El Paso, Texas – In a move that underscores the city’s commitment to honoring those who have served, FirstLight Federal Credit Union announced a $250,000 gift to fund a “Veterans Walk” at the planned Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza. The donation will help shape a dedicated space for reflection, remembrance, and education about the sacrifices of local veterans.
Community partnership and veteran input
The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation, which is steering the multi‑phase development, said the Veterans Walk will be designed with direct input from veterans and community members. The foundation’s goal is to ensure the walkway becomes a lasting reminder that future generations never forget the courage of those who defended our nation.
Local leadership praises the contribution
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego praised the partnership, stating, “As the Veterans Capital of the U.S.A., we know the stories and sacrifices of our veterans are an important part of that history. The Veterans Walk will be a fitting way to honor their service. On behalf of El Paso County, thank you to FirstLight Federal Credit Union for this gift to our veterans.”
About FirstLight Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1955 to serve military personnel at Biggs Air Force Base, FirstLight has grown to serve soldiers and families stationed at Fort Bliss and the broader El Paso community. The credit union’s long‑standing focus on military families makes the donation a natural extension of its mission.
Project scope and financing
The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation estimates the entire deck plaza will cost about $239 million to construct. Earlier reporting by ABC‑7 suggested that completing all amenities and adjacent buildings could push total costs to $412 million. To meet the financing goal, the foundation has pledged to raise $35 million in private philanthropy. Already on board are CASA Auto Group, the Loya family, and the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, each contributing to the broader vision.
Long‑term stewardship
Beyond construction, the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation plans to assume responsibility for the park’s long‑term operations and maintenance, ensuring the space remains well‑kept for residents and visitors alike.
Why the Veterans Walk matters
El Paso has long been recognized as a hub for military families, with Fort Bliss and numerous veteran service organizations shaping the city’s identity. A dedicated Veterans Walk not only provides a solemn place for remembrance but also reinforces the community’s shared values of faith, family, and liberty. By integrating the walk into the downtown deck plaza, the city creates a visible, daily reminder of the sacrifices that protect those very values.
Next steps
The foundation and FirstLight will hold public listening sessions in the coming weeks to gather ideas from veterans, families, and local residents. Those sessions will help determine design elements, signage, and programming for the Veterans Walk, ensuring it reflects the diverse experiences of El Paso’s service members.
As the project moves forward, city officials anticipate that the deck plaza—and the Veterans Walk within it—will become a focal point for community events, ceremonies, and educational tours, further cementing El Paso’s reputation as a proud “Veterans Capital of the U.S.A.”
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
