A Legacy of Unity and Service: The Enduring Partnership Between Alabama Power and the Lettermen of the USA

September 19, 2025

A Legacy of Unity and Service: The Enduring Partnership Between Alabama Power and the Lettermen of the USA

In the crimson hues of an Alabama Power jersey, emblazoned with the number “1” and the bold proclamation “Alumni Day ‘11,” lies a story far richer than the fabric itself. These jerseys—one in vibrant red, the other in deep navy—serve as tangible relics of a pivotal moment when rivals set aside their differences to rebuild a shattered community. Captured in photographs from that sweltering August evening in 2011, they evoke the sweat-soaked fields of Spain Park High School in Hoover, Alabama, where former University of Alabama and Auburn football lettermen clashed not in enmity, but in a flag football game dubbed “Rivals Unite for Recovery.” Sponsored by Alabama Power, this Alumni Day event wasn’t just a sporting spectacle; it was a beacon of hope amid the rubble left by the devastating April 27 tornadoes that claimed 253 lives and carved a path of destruction from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham.

Yet, even in the midst of loss, a greater purpose was revealed—what the enemy meant for bad, God used for good. The game drew thousands of fans, raising $150,000 for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund—a testament to Alabama’s unbreakable spirit and the power company’s early role in channeling it toward healing. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

This single act of collective goodwill became the spark that ignited a national movement. Out of the camaraderie forged on that field emerged the Lettermen of the USA, a grassroots group of former college athletes united by a shared purpose: to support those in need, one yard at a time. By December 2011, the organization had formalized its mission, evolving into the Lettermen of the USA, a national 501(c)(3) social impact entity headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Drawing on the influence of former lettermen, coaches, and even NFL stars, the Lettermen of the USA harnesses the discipline and teamwork of the gridiron to aid honorably discharged veterans, wounded veterans, disaster victims, and fellow former players facing life’s toughest plays. From motivational speaking engagements to hands-on home renovations through programs like “Interiors for Heroes,” the organization’s reach has grown exponentially, proving that the lessons of the locker room—resilience, brotherhood, and selfless service—transcend the final whistle.

At the heart of the Lettermen of the USA’s ascent has been a steadfast ally: the Alabama Power Company and its philanthropic arm, the Alabama Power Foundation. Their partnership, which began with the 2011 sponsorship of the flag football game, has deepened into a multifaceted commitment to community upliftment, particularly in veteran support—a cause that aligns seamlessly with Alabama Power’s broader ethos of powering progress across the state. Since the Lettermen of the USA achieved its 501(c)(3) status in 2018, the collaboration has flourished, transforming episodic generosity into a sustained force for good. The Foundation’s grants have been instrumental, providing critical funding for leadership development and community programs. In 2021, for instance, the Lettermen of the USA received an Elevate grant to bolster its initiatives, enabling expanded outreach to veterans transitioning to civilian life. This support echoed in 2023 when the Foundation presented a check specifically earmarked for the “Interiors for Heroes” program, which renovates homes for wounded veterans, offering them not just shelter but a renewed sense of dignity and stability. Since 2022, the Lettermen of the USA has also received dedicated funding from the Alabama Power Foundation’s ABC Trust for its “Utilities for Heroes” program, which provides essential utility bill assistance to veterans in need. This vital support began with $2,500 and has grown to approximately $9,000 annually, ensuring that no hero goes without power in their hour of need.

The partnership’s vitality shines brightest in the Lettermen of the USA’s marquee events, where Alabama Power’s sponsorship elevates impact to new heights. The annual “One Yard at a Time” Gala, a patriotic evening of auctions, music, and star-studded tributes, has become a cornerstone of veteran fundraising in Alabama. In 2019, Alabama Power’s sponsorship helped honor U.S. military heroes alongside Crimson Tide legends, drawing support from across the state and underscoring the shared values of service that bind the organizations. Fast-forward to 2025, and Alabama Power sponsored the gala’s sixth iteration on February 28 at The Club in Birmingham, where the event honored former Auburn University lineman Richard Shea, continuing its tradition of alternating honorees between Auburn, Alabama, and UAB. This ensured that proceeds continued to flow to veterans in need—from adaptive home modifications to emergency financial aid. Beyond the gala, Alabama Power has sponsored a wide array of projects with the Lettermen of the USA, including community outreach initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and veteran support programs, reflecting a commitment that spans multiple facets of the organization’s mission.

What began as a response to tragedy has evolved into a blueprint for corporate-community synergy. Alabama Power’s investment in the Lettermen of the USA reflects a profound understanding that true power lies not in kilowatts alone, but in empowering people to rise. Through grants, sponsorships, and a shared vision, the Alabama Power Foundation has amplified the Lettermen of the USA’s mission, touching countless lives and reinforcing Alabama’s legacy of resilience. As the jerseys from Alumni Day ’11 remind us, in the face of adversity, a single play—a single partnership—can change the game forever. Today, as the Lettermen of the USA continues to advance “one yard at a time,” Alabama Power stands shoulder-to-shoulder, illuminating a path forward for veterans and communities alike. Their journey together is a reminder that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Born in a season of loss, this partnership has grown into a season of healing and service, proving once more that what was meant for harm, God has used for good.

Darryl Fuhrman

Lettermen of the USA