showing of their interest in the VFW, the new CEO, Mr Wayne Peacock, and the Executive Vice President joined us for lunch to talk issues over an excellent meal.  When I say "new" CEO, he was officially taking that title the day after we had our lunch.  As an aside, I sat next to him at the Army-Navy game dinner a few weeks ago before he got the promotion.  Very nice man and I hope to meet him again.

After entering the park-like setting and getting our visitor badges [security is paramount] we started the tour.  They had a mock up of the facility and I think you will be able to see just how large this place is.  After parking in the next county and walking in, Mama and I can assure you it is a large facility.  Notice the pictures at the end and how the main walk areas and work areas on the multiple floors look like a shopping mall.  Rumor has it, our guide was GREAT, that the complex was built that way because shopping malls were all the rage and if the business failed they could sell it to any company interested in starting a mall.

We toured the center walkways quite a bit and the words integrity, honesty, excellence, and courage just resound from all of the exhibits.  When USAA tells you it cares about veterans and America you can believe it.  The walking tour was really something to see.  We then had separate briefings on different aspects of the business as well as a great inside look at their Audio Visual production facility.  It's not a kid with an 8mm projector!  The system they have rivals that of any network television station and they use that capability for their commercial work as well as in house training and messaging.  I was really enamored with the Cyber Security briefings.  Obviously I can't go into details but if you are a USAA member or thinking about becoming one, they have got you covered, hands down.  Their center rivaled anything I saw or worked on when I was an attorney working cyber projects for the Department of Defense.

At the end of the long day we met again to come together on our take-aways and plan a loose way ahead.  VFW is already tweaking our way of handling interaction with USAA and they are doing the same.  Yes, progress was made that quickly.  It's easy when both sides respect each other and want to get to yes in an efficient way.  USAA is the real deal and they are out there working for you every day.  They truly live their core values and it certainly is all about taking care of their members.

The leadership team of USAA and the VFW.  This photo shows the feeling of mutual cooperation into the future.  It's rare for all three national line officers to be at an event like this.  It shows that we know this is critical.

A nice pathway leading to the main entrance

This complex truly is huge...buildings shown are not actual size!

This Elcar was owned by a founder of USAA and in 1922 it was the first car insured at a premium of $114.77.  At this time in America cars were considered luxury items and he was protecting a significant financial investment.  It is only speculation that on the 100th anniversary of USAA they are going to start the car and drive it around the building.

The IT Kiosk.  Have a problem with your work phone or computer?  Come here and they will fix it or give you a new one on the spot.  No more trouble tickets, no more long waiting.  Time is money and they wring each minute of the day to do the best for their members.

The traditional office doesn't exist at USAA HQ.  There are multiple workstations and collaboration stations throughout the building.  The yellow pod is a soundproof room that anyone can pop into to do work at any time.  Innovation!

Motivational kiosks abound in the main walkways all over the building.

USAA loves the military, veterans, and their families.  These electronic displays are all over, showcasing USAA employees who were also military members.  For non-veteran employees, they put up information about veteran family members.  

2019 Award for World's Most Ethical Company.  I'll leave you with that! 

SARA: San Antonio, Chicago O’Hare, Green Bay

Three airports on this travel day.  Here you go, your SARAs Of The Day!

San Antonio

Chicago O’Hare—-Decisions, Decisions!

Green Bay Austin Straubel Airport — SARA? Um, just go outside and find a bush!

Lackland AFB: Gateway to the Air Force!

So much to say about this great day!  I'll give you an overview here and then follow with a separate post covering the two main functions of our visit.  This was a homecoming of sorts for Senior Vice Hal and me as we are both Air Force veterans.  Every Airman enters the Air Force at Lackland as it is the only Basic Military Training center for our service.  It is a rite of passage!

