Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – More than 25 students in South Texas College’s Construction Supervision program stepped away from the classroom and into the community to partner with McAllen-based Armored Painting for the third annual Operation Veteran Paint Project.
With a brand-new coat of paint gleaming on the 1945 home of Korean War veteran Frank De La Rosa Sr., 90, STC students say they jumped at the chance to participate in something larger than themselves with the understanding that leadership and service go hand in hand.
“We are painting Mr. De La Rosa’s home, and he deserves it,” said Armored Painting Co-owner and Marine Corps veteran Jose Robledo, who is also an alumnus from the STC Construction Supervision program. “This isn’t just about painting – it’s about leadership, teamwork, camaraderie and making sure our veterans know they are not forgotten.”
Each year, just in time for Veterans Day, friends and family nominate a local veteran who then receives a complete home exterior makeover at no cost. De La Rosa’s home, which family members say housed seven children and survived Hurricane Beulah in 1967, was restored by student crews determined to give back to the generation that paved the way before them.
Robledo, who organizes the project each year said the work instills values that cannot be taught inside a classroom. As both an instructor and a veteran, Robledo said he believes students grow tremendously when they engage with real projects and real people.
“When you bring students out here, they learn to build for their communities, they learn to step up for others and develop a work ethic,” he said. “At the same time, the veterans feel seen and supported. That’s the heart of this project.”
For first-year Construction Supervision student Rafael Garza, the opportunity to serve was deeply meaningful. Garza, who hopes to become a construction superintendent or project manager, said experiences in the community, like the veteran project, shape the kind of leader he wants to be.
“When I heard about the project, I knew it was a great way to get involved. This veteran has given so much to our country, so being able to give back while learning hands-on skills is something I will never forget,” Garza said. “Leadership goes hand in hand with giving back. We had a lot of students here and we worked together to get everything done. It really showed me how important teamwork is.”
Construction Supervision faculty members Israel Medrano and Eddie Luna, who is also a veteran, were onsite assisting with the home makeover and guiding students. In addition to the annual veteran project, Medrano said STC students have contributed to Habitat for Humanity, Mi Casita and local rehabilitation efforts for more than a decade.
All these experiences spur leadership qualities in students who might not discover them otherwise, he said.
“You can’t learn this kind of leadership from a lecture,” Medrano said. “Out here, students naturally begin to take charge, problem-solve and work as a team – just like they would in the industry. Our goal is not only to prepare them for careers, but to help them understand the importance of giving back.”
Frank De La Rosa Jr, who spoke on his father’s behalf, said watching students transform his home was an emotional experience. As a retired educator now caring for his father fulltime, he said veterans often carry invisible burdens and rarely ask for help.
“When my dad saw the house, it was like he got a second life,” De La Rosa said. “These students gave him something priceless. This wasn’t just a job – it was healing.”
For more information about STC’s Construction Supervision program,visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/.
