OMCS DAY 2: Supporting the future of Young Women’s Leadership Academy 

Day two of Operation Military City Salute was a powerful testament to the impact of service, dedication, and collaboration. On Saturday, June 22, 2024, veterans and volunteers came together to breathe new life into the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) in San Antonio, completing a series of projects that will have a lasting impact on the students, staff, and the community as a whole. 

A Day of Service, A Legacy of Empowerment 

The Young Women’s Leadership Academy is dedicated to empowering young women through education, leadership development, and extracurricular opportunities, with a strong focus on preparing them for success in both personal and academic spheres. The school integrates STEM into its curriculum, offering students the critical thinking, leadership, and technical skills needed to excel in today’s world. 

Recognizing the importance of these young women’s education, TMC volunteers that participated were determined to enhance the physical spaces at YWLA, creating an environment where students can thrive and be inspired every day. 

Transforming the Campus 

A range of impactful projects were completed across the campus, each aimed at improving both outdoor and indoor spaces. The work done by the veterans and volunteers will contribute to creating a more vibrant, functional, and inspiring environment for the students and faculty of YWLA. 

Some of the key projects completed during this day included: 

• Revitalizing Outdoor Recreation and Learning Spaces: The outdoor spaces at YWLA received a much-needed refresh, providing students with an enhanced environment for recreation, learning, and connection. Several landscaping projects were completed, transforming the grounds into areas where students can engage with nature, study, or simply take a break between classes. These revitalized spaces foster a sense of community and belonging, crucial elements for students as they continue to grow, learn, and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. 

• Adding a U.S. Map on the Playground: One of the most exciting projects completed by the volunteers was the creation of a large-scale map of the United States on the playground. This artistic yet educational addition will not only serve as a fun and interactive way for students to learn about geography but also instill a sense of pride in their country. The vibrant map is sure to spark curiosity and exploration, making it a valuable addition to the school’s outdoor learning spaces. 

• School Spirit Soars with “Blue Jay Wings”: School spirit was also given a major boost thanks to the creative work on the gym bleachers. Volunteers painted a bold and vibrant set of “Blue Jay wings” on the backdrop, symbolizing the school’s mascot and rallying the entire school community behind a shared identity. This eye-catching design will undoubtedly inspire school pride and energize students, staff, and visitors alike during events and activities in the gym. 

• Creating a Dedicated Space for Teachers: Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future, and it’s essential that they have the space to recharge, collaborate, and plan for success. Recognizing this, the team of veterans and volunteers also worked to create a dedicated space for the faculty to gather and unwind. This space, designed for relaxation and collaboration, will provide teachers with an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and recharge, ensuring that they have the support they need to continue doing the incredible work they do at YWLA. 

A Commitment to the Future 

Operation Military City Salute is more than just a series of service projects—it’s a celebration of the community’s commitment to supporting those who serve and to investing in the future of our children. By partnering with organizations like YWLA, veterans and volunteers are playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders. The day’s work is a testament to the collective impact we can have when we come together for a shared purpose. 

For YWLA, the improvements made on Day 2 of Operation Military City Salute will have a lasting impact. With a renewed focus on empowerment, collaboration, and support, the school will continue to serve as a beacon of opportunity for young women in San Antonio, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. 

Check out the full collection of photos for Day 2 of OMCS!

Thank You to All Who Served! 

The success of Day 2 of Operation Military City Salute wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the veterans and volunteers who showed up to make a difference. Your service to the community not only transformed physical spaces but also helped inspire a new generation of young women to dream big and achieve even bigger. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one project at a time. 

Additionally, we want to express gratitude to our Presenting sponsor, USAA and additional sponsors Valero Energy, CPS Energy, Toolbank, Coca Cola Co., VIA Metropolitan Transit, and Silver Eagle Distributions for their unwavering support and commitment to this transformative mission. Their contributions played a pivotal role in making Operation Military City Salute possible.