Our group was met by Mr. Rubio of the 37th Wing Public Affairs at the Visitors Center.  After some of the usual chit-chat about the day we loaded into our vehicle with me at the wheel and off we went.  Mr Rubio brought us up to speed on the changes at Lackland and Basic Military Training in general.  It is very clear that new Airmen today are head and shoulders above the past in their readiness and ability to hit the ground running after they graduate.  Before I get hit with "back in my day" comments, I *was* there back in the day and I stand by the statement.  The recruits aren't even called Airmen until they actually graduate.  They are "Trainees" and are expected to earn the title of Airman.  This is a monumental paradigm shift in attitude.  They aren't given anything; it's earned.  And for those who scoff at the "Chair Force" I can assure you, once again, this isn't the basic training of yesteryear.

One of the things that was very clear was the motivation of the three Military Training Instructors who walked us around the new dormitories.  They have different rules to live by now [The 'HAT" can't touch the Trainee's forehead and they have to stay a minimum of twelve inches away from a Trainee when giving sage advice for example].  However, I think that makes them better.  This is no longer about churning out robots to mindlessly do the work they have been assigned.  The MTIs are still in charge but they realize they are molding Airmen for the future.

By the way, as friendly as MTI TSgt A. was to us as he walked us around, when he opened a door to show us the laundry room he saw two Trainees sitting down, apparently loafing.  He went from zero-to-OMG in a heartbeat and let those two know a TI had entered the room and they were busted.  I think all of us on the tour were saying a silent thankful prayer that it wasn't us on the receiving end!

All in all, I was very impressed with what I saw today.  I'll be back at some point to take part in the Airman Coin Ceremony, BEAST field training, and a graduation at the very least.

The Lackland AFB Visit [lots of pictures!]

The first part of the day was Military Working Dog centric.  Sadly, Mama Cass wasn't allowed to get out of the car for any of this so she snoozed and happily greeted us each time we returned to go to our next stop along the dog trail. She's too old to enlist so she enjoyed the down time.

We were supposed to start by visiting Holland Military Working Dog Hospital first.  That didn't pan out for operational reasons, but we did learn that this is a Level Two Trauma Center and dogs are brought from all over to be treated here.  The Major giving us this part of the tour said this hospital is known as the "Wilford Hall of Veterinary Medicine".  Air Force folks will get that reference as a very high standard of care.  He showed us around the training kennel, vast buildings full of dogs in their pens.  At any given time they have over 900 in the kennels and they graduate about 300 per year.  That's over $500,000 a year in dog food!  The dogs go to all the branches of DoD as well as other governmental agencies.  They are usually dual trained in Detection [narcotics, explosives, etc] and Patrol.  Patrol is usually what we think of in the military role.  Major G then took us to the whelping facility where they breed some of their own dogs in addition to purchasing them on the free market.  Chief Doc and Senior Hal may act like tough guys, but put a six week old puppy in their arms and you get a different story!

Next we drove to the TSA K9 training buildings.  These dogs are solely trained to detect explosives.  The training areas are set up like airports, with courtesy counters, uncomfortable chairs, and people of all types and with all kinds of carry on items.  Yes, these folks get paid to sit in an airport from 0630 to 1430 every day.  They must like the job because the ones I talked to had all been doing it for several years.  I spend enough time in airports so I think I'll pass on this as my next career.  From here, we drove to the 802 SFS MWD Kennel. These Security Forces members and their dogs are actually guarding Lackland and the surrounding facilities.  They have all been assigned to the current wars and they bring practical, real world experience to their daily jobs.  After a tour of the facility, Tarzan and his handler showed us how to run the obstacle course and how to interact with a potential suspect....yes, the suspect with the padded jacket!  I took some videos and hope to get those posted down the road.  I'll get that link in here eventually.

We had a nice lunch at the Club and rounded out our day visiting the training squadrons.  I still recall being a part of the 3703rd, Flight 726, number G16 [G for Guard because we weren't allowed to have just a number like our active duty counterparts!] a LOT of years ago.  A memory like that is odd, since most days I can't remember what I had for breakfast the day before!  But I knew it was across the street from a static B-52...We eventually did see it but it isn't in use anymore.  It's slated to be torn down later this year.

