On Veterans Day, the San Antonio Spurs joined Mercy Chefs and the Adam R. Scripps Family Foundation for a “Feed the Force” event at the Frost Bank Center. Volunteers—including Spurs season‑ticket holders, Mercy Chefs staff and USAA employees—assembled grocery boxes for 1,000 military families stationed at Joint Base San Antonio.
Community volunteers rally to support service members
Gary LeBlanc, founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs, emphasized the importance of standing beside military families. “Our nation’s military members are the best of our best and should see and feel support,” he said. Each box was packed with enough groceries to prepare up to 50 meals and included fresh produce.
Families express gratitude amid economic strain
Veteran Antonio Campos praised the effort, noting that many families are struggling in today’s economy. “Nowadays, everybody needs a little bit of help,” he said. “We’re grateful for people like this sharing, so we can have something going on and spread it around with our family too.”
Patty Rivera, whose father is a 90‑year‑old Air Force veteran, echoed that sentiment. “Everyone is struggling these days… it just proves that the military means something to this community,” she said.
Financial challenges highlighted
LeBlanc warned that many enlisted families live on less than $500 a week, a reality that makes basic needs like food a daily concern. “When you realize the average enlisted family exists on less than $500 a week, it’s excruciating to think what they must go through,” he explained.
Veterans call for broader assistance
U.S. Navy veteran David Martinez described the event as “very inspiring” and “humbling,” but stressed that more help is needed for veterans overall. “Veterans who stepped up to help and serve our country must be encouraged to ask for the help they need—whether it be food, housing, or mental‑health services—and then accept it,” he said. “You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you need help. There are people that care and there are resources out there for you.”
Joe Lozano, a U.S. Air Force veteran, added that the military community appreciates the tangible support. “They do realize the military needs a lot of help because they’re on a budget themselves too,” he said.
Faith‑based mission drives the initiative
Mercy Chefs describes itself as a faith‑based, non‑profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization. Its nationwide “Feed the Force” initiative aims to combat food insecurity among military families across the country.
The event underscores the power of local partnerships and volunteerism to honor those who serve. As LeBlanc concluded, “These men and women and the families that sacrificed so much for us, it’s an incredible honor to be able to come out and tell them thank you in a tangible way.”
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
