San Antonio is gearing up to bring the Department of Defense Warrior Games to the heart of Military City USA™ in 2026. The official handover of the flag from Colorado Springs marked not just a ceremonial passage but a commitment to support and honor wounded warriors and veterans.
During an event on July 27, Mayor Yemi Mobolade of Colorado Springs entrusted the Warrior Games flag to Betsy Hove, Assistant to the Director of San Antonio’s Military and Veteran Affairs Department. The city of San Antonio, which has one of the largest military-connected populace in the United States, expressed pride and anticipation for hosting the esteemed event. “As the Mayor of Military City USA™ and a proud veteran, we look forward to hosting these historic games and welcoming our warrior athletes and their families,” Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones stated, as reported by a city press release.
The Warrior Games, established by the DoD in 2015, have become a pivotal means of demonstrating the resilience and determination of service members. “As the commander of the first Warrior Games held in Quantico, Virginia in 2015, I am grateful that our nation continues to support these inspirational events which epitomize our service members’ resiliency and determination, something that Military City USA™ has in vast amounts,” remarked retired Marine Major General Juan G. Ayala, who now leads San Antonio's Military and Veteran Affairs, as noted by the City of San Antonio press release.
The city aims to create an experience that promotes healing, community, and the pursuit of excellence within participants. Echoing these sentiments, Ayala highlighted how the games symbolize the service members’ indomitable spirit—a characteristic deeply ingrained in Military City USA™ DNA.