Some of the old Squadrons are still in use so we toured the 324th Training Squadron.  Yes, it was EXACTLY as it was those many years ago.  And I do mean exactly.  Mama was with us on this portion of the tour and she was giving me the eye wondering if I was going to need to be smacked around and brought back to NOW.  Afterward we went to the newly constructed 320th Training Squadron.  Talk about state of the art.  The Charge of Quarters not only has electronic capability to see anywhere in the facility but also to hear anything.  Trainees are on the buddy system and if they leave the building for an appointment, etc, they are essentially electronically tracked and required to call in every two hours.  If they miss that call in, heaven help them when they do call!  It's about safety and security and I applaud these measures.

All of the officers and airmen we encountered today are combat veterans and they are back here training the new generation of Airmen.  They "get it" and they live patriotism.  They said to a person they signed up to serve their country.  Period. End of story.  They pride themselves on leaving a legacy that not only they can be proud of, but also creating a future that each Trainee-turned-Airman can be proud of!

This has inspiration written all over it!  This is the "overhang" training area for the new squadrons!

Only a very small portion of the MANY kennel buildings at the training area.

These containers hold a few months' worth of Science Diet Dog Food.  I asked if I could have a sample for Mama.  I was told I could have a sample if I ate it in front of them but nothing for a civilian dog.

Tough guys holding six week old puppies....

TSA explosives training in the mock airport

Another TSA mock airport area

Tarzan--King of all he surveyed!

The "old style" Squadron.  Mama is sitting at the bed area that I slept in as "Squad Leader 3".  I do mean it when I say NOTHING has changed in these dorms.  There is one interesting addition however.  That black case to the left of Mama under the bed?  It's a rifle case containing an M4 rifle. No firing pin but otherwise completely functional.  The NEW Air Force Trainee learns to be a warrior from Day 1 and takes this everywhere.

The lockers haven't changed either.  The Trainees do get a nice book explaining how to do everything...as I recall I had a very loud person politely telling me how to do that.  Notice the white items in the locker. Those are gym socks.  Everything is rolled now...socks, T-shirts, underwear.  There are no more folded six inch squares in the new Air Force.   The @#%@^ lock is still on the bottom drawer however!  BTW, this is a smiling MTI TSgt A.  He wasn't smiling when he entered that laundry room.

The VERY brand new dorm!  Similar in some respects but notice that the wall locker has an inset to secure the Trainee's rifle.  This dorm was empty but MTI Shy was going to pick up a new flight at 2100 tonight.  It won't look like this for long.

Stay hydrated!  Trainees no longer get canteens.  They are issued water bottles and expected to use the hydration stations in the new dorms.  

Here's a nifty poster in the bathroom teaching the troops about hydration....

I found the 3703rd BMTS!  It's not the best photo.  I was in stopped traffic but it did bring back memories.  I'm actually glad I was able to see this now, especially with it's impending destruction.  Built in the 1960s, this is truly the end of an era.

The Old School Overhang, but still in use.  It sure is different from the new overhang training areas for the Airmen of the 21st Century!

Texas Post Visits

After our fantastic day with the VA Medical System here in San Antonio, it was time to visit a few memorable posts with the State Commander and the 20th District Commander.

First stop, Sam Houston Post 76, the oldest Post in Texas.  Nestled along the famed River Walk, this amazing Post was built in 1917 and was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 2017.  The Memorial Room is jam-packed with memorabilia honoring the post's members throughout the years.  Through great cooperation with the city, Post 76 was able to negotiate a landing area for the local river boats that ferry tourists along the river.  This adds to the already huge following the Post has with bands, food trucks, and fiestas almost every night of the week.  We were met by many of the Post leaders and were taken on multiple tours of the grounds and building.  We did not see the ghosts of the small child or the World War II soldier that are said to roam the third floor, but that just means we have to return and try again.

