Reports from Comptroller Glen Hegar and Governor Greg Abbot confirm the vital role that our military installations play in our strategic national defense and the significant contribution to the Texas economy. According to their analysis, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is leading the state in direct and indirect jobs, with 240,403 positions and an economic impact of $55,110,571,000! Our community contributes over one-third of the $151,276,591,000 economic impact of all 14 military installations across Texas in 2023.
“These numbers reveal why we must support our military service members and their families, helping to secure our military missions in our great city, increase recruiting and retention numbers for our Armed Forces, while also ensuring the quality of life for their families is well supported – and in return positively impacting our region’s economy,” said Lori Stinson, Vice President of Military Affairs and Leadership Development at the Greater San Antonio Chamber and Vice Chair for the Governor’s Committee to Support the Military. “The Greater Chamber has been involved in advocacy and support for our military partners for decades and continues to champion appreciation for the immense positive impact the over 266 local military missions have on our economy, as well as our vibrant and diverse culture in the region.”
On June 6th, the Greater San Antonio Chamber launched Supporting Military Families San Antonio, also known as SMF.SA. This initiative is a beacon of hope, aiming to address critical needs such as healthcare accessibility, military spouse employment, servicemember transition into the civilian workforce, and childcare. “We’ve had many commitments from key leaders and partners across the Alamo Region to provide quality, affordable healthcare for military families and empower hiring managers to recognize the unique strengths of military spouses in the workforce, as well as tackle the needs of childcare for our service members,” said Jeff Webster, President, and CEO.
“The tradition of military service is long in our great state, and our respect for those who serve is enduring,” said Governor Abbott. “That is why Texas is proud to be home to 14 major U.S. military installations and the Army Futures Command headquarters. Essential to the defense of our nation, each installation also serves as a major local employer and key community partner, adding over $151 billion to Texas' booming economy and supporting over 677,000 good-paying jobs across our great state. Working together with our military communities throughout the state, we will ensure Texas remains the most welcoming home to the world's men and women of the greatest military and offers ongoing, unmatched support for their critical missions.”
"These installations are critical to both our national security and to the Texas economy, generating an overall economic output of more than $150 billion," said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. "The installations are also vibrant and dynamic partners in the community, supporting not just business and industry but also schools, charities, youth sports, and cultural events. The U.S. military and the men and women who serve are a key part of what makes Texas the greatest state in the nation.”
The Greater Chamber will use this data to help tell the story of the importance of protecting our military missions for San Antonio and the entire State of Texas as we prepare for our advocacy trips to Austin and Washington, DC, in the coming months. For more details on the Chamber’s SMF.SA initiative or how to support the Chamber’s military affairs initiatives, email Lori Stinson.