Educating a cohort of leaders is a high order, and this September, Be All You Can Be LSA2020 Team #BAYCB accepted that mission. Through Leadership, Service and Action, they delved into responses to COVID-19 and the impact to the San Antonio community and recovery efforts. The virtual day also included insights on the Military and Community outreach globally, nationally, and in our own San Antonio backyard.
A welcome video launched the start of the day, sharing #BAYCB team members’ personal ties to the military community. It was followed by a powerhouse panel on the Military Perspective featuring Major General David P. Glaser, Deputy Commanding General - Operations, United States Army North (Fifth Army) and Senior Commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis. Major General Glaser’s Army career includes overseeing Army Operations throughout the United States and overseas. The class also had the privilege of sharing the day with Brigadier General Caroline Miller, Commander of the 502d Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), which unifies 11 geographic locations including Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph and Camp Bullis. From a Health Care response perspective, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Elizabeth Markelz, Chief of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center, provided insight on how our top-level medical facility and staff are engaging in the fight against COVID-19. From a Civilian response, LSA2020 heard from Andrew Walker, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of USAA, who leads a team of more than 7,000 employees. Participants were proud to see the recent contributions that USAA has made to our community. Thank you to our COVID-19 response panel for sharing their time and insights and contributing to the mission of Leadership San Antonio.
The next element of the day included a Mini Boot Camp to provide a fun, spontaneous component— keeping everyone engaged while allowing class members to be competitive, military-style! The Boot Camp challenges included both physical endurance and mental acuity strength testing. The class was divided into teams with strict time limits to complete activities to win a prize and bragging rights. The second half of the day featured a Joint Base San Antonio video explaining how vital military services are to our beautiful city. The goal was to provide information about why San Antonio is called Military City USA and the impact of our Military community on our city. Military City USA is also supported by many important groups that assist families of our service members. Our panel began with a presentation from Major General Juan Ayala, USMC (retired), now the Director of the City of San Antonio Office of Military and Veteran Affairs and head of Operations for the San Antonio response. Mr. Ayala discussed how he works closely with military and civilian partners to ensure military missions and installations continue to grow and thrive in the region. They are a critical part of the fight against COVID-19 in our city and across the country. Our second panelist was our very own Lori Stinson, Vice President of Military Affairs & Leadership Development with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Stinson presented on the business connection with the military and the quality of life of our military families. The day was complete with Lieutenant Colonel Karen Rolirad, USAF (retired), the Executive Director of the Bexar County Military and Veterans Service Center, who discussed how the 300,000 veterans and their families are served in the City of San Antonio and in Bexar County. The service center focuses on enhancing veteran’s capabilities to successfully transition from the military, find long-term employment and obtain earned benefits from Veteran’s Affairs.
LSA2020 concluded the day recognizing class members who serve and have served in the Military. #BAYCB issued a call to action to support veteran-owned businesses and to continue recognizing veterans with acts of service to aid our local Fisher House, supporting military and veteran families in need. Class members were encouraged to honor Veteran’s Day on November 11 and support Wreaths Across America in December.
A true leader will always be up for a challenge and will do their part to support the greater good. Be All You Can Be!
Your LSA2020 team, moving the needle forward!
BAYCB Team Members: Anna-Melissa Cavazos, Ingrid Etienne, Jenness Gough, Mark Moran, Melissa Ramirez, Michelle Moreno, Roger Bynum, and Stacie Morales
BAYCB Co-Chairs: Alex Rapp and Alison Wiesenthal
