FirstLight Gives $250,000 to Veterans Walk

The credit union's gift supports a planned veterans space within the proposed Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza in downtown El Paso.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy

Empty paved walkway through a modern concrete plaza with plain granite slabs and stone planters, low hills and downtown buildings beyond under late-afternoon light. — FirstLight Federal Credit Union gave $250,000 on Monday toward a Veterans Walk planned at the proposed Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza in downtown El Paso. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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FirstLight Federal Credit Union announced a $250,000 gift for the Veterans Walk planned at the proposed Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza in downtown El Paso. The gift was announced Monday and made in honor of local veterans.

Why it matters

The gift is a financial contribution toward a veterans-focused public space in El Paso, and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation is seeking community and veteran input to shape it. The project is intended to offer a place for reflection and remembrance for future generations.

FirstLight's $250,000 gift is one of several private contributions, which also include gifts from CASA Auto Group, the Loya Family, and the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, toward a project estimated at $239 million to build. The foundation's $35 million private philanthropy goal remains a significant part of the funding plan.

The players

FirstLight Federal Credit Union

A credit union founded in 1955 to serve military and civilian personnel at Biggs Air Force Base, which now serves soldiers and families at Fort Bliss.

Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation

The organization leading the proposed Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza, responsible for raising private philanthropy and taking over the park's long-term operations and maintenance.

The details

The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and FirstLight will seek input from veterans and the El Paso community to shape the Veterans Walk. The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation will take over long-term operations and maintenance of the park.

1955: FirstLight Federal Credit Union was founded to serve personnel at Biggs Air Force Base.
Monday: FirstLight announced the $250,000 Veterans Walk gift.

Season Trajectory

FirstLight's gift extends a service relationship with the military community in El Paso that dates to the 1955 founding of the credit union to serve Biggs Air Force Base. The contribution places the credit union's support alongside other private donors in a fundraising effort for a downtown project.

Residents of El Paso may see the Veterans Walk take shape within the proposed Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza, and the foundation is seeking community and veteran input on its design. The project's long-term upkeep will fall to the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation.

The takeaway

Community members who want to shape the Veterans Walk can engage with the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation, which is actively seeking input from veterans and residents. Local giving can support veterans-focused public spaces in El Paso.