Operation Veteran
Paint Project
Every year we select one Rio Grande Valley veteran and repaint the exterior of their home, completely free, alongside local businesses who donate paint, materials and labor.
Nominations for 2026 close October 10, 2026. RGV cities only.
One Home, Every Year, At No Cost
Nelson Martinez and Jose Robledo founded Armored Painting after each serving two tours in Iraq. Operation Veteran Paint Project is how the company says thank you to the people who served alongside them.
Every year we choose one veteran in the Rio Grande Valley and repaint the exterior of their home from top to bottom. The veteran pays nothing. Local businesses donate the paint, materials and labor, and our crew gives up a week to do the work.
Nominations are open to veterans of every branch, anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, and anyone can submit one — including the veteran themselves.
A past Operation Veteran Paint Project, with the crew and our sponsors.
How It Works
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Nominate a Veteran
Anyone can nominate — a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or the veteran themselves. Tell us who they are and why. The story matters more than the paperwork.
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We Review Every Nomination
Our team reads all of them and considers need, the veteran's service, and what we can realistically accomplish in a week alongside our sponsors.
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The Winner Is Announced
We announce the selected veteran on Monday, October 13, 2026 on Facebook Live.
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We Paint
The crew and our sponsors repaint the exterior of the home at no cost, tentatively during the week of Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
Nominate a Veteran
Nominations for 2026 are open until October 10, 2026. Give us a call and have these details ready — it takes about five minutes.
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About you
Your name, email, phone number, and your relationship to the veteran.
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About the veteran
Their name, address, phone number, and branch of service.
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Their story
A short explanation of why you are nominating them.
Who Is Eligible
- Veterans of any branch — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force
- The home must be in a Rio Grande Valley city
- Anyone can submit a nomination, including the veteran themselves
The Businesses Who Make It Possible
This project only happens because local businesses donate paint, materials, labor and time.
- Sherwin-Williams
- Armored Painting
- El Custom Wood Garage
- Life Through Lens
- Combat Mic
- Custom Koolerz
- Movement RGV
- API RGV
Want to sponsor next year's project? Email info@armoredpainting.com or call us.
Looking for Other Ways We Give Back?
We also sponsor schools, youth teams, classrooms, nonprofits and community organizations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.