San Antonio:
Military City USA
San Antonio prides itself on the nickname “Military City USA” and it is not a hollow boast. We are home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), the largest base within the Department of Defense (DoD), employing over 100,000 people and contributing over $43 Billion to the Texas economy annually. JBSA combines together the Army’s Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis as well as the Air Force’s Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases.
Lackland AFB
All Air Force and Space Force recruits for Basic Military Training start their training at Lackland. On base, there are several retired military aircraft on display as monuments to air power over the years and a museum. Obtain a pass from the visitor center at the main gate to get on base.
Randolph AFB
Home of Air Education and Training Command, Randolph is where airmen learn to be pilots. It is also the home of the USAF Personnel Center. Randolph AFB hosts the Great Texas Airshow annually which is open to everyone.
Camp Bullis
This 28,000 acre property trains service members from all over the country in realistic training exercises in challenging terrain. Camp Bullis has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1906. It was initially used as a cavalry training camp and has since played a significant role in military training and readiness. While much of the camp is restricted there are some areas that are accessible to the public, including the Camp Bullis Wildlife Management Area.
Ft Sam Houston
Considered the “Home of Military Medicine”, Ft Sam hosts all medics, regardless of branch of service who go through the Medical Education and Training Campus. The Army’s Medical Center of Excellence is also on site and hosts many advanced training programs. Additionally, the Navy has a Regional Recruiting Headquarters on post. There are many historical landmarks and museums open to the public on Ft Sam and definitely worth a visit. Obtain a pass from the visitor center at the main gate to get on post.
SA Military Health System
SAMHS is of significant note as the DoD’s largest healthcare system. SAMHS includes 10 medical clinics and hospitals that care for over 350,000 service members and their families. On Lackland AFB, the state-of-the-art Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center is the largest surgical center in the DoD, serving as a training platform for multiple medical specialists.
Brooke Army Medical Center
BAMC, the crown jewel of military medicine, has the only DoD burn center and heart-lung bypass center. Patients from across the globe arrive here for advanced care. BAMC is also the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the DoD, partnering with University Hospital to accept major trauma cases from South Texas. BAMC is the premier training platform for military healthcare, with over 30 graduate programs and is home to cutting edge surgical research with an inpatient capacity of over 400 beds. Additionally, the Center for the Intrepid is widely known as the best DoD wounded warrior rehabilitation center.
The military has a strong partnership with San Antonio. They participate in all major events, are a key part of the city’s disaster and emergency management response plan, and partners with local hospitals in medical research and healthcare education. It is common for local businesses to honor its military, including its veterans, by offering discounts for services. San Antonio also has several military retirement communities that serve as home to veterans who fell in love with the city and its people. There is arguably no other city that loves and supports its military more than San Antonio. Citizens will frequently approach uniformed members and express their gratitude. So, the next time you see a servicemember or a veteran, be sure to tell them, “Thank you for your service!”
Joseph J. Novack, Colonel (Ret.) US Army