Next up, James B. Sprague Memorial Post 8541.  Simply put, Wow!  This Post has it going on.  Every leadership position is held by an OIF, OEF, or both veteran.  They are active in the community and they bring the veterans and locals alike into their building by hosting almost nightly pool tournaments and card tournaments.  They just completed a Kid's Room that is non-smoking, has televisions, a pool table, foosball, and screens to use play stations and the like.  They want to be family friendly.  Oh, they also have THE absolute best hamburger I've had in a VFW Post...prepared by a former member of the Women's Army Corps!  Sharon even had a hamburger named after her and I believe her when she says it's the best thing on the menu.  In the small world department, the Post Commander's niece is a forensic anthropologist working with DPAA in Hawaii.  I promised to look her up when I get there and give her regards from Texas!

Front Gate and View of Post 76

Side view from the picnic tables, outside dance floor, and bandstand

Memorial Room that also doubles as a press conference room for the local media

A tour boat plying its way along the River Walk system, preparing to stop at Post 76

The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital

This was a rare treat today:  All three National Chair Officers converged in San Antonio Texas for several days of visits and meetings!  Doc, Hal, and I, along with Texas State Commander Keith, visited the VA hospital complex today.  We met with the Medical Center Director and the entire Executive Staff, to include Directors for Nursing, Patient Care, Facilities, and Public Affairs to name only a few!

After an in-depth briefing and very good discussions, we were taken on a tour of the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center and the Community Living Center.  I was very impressed with not just the top level executives, but the genuine caring attitude of all the employees we met throughout the day.  These people WANT to serve; they WANT to make things better; they WANT the best for our veterans!

The VA Polytrauma Center is one of only five in the nation.  It was purpose built about nine years ago specifically to assist with our severely injured troops at the height of the current wars.  Due to it's modern and up-to-date facilities it housed and treated active duty members on the road to their recovery.  It continues to treat service members and veterans, while attracting the best medical care providers from around the country.

The Community Living Center is a Five Star center and continually receives the highest marks among all Centers in the VA system.  Once again, the caring staff makes the difference.  I saw a sign on the wall that said "These residents do not live where you work.  You work where they live."  That shows the mindset of all the staff.  Sadly, this facility is old and showing its age.  The care is still top notch but they need a new facility.  It's up to all of us to continue to pressure the VA and the government to provide the funds for modern facilities for our warriors of the past.

The Campus itself is named after famed World War II hero, Audie Murphy (1925-1971).  Audie was a Medal of Honor Recipient and after the war had a successful movie career.  The movie based on his life story, in which he also starred [!] is "To Hell and Back".  I encourage any who have not seen this to do so.  What an amazing man and what character.  Interestingly, it was on this day 75 years ago that Audie's combat heroism put him in the hallowed ranks of those who have worn the Medal of Honor!  There is an eight foot bronze statue in the circle at the entrance of this facility showing Audie in battle gear, encouraging his fellow soldiers to move forward.

Texas Council of Administration

Hi all!  It's been go, go, go and I can now catch you up on some wonderful days with the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars in Austin.  We had the Council of Administration and the Voice of Democracy Contest.  Texas...you rocked it!

Megan joined me and this was her first VFW event.  The generosity and hospitality shown to her makes me so proud of the people I get to associate with in my travels.  Texas promised to set the bar very high for her and they succeeded.

I was really impressed with the Memorial Service.  I like the way they emphasized the gravity of the service.  The reading of numbers of deceased by District really makes you stop in your tracks and think.  The Texas VFW lost over 5,200 members this year....the size of a small town.  The Joint Opening Ceremony was packed as was the Council meeting that followed.  Amazingly, when first time attendees to the Council were asked to stand, fully 30% of the audience stood up!  That is incredible and once again points out that something right is happening in this state.

