Blogs and Stories
The Arizona Heroes Memorial Brief History and Milestones
The Arizona Heroes Memorial is set to officially open on November 16, 2024, marking a significant milestone in honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our safety. The story of its inception is one of dedication, resilience, and community spirit that began with a vision held by Dick Eggerding, a devoted volunteer in the Town of Oro Valley since 1991.
In 1996, Dick co-authored a code that allocated 1% of new construction costs to public art, ensuring that Oro Valley would always celebrate creativity. However, his vision expanded in 2015 when he envisioned a memorial dedicated to honoring veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. Standing on the Naranja Park plateau, with the majestic Catalina Mountains in the background, Dick declared, “This would be the perfect location for a memorial.” His determination led him to successfully advocate for the allocation of 2.58 acres of land from the town, setting the stage for the Arizona Heroes Memorial.
In 2016, the groundwork for the memorial took shape with a feasibility study and the creation of initial conceptual drawings, which featured a ground star, seated walls, and a striking central monument. A passionate group of volunteers formed the Board of Directors, including Dick Eggerding as Chairman, Kay Williams, Alan Dankwerth, Steve Didio, and Vickie Shoopman. They adopted by-laws and began laying the foundation for what would become a decade-long journey filled with milestones and challenges.
January 2017, excitement grew as the team organized its first major fundraising event at El Conquistador, attracting over 200 attendees, including local officials and first responders. The event sparked enthusiasm and support, with Bill Walker of WLB Group stepping in as the primary sponsor to jumpstart the engineering efforts alongside Bill Assenmacher of CAID Industries.
From 2016-2018, the organization achieved a critical milestone by obtaining 501(c)(3) status, allowing it to pursue funding opportunities more effectively. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 brought many initiatives to a halt, creating uncertainty for the project. Yet, the Board persevered, and by July 2021, they renamed the organization the Arizona Heroes Memorial to honor not only veterans and first responders but also healthcare workers who had risen to the occasion during the pandemic.
January 2022, Lisa Hopper was appointed as the first Executive Director. Immersing herself in every aspect of the project, she worked closely with the Board to revitalize the organization and forge a renewed vision. With a fresh strategy in place, the momentum began to build once again, culminating in a pivotal moment.
In October 2022, a remarkable partnership took shape. Patrick and Lindsey Spencer, owners of Spencer Construction, stepped up as our General Contractor, leading the charge from demo to completion as premier sponsors. Teaming up with WLB Group, Schneider Structural, and our design team, along with the support of Memorial leadership and the Town of Oro Valley, the construction team began to come together, united in a mission to create something extraordinary!
February 28, 2023, the groundbreaking ceremony drew over 300 attendees, signaling strong community support. As preparations continued, the Spencer Construction team began removing 900,000 lbs. of concrete from the site.
November 16th 2024 The Arizona Heroes Memorial celebrated its Grand Opening with nearly 600 attendees. The Arizona Heroes Memorial represents the unyielding spirit of Oro Valley and the heroes it honors, a testament to the power of community and resilience
