USAA giving away 100 cars to military families for 100th anniversary Rob Schaffer, a general manager with USAA Bank, thanks U.S. Marines during Marine Week Phoenix, Sept. 12, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps Combat Camera photo by Cpl. Trever A. Statz/Released)
Military-founded financial giant USAA is celebrating its 100th year in business with a massive give-back event – the company plans to give away 100 cars to military families this year.
In a statement provided to American Military News on Thursday, USAA said it’s partnering with National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides, a program involving collision repair industry businesses who donate and repair vehicles to be gifted to families in need. The NABC program has donated more than 2,400 vehicles worth $34 million since its creation in 2007.
The first 10 vehicles will be given away on Thursday in San Antonio, Texas, where USAA is headquartered. Another 10 events will take place in Nashville, Tenn. on Jun. 7; Seattle, Wash. on Jul. 21; Chesapeake, Va. on Aug. 11; Savannah, Ga. on Aug. 25; Charlotte, N.C. on Sep. 15; Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sep. 29; Denver, Colo. on Sep. 30; Phoenix, Ariz. on Oct. 6; Tampa, Fla. on Nov. 3; and San Diego, Calif. on Nov. 10.
Ramon Lopez, Vice President of USAA, said, “USAA is committed to giving back to those who have gone above and beyond by means of service to our country. We are honored to provide reliable transportation to 100 families in our 100th year, and beyond, as we continue to transform the lives of those most in need by providing them with dependable vehicles.”
USAA was created June 20, 1922 by 25 soldiers with a vision to serve their fellow military families with insurance products. The company has now grown to provide a range of financial services to more than 13 million members.
The massive car giveaway isn’t the only way USAA has given back to veterans for its 100th anniversary celebration.
In December, the company announced its “From Service to Start-Up” pitch contest for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs who are impacting their communities. The contest has a $100,000 grand prize and an additional $180,000 for other placement prizes.
The efforts build on USAA’s steady focus on giving back to communities, especially in times of need, such as disaster relief, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its 2020 Annual Report to Members, USAA said it had donated $30 million through the Military Family Relief Initiative for pandemic-related relief, on top of $57 million to nonprofits to support pandemic-related relief and other critical community needs.