Saturday was full of seminars on many topics.  I attended several in full and popped in and out of others.  Full attention and full participation was the watchword.  When it was time to work, these members worked!  I want to call out the Membership Seminar specifically.  The room was packed and Carlos Davis, the state membership director was fully engaged.  He didn't give the same old tired briefings we have all heard over the years. He kept it fresh and exciting.  Maybe that's why he is the top recruiter in the State!  And, for those of us who say we don't have time to get involved?  Carlos is still on active duty with the Army and is deploying to Iraq on SUNDAY.  He still managed to attend the Council meeting and make his presentations!

The Texas VFW is a big sponsor of the United States Veterans Service Dog organization.  BIG sponsor.  Their generosity has enabled many veterans to gain a service dog for many different reason from PTSD to Diabetes to Seizures, among a few.  The veterans attend a one week class after the dogs are trained.  There was a special ceremony where several veterans and their dogs came forward and told their story.  It was so emotional and rewarding, especially for me as I was in those same shoes almost seven years ago with Mama.  She watched and enjoyed being the old girl.  One young 18 month old lab, named Beignet, was fascinated with Mama and liked sitting by her.  Not just sitting really, but nuzzling and then "booping" Mama's nose with her paw.  This went on several times.  Those of you who know Mama are probably wondering if there was a smack down!  She actually enjoyed it and watched Beignet having fun.

The last event was the Voice of Democracy.  Everything in Texas is big and this was no exception.  I was offered an opportunity to speak but the evening belonged to the students and the winning essays were phenomenal.  On the fiscal side for the awards and scholarships, almost $95,000 was spent on Patriots's Pen and almost $224,000 was spent on the Voice of Democracy.  The Voice of Democracy winner walked away with a $10,000 scholarship and is headed to Washington DC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this visit.  Texas has had to make many hard decisions this year but that's what leadership is all about.  They will be much better for those decisions.  I was treated so well by the leadership and members alike.  I can't express my gratitude enough.  And, apparently, they enjoyed my presence too as they presented me with a wonderful gift that could only happen in Texas:  An 1851 revolver with my name and such along with the Star of Texas VFW engraved on the grip.  It will forever remind me that the people in the Texas VFW have the biggest hearts and do so much for others every day!

Carlos Davis, always smiling and doing more for veterans.  I'll keep you in my thoughts as you once again go overseas to serve your country and fight for freedom!

Carlos had a packed house for his membership seminar.  Wonderful to see!

Mama enjoyed watching the pups go through their paces at the graduation

Megan's first ever Voice of Democracy banquet.  Over 500 people attended to watch an awesome evening unfold.  When a 92 year old WWII vet learned that his granddaughter was in the top ten, he wanted to drive the 150 miles himself to attend.  Someone else drove him but he was there and so proud of her.  He received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Beautiful engraving

This was an amazing and unexpected treasure.  I can't thank you all enough!

When in Austin, go to the Museum of the Weird!

Cabela's!

So, you just got a pistol for attending an event.  Airlines don't necessarily like that sort of thing.  Since the very cool Birchwood stein I received in Alaska set off all the bells and alarms, I didn't want to go through that again.

Driving to San Antonio I decided to stop in Cabela's to purchase a hard case and lock so I could fly home [after flying to Green Bay first] later in the week.  I have to say, the clerk in the store was probably the most friendly and most interested I've come across in a long time. He went over and above to see I had the right stuff to ensure the wonderful pistol made it home safely and without any damage.

But the Cabela's in Texas are different. They must be pretty crowded.  That's the only reason I can figure that they would have a statue of a cowboy on a horse, pointing into the distance.  That's the closest parking lot he's indicating....WAY OVER THERE!

SARA in St. Louis and Austin

Just to add some 'differences' in the blog, I'm going to start posting the different SARAs in airports Mama and I visit.  SARA stands for Service Animal Relief Area.  Some are really nice, others, well, it's a place for her to go!

Here are two for the inaugural post:

Lambert-St. Louis, Missouri East Terminal

Austin, Texas, outdoor SARA....watch out for that cactus!

Multi-Days, Multi-Locations

I will admit there are days when I'm not so sure about things.  Traveling back from Alaska, I was re-routed several times.  Sitting in one terminal and on the phone trying to make new arrangements, I had to ask the person sitting next to me what city we were in!

