The Generations Federal Credit Union (GFCU) Turkey Express event is a beloved annual tradition created 10 years ago to honor the first responders throughout San Antonio and Bexar County for their dedication to keeping our community safe.
This year, more than 50 GFCU team members volunteered to deliver holiday meals to San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) and San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) stations throughout the city. During the November events, more than 100 fire and police stations were hand-delivered turkeys, hams, and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal.
“We recognize the hardworking first responders who sacrifice Thanksgiving with their own families to serve and protect our community,” said Ken Raymie, GFCU CEO. “Delivering a holiday meal is an expression of gratitude for the generations of families that have dedicated their lives to keeping the community safe, many of which are lifelong GFCU members.”
As teams gathered together to fill their vehicles to the brim with care packages to be delivered across the city, we caught up with SAFD Assistant Fire Chief, Brian O’Neill, who is a third-generation San Antonio firefighter, and has been part of the SAFD family since 1945.
We grew up with Generations as part of our family, and we appreciate their support of the firefighters and recognition of the hard work we put in every day,” said O’Neill.
GFCU was founded in 1940 to serve City of San Antonio employees, including fire and police personnel. GFCU now serves over 50,000 Consumer and Commercial members across eight counties with multiple branch locations and virtual banking services. GFCU seeks to enhance the quality of life in the community by supporting community-serving organizations as a team.
“Generations comes through for first responders every year, and like Thanksgiving, it has become a tradition the officers look forward to,” said William McManus, SAPD Police Chief.
GFCU team member Jordan Cannon and her brother, firefighter Drake Cannon, were able to spend some time together during the event as they showed the team around the fire house. Firefighter and GFCU team member Brent Mora and his father, who is a retired firefighter, also reflected on the holiday season for families of first responders.
“I love that Generations gives back to our core,” said Brent. “I remember being at the fire station every Thanksgiving growing up so I could spend some time with my Dad and get to see him while he’s serving the community.”