Tolleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor SRP with Purple Heart Advocacy Award

The Tolleson Veterans of Foreign Wars ‘Bobby’ Diaz Lopez Post 6310 honored SRP with the Purple Heart Advocacy Award during a ceremony at the Glendale Renaissance Hotel on November 7. This award recognized SRP’s contributions in providing resources and labor to grade and level the post’s parking lot, advancing the building towards its completion.

For years, the VFW Post 6310 held its meetings in senior centers and fire stations. In August 2021, the post embarked on constructing its own building, with veterans actively participating in the construction.  

Although the building was complete, the VFW could not use it to host events or provide extensive services because their parking lot was filled with piles of dirt, and Maricopa County regulations prohibited parking on unpaved surfaces. Grading and preparing the lot required resources and expertise beyond the veterans’ means.  

After learning about the challenges that the Tolleson VFW faced in constructing their parking lot, SRP employees quickly responded.  

“When we learned about the VFW’s need and recognized that we had the resources and expertise to assist, we immediately started mobilizing and involving the right people at SRP,” said Joseph Pena, lifelong Tolleson resident and Supervisor of Distribution Improvements at SRP. “I am proud to be part of an organization that shows this level of commitment to the veteran community.”  

Over the course of two weeks, SRP provided time, labor, dump trucks, front loaders, a water truck, and a grader to remove approximately 750 tons of dirt from the parking lot.  

"We were deeply moved when we learned that SRP would support us; it was unexpected. Their assistance has saved our post substantial costs and brought us closer to completing our new building,” said Ruben Quezada, Commander of Post 6310. “This building is our legacy. One day, our younger veterans will take over this post to continue serving our community.”  

The Post 6310 veterans hope to open their new building this year to provide essential services to dozens of local veterans. One of the post’s main goals is to guide veterans and their families on their entitled benefits and inform them about new programs and resources. Despite not having a building last year, they successfully helped 480 veterans apply for services.  

The building is designed to be more than just a place to get assistance. It will also be a warm and inviting environment where veterans and their families can enjoy and participate in various events.  

The Tolleson Veterans of Foreign Wars are still seeking resources and volunteers to pave the parking lot. To contribute to the project, contact Olga Aros at oraworldwide@cox.net.  

SRP contributes nearly $100,000 annually to support the veteran community in Arizona. From effective veteran hiring practices to extensive collaborations with veteran-owned businesses and organizations, SRP remains committed to making a positive impact for veterans.   

About Tolleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6310:  
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert “Bobby” Diaz Lopez Post 6310 was founded in Tolleson, Arizona, and received its National Charter in 1992. Our post has achieved ALL AMERICAN status multiple times, including in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. We are dedicated to honoring service members and veterans with the motto “No One Does More For Our Veterans.” Our programs and services address the current needs of America’s service members, veterans, and military families, including community needs, veterans assistance claims, legislative advocacy, troop support programs, youth activities, community services, and scholarships.