Today, I'm starting on a 12 day journey that's going to take me to Austin for the Texas Mid-Winter conference.  Next stop, San Antonio where I'll be visiting several military installations and VFW posts, culminating with a visit to the headquarters of USAA -- a VERY big sponsor of the VFW.  Then I'm off to Green Bay Wisconsin for their Mid-Winter.  I get to pack for the southern heat and the northern cold all in one visit.  I'm looking forward to reporting on all the good things I'm going to see.  Mama gets her own suitcase on these trips because a girl's gotta eat and dog food for that many days adds up!

We're headed home on Super Bowl Sunday. Maybe I'll catch a few plays in terminals between flights!

Alabama Mid-Winter Conference

Greetings from Lakepoint State Park in Eufala Alabama!  What a lovely setting for a conference.  To quote a LOT of people, you really can't get there from here but it's pretty when you do make it.  It's true, this is a beautiful property with lakeside views and very comfortable conference rooms.  I had a nice lake view with the sun coming up in the morning and Mama enjoyed walking around the lake and looking at the geese.  It wasn't until I checked out that I saw a sign taped at the front desk that said beware of alligators!

The members of the Alabama VFW are on a mission to correct the course of the past and move forward with vigor!  There is transparency in all of the officer actions and they even brought in their investment broker to layout what they have and where a good place is to be in future.  The Council made the decisions, not one or two people.  It was refreshing to see this sea change in attitudes!  They had a nice turnout and their female veteran turnout was impressive too!  The meetings as a whole were very professional and a lot of information was disseminated.  I can only hope it gets passed on to the posts who need it.

We had a nice BBQ chicken dinner and dance at the local post Friday and it's clear the members take pride in that post. While it looked like Post Anywhere, USA, it had it's own flavor that came through clearly.  That's another beauty of the VFW:  You can go to any post and it will have a similar feel but a unique style all its own.

I was invited to speak multiple times throughout the weekend.  I guess they forgot I used to get paid by the word!  But I muddled through and discussed VFW specific issues as well as a vision for the future in our ever changing world of VFW.  I'm not sure how I was received but they all certainly liked the dog!

A Room with a View

Eufala Post 5850

Council hard at work!

I get it. You like the dog.  But putting her name tag first???  :-)

Desert Storm Begins!

Hard to believe it has been 29 years.  Some days it feels like an ancient memory.  Others, like it happened just yesterday.  Such is the way our brains work I guess.

It was 0300 on January 17 for us.  Back in the states it was prime time viewing at 7:00pm Eastern.  Some people say it was a 24 hour war because they focus on the last day or so of the "left hook".  But, there were a lot of days between January 17 and February 28.  A lot of days and a lot of memories good and bad.

To all who served in theater, to those who supported in other roles, and to the families who waited back home, thank you for what you did.

Nothing Day - Since 1973

Final Thoughts on the Great State of Alaska

I honestly didn't know what to expect for Alaska in January.  However, with the great help of Junior Todd I saw many things that make this state so amazing.  I saw the most minute fraction of this vast land and I'm hooked. I can't wait to come back and enjoy the state in different seasons to see different things.  No matter when I return, I will have my VFW friends to welcome me.  That's the best thing about the VFW.  You make friendships for life.

The Department gave me a beautiful carved birch mug with my name on it.  I am so grateful for this thoughtful gift that really says Alaska,  Of course, it set off the alarms at security but I'm going to continue believe that they didn't plan that.  And, while I was at the airport, I finally saw the elusive moose I've heard so much about.

Last, the comrades in Alaska play for keeps.  The Susitna Post donated the land on which the state headquarters sits.  It's not too far away, just after the ball fields.  When you stand outside the post, you see a cannon that is on display.  It's pointed at the State Headquarters.  I'm not sure if that's sending a message or not!

THANK YOU my Alaskan friends.  You have warmed my heart over this past week!