Schriever Airmen train like Broncos

by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

8/11/2015 - ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Eight Airmen from Schriever Air Force base trained like National Football League players during a Denver Broncos Military Combine practice Aug. 7, at the Broncos' Dove Valley Fieldhouse in Englewood, Colorado.

The event was sponsored by USAA as a way to show appreciation for military members and their service.

"It is very important for us at USAA, being a military life company, to show support and appreciation for the military all year round, and the partnership with the Broncos helps us do that on a very intimate and unique level here in Denver," said Brian Eaton, USAA director of sponsorships.

The military combine provided participants from Schriever, Peterson and Buckley Air Force Bases as well as Fort Carson the opportunity to train like NFL players under the direction of Denver Broncos' football-greats K.C. Jones and Mark Cooper.

"I'm a big football fan, and there is a good atmosphere here with the coaches," said Senior Airman Byron Brown, 50th Space Communications Squadron. "It felt good being out there with them because I was going to play football in college, but I got hurt, so being able to do this is a good opportunity for me and gives me good experience."

Participants showcased their skills in five events - bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle run and a 40-yard dash.

"There are some talented guys out here," said Mike Simmons, Denver Broncos military combine coach. "I ran the broad jump; we saw a 10-footer out here, and a couple nine foot jumps, so the athleticism definitely showed out here."

Brown achieved one of the highest scores in the broad jump, with a score of 9 feet 8 inches.

"I'm just trying to do my best," said Brown. "Everyone is doing good, but I want to be on top."

The coaches and sponsors were so impressed with some of the participants of the military combine they put them on par with participants from the NFL combine. One participant logged a 42-inch vertical jump, which ranks better than half of the NFL combine participants this year.

"There are some very impressive physical fitness skills that are prevalent among the military that I think the American public doesn't know about, so this is a great opportunity to have a great morale boost for the military community and also showcase that we've got the fittest fighting force out there," said Eaton.

This marks the third year USAA has partnered with the Denver Broncos to host the military combine and the pair hopes to continue the tradition in years to come.

"It's core to USAA's and the Denver Broncos' values to showcase appreciation for the military," said Eaton.  "We're just happy we were able to [host this event]."

USAA Launches Alliance with Naval Aviation Museum Foundation

USAA Named Preferred Financial Services Provider

SAN ANTONIO– Like a jet catapulting off a carrier flight deck to protect the fleet, USAA and the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (NAMF) are launching a new alliance to serve the financial needs of NAMF members.

The agreement gives thousands of NAMF members access to USAA’s top-rated financial services, including banking, a co-branded credit card, investments and financial planning. NAMF members who meet USAA’s eligibility requirements may also take advantage of USAA’s insurance products.

According to retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Townes, USAA senior vice president for military affairs and former carrier task force commander, USAA’s newest relationship expands the organization’s efforts to be the provider of choice for people who served in the nation’s armed forces and are committed to protecting the heritage of the U.S. military.

“The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation supports the Museum’s mission of preserving and promoting naval aviation history, and USAA is pleased to join forces with them to help serve their members by providing them top-rated financial services products,” said Townes.

Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Gerald Hoewing, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, said the alliance between the foundation and USAA is a natural fit.

“USAA’s mission to serve the financial and insurance needs of the military and veterans and their families aligns closely with our continued support of the museum mission to collect and preserve naval aviation history and display the proud legacy of the men and women of the naval services and the airplanes they flew and maintained in defense of the nation,” said Hoewing.

In 2009, USAA opened its membership to veterans who have honorably served and their eligible family members.

To learn more about USAA, call 1-877-498-6263 or visit usaa.com/namf. To learn more about NAMF, call 1-800-327-5002 or visit http://www.navalaviationfoundation.org/.

About NAMF

Founded in 1966, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Inc. is the nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and fundraising organization that supports the development of the National Naval Aviation Museum. With nearly 10,000 dues-paying members, the Foundation is financially self-sufficient. Through the management of various revenue-generating operations – such as the IMAX® Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre and the Flight Deck Store – 100 percent of all donations are used for the development of the Museum and its associated educational programs.

About USAA

USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 7.8 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their families. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.

Contact: Michael Kelly                                                                                                       

michael.kelly@usaa.com

210-913-9309

USAA on Twitter: usaa

The American Legion, USAA Announce Co-Branded Credit Card

USAA Bank Providing Co-branded Credit Card to Legionnaires

SAN ANTONIO– USAA and The American Legion (TAL) are rolling out a credit card that will help fund Legion programs under the recent agreement that positions USAA as the preferred provider of financial services to Legionnaires, including insurance, banking, investments and financial guidance.

The new co-branded credit card allows TAL’s more than 2.4 million Legionnaires and nearly 1.4 million members of the Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary access to The American Legion USAA Rewards™ World MasterCard®, which will help support the organization’s activities and programs.

According to Nathan McKinley, vice president for military affinity at USAA, the co-branded credit card is part of USAA’s ongoing effort to help facilitate the financial security of Legionnaires and their families.

“USAA is proud to work with The American Legion to meet the financial needs of their members,” said McKinley. “This credit card is another tool in the toolbox to assist TAL in developing programs and delivering services to support their members.”

Since two of the nation’s largest military-focused organizations have joined forces in late November, thousands of Legionnaires have contacted USAA to become members.

To learn more about USAA, call 1-877-699-2654 or visit usaa.com/legion. To learn more about American Legion programs, call 1-800-433-3318 or visit www.legion.org.

About The American Legion

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.

About USAA

USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 8 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their families. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA.com.