Gunn Automotive Group Stands with Veterans and Families
When a Veteran faces hardship, the need for help can be urgent. Gunn Automotive Group is proud to continue its sponsorship of the annual golf tournament benefiting the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families (SACVF). The funds raised through this event support life-saving programs that provide immediate aid to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors across the Alamo Region.
A Mission Born from Listening
In 2007, LTC Hector V. Villarreal, a Disabled Vietnam Veteran, was on a book signing tour for “Back from War: Finding Hope and Understanding in Life After Combat,” a novel he co-authored about his own combat experiences and the stories of many others. While meeting thousands of Veterans, he began to hear a familiar refrain. Families were frustrated, confused, and often angry at a system of care that was supposed to help them but instead left gaps that increased their challenges.
Hector listened. He recognized the need to bring service providers together so they could respond as a unified entity. It was not an easy idea to sell. Some believed competition between organizations would always stand in the way of a united front. But out of that doubt, the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans was formed. In 2013, it became the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families.
A Safety Net in Times of Crisis
SACVF is a nonprofit led by Veterans, family members, and committed supporters. It acts as an emergency response team, stepping in when a Veteran or family member is in crisis and needs help before other services become available. The organization serves as a bridge, keeping families safe and stable while longer-term assistance is put into place.
This work spans the Alamo Region, including San Antonio, Bexar County, and surrounding communities. SACVF connects Veterans and families to resources for housing, food, medical care, transportation, and other urgent needs.
From a Small Group to a Lifeline
Since becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SACVF has grown from a small group of friends to a respected voice and vital resource for the Veteran community. It builds collaborations, educates the public, and advocates for those who have served our country. The organization believes in teamwork, perseverance, and the power of community to help Veterans return to civilian life with dignity and purpose.
Gunn Automotive Group’s Legacy of Service
The Gunn family’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in its history. Gunn Auto’s founder, “Pop” Gunn, served with the 13th Armored Division during World War II as a Lt. Colonel under General George S. Patton and was a Bronze Star recipient. His son, Curtis C. Gunn, Jr., served as a Navy Lieutenant and Navigator and Operations Officer on the USS Joseph Boyd. Today, Gunn Automotive Group carries that legacy forward, employing more than 50 former servicemembers and reservists across its dealerships.
How Gunn Automotive Group Helps
The annual SACVF golf tournament is more than a day on the greens. It is a rallying point for generosity, a celebration of service, and a critical fundraiser for programs that save lives. Gunn Automotive Group’s continued sponsorship ensures that:
- Veterans in crisis receive immediate support
- Families and caregivers have resources to prevent homelessness or hunger
- Widows and survivors get guidance during difficult transitions
- SACVF can keep building the connections that turn compassion into action
A Shared Commitment
For Gunn Automotive Group, supporting SACVF is a way to honor the sacrifices made by our Veterans and their families. It is also a commitment to a stronger, more compassionate community. Each year, the tournament raises awareness, builds new partnerships, and delivers direct aid to those who need it most.
Together with SACVF and all the tournament participants, Gunn Automotive Group is helping ensure that no Veteran or family in our community faces hardship alone.