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When a group of soldiers founded USAA in 1922, it was because traditional auto insurers told them they didn’t belong. So, they built something different — a community that would take care of its own. Adelaide Bloom was the first person they chose to help make that vision a reality.
As the daughter of a military family, Bloom possessed an innate understanding of military etiquette, a deep relatability to the career pressures and unique home-life situations inherent to life in the service. Bloom lived at Kelly Field No. 1, the military installation where USAA opened its first office. As a military dependent, she shared the same environment and experiences as the members she served.
USAA didn’t just seek out a “clerk” when hiring Bloom; they sought someone who understood the unique challenges and complexities of the military lifestyle. Bloom did far more than simply fill a seat; her performance earned her two pay increases in her first year, acknowledging her significant contributions to the Association in its earliest days. Bloom is now honored as the first Member Service Representative (MSR) — the original face of USAA’s frontline excellence.
Bloom’s impact today
Today, USAA’s workforce reflects the community it serves. Veterans from all branches are represented among its 38,000 employees, with nearly 25% of the workforce consisting of veterans or military spouses. Many others come from military families, just like Bloom. Of those employees, 17,000 work in San Antonio, where the journey began. Stemming from the foundation laid by Bloom’s hiring, USAA has established itself as a leading employer for military communities both locally and across the country.
“In honor of Women’s History Month, USAA reflects on more than a century of weaving belonging into the fabric of our culture. Our journey began with 25 Army officers and Adelaide Bloom; that foundation has grown to include over 20,000 employee impact group members and volunteers making a difference in our community today,” said Susan MacCabe, head of civic engagement and belonging at USAA. “We stand on the shoulders of the generations who came before us, and their enduring legacy inspires our continued service to those in uniform and their families.”
