More than 25 students enrolled in South Texas College’s Construction Supervision program put their skills into action this fall, stepping away from the classroom to support the third annual Operation Veteran Paint Project — a service initiative held just ahead of Veterans Day.
Partnering with McAllen-based Armored Painting, the students helped repaint and restore the McAllen home of 90-year-old Korean War veteran Frank De La Rosa Sr., whose house was built in 1945 and has weathered generations of family history.
“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 of 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.”
The annual project selects one veteran each year, based on community nominations, and provides a full exterior paint renovation at no cost to the family. De La Rosa’s home has housed seven children and even survived Hurricane Beulah in 1967, making its restoration especially meaningful for loved ones.
Robledo, who helps organize the initiative, said the project gives students firsthand experience with job roles, planning and teamwork — skills they will need as future construction leaders.
He added that working for someone who served the country adds weight to their efforts.
Out in the field, students say they learned not only about tools and techniques — but about serving others.
“When I heard about the project, I knew it was a great way to get involved,”
said first-year student Rafael Garza.
“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, who hopes to become a superintendent or project manager, said seeing the team organize, take initiative and overcome challenges showed him what real leadership looks like.
Construction Supervision program faculty Israel Medrano and Eddie Luna, a veteran himself, supervised crews and ensured safety and construction standards were met.
Medrano said this type of learning environment allows leadership qualities to surface naturally.
“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.”
STC’s construction students have supported nonprofit building efforts — including Habitat for Humanity, Mi Casita, and various local repair initiatives — for more than ten years.
For the De La Rosa family, the result was more than a fresh coat of paint.
“When my dad saw the house, it was like he got a second life,”
said Frank De La Rosa Jr., who cares for his father fulltime.
“These students gave him something priceless. This wasn’t just a job – it was healing.”
As Veterans Day approaches, organizers say projects like this help younger generations recognize sacrifice — and reshape their role in the community.
South Texas College’s Construction Supervision program helps students develop technical and management skills for careers in project supervision, building operations, and construction leadership. Program details:
www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/
Originally reported by Joey Gomez in Texas Border Business.
