FirstLight Federal Credit Union Announces $250,000 Gift for Veterans Walk at the Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza

The Veterans Walk will pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country, creating a lasting place to gather and honor their service in the heart of El Paso.

EL PASO, TEXAS – Ahead of Veterans Day, FirstLight Federal Credit Union announced a $250,000 gift to the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation for the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Veterans Walk at the future Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza, the 6.5-acre park planned over I-10 in the downtown area. FirstLight’s contribution adds to the growing momentum behind the once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new community space for all, including a dedicated place to honor over 47,000 veterans who call El Paso home and to remember those who gave their all.

Founded in 1955 to serve military and civilian personnel at Biggs Air Force Base, FirstLight Federal Credit Union, now headquartered in El Paso, has grown into one of the region’s most trusted financial institutions. Today, they proudly serve soldiers and families at Fort Bliss and help make homeownership more accessible for military, veteran and civilian families.

“Assisting our veterans and their families has always been part of who we are, and it remains one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to the El Paso community,” said Margie Salazar, President and CEO of FirstLight Federal Credit Union.

“The Veterans Walk will offer a space for reflection and remembrance while ensuring future generations never forget the courage and sacrifice of those who served. We are proud to help create a special place where the stories of our nation’s heroes can be shared and their legacy honored.”

 As design of the Deck Plaza moves forward, the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and FirstLight Federal Credit Union will seek input from veterans and the community to help shape the Veterans Walk, ensuring the history of El Paso’s veterans is reflected in the space. 

For Jesus Nevarez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient who is part of the FirstLight family, the gift is personal. “I’m proud to work for an organization that is committed to the communities we serve, especially our military and veteran community,” said Nevarez. “In a community like ours, where the military has such a strong presence, that connection is extremely important. As a veteran and as an employee of FirstLight, I’m proud to see us be part of that.”

As a regional destination expected to welcome up to 1.5 million visitors annually and generate nearly $1 billion in economic activity over 30 years, the multi-purpose park will reconnect neighborhoods long divided by I-10. With a prominent place in the park, the Veterans Walk will showcase El Paso’s pride in those who served and sacrificed for our country.

“The Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza will be a place for all El Pasoans to come together and celebrate the vibrant culture and heritage of our region,” said El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. “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.”

The Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza is supported by a broad public-private partnership that includes the City of El Paso, El Paso County, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, state and federal leaders, philanthropic partners and community advocates. As the community prepares for TxDOT to begin reconstruction of I-10, partners are advancing the project one phase at a time, working to secure as much federal, state and private funding as possible while minimizing the reliance on local taxpayers. The Foundation will be responsible for the park's long-term operations and maintenance.

Based on the Feasibility Study, the estimated cost of the park is $207 million (in 2027 dollars) for design and construction. An additional $32 million is required by TxDOT for retaining walls to hold the deck structure. To date, approximately $74.15 million has been committed to the project. That funding includes:

• $10 million from the Texas Legislature for design of the tunnel, including $584,000 in City TIRZ #5 matching funds

• $25 million from the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization for construction

• $3.15 million in Federal Community Project Funding for construction

• $1 million from El Paso County for construction

• $35 million in philanthropic commitments for park amenities

FirstLight Federal Credit Union joins the Fred Loya Family, Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, and Casa Auto Group in supporting the project. With the gift from FirstLight Federal Credit Union, El Paso is another step closer to Elevating the 10 and creating a place where every El Pasoan can gather, celebrate and honor those who served. Learn more and get involved at DowntownDeckPlaza.org.