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This Week
The Voice of the West Valley for 32 years
15
January 31, 2018
Goodyear man helps restore Luke AFB assists veterans in Puerto Rico’s power finding success
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
“To see it firsthand, the number of people out of power and the number of days without power is humbling.” Marchese, a coach at Desert Edge High School, has provided aid before, but this time he wasn’t sure what to expect. SRP has had mutual assistance missions in New York, San Diego, Southern California and Mexico. This is the first time teams have left the mainland. “When we went to New York and California, we’re considered a donor utility,” he said. “We send our skilled labor to help – crews, trucks and equipment – to get people back in power. That’s the
Steven Olson was working toward his master’s degree when his instructor at Luke Air Force Base’s Webster University revealed something to the class: The facility’s visitors center was converting to the Military and Veterans Success Center. It is the nation’s first communitysupported, case-managed, holistic support center for transitioning military, veterans and their spouses. It is located outside of the Luke AFB Lightning Gate entrance. “I thought I would get some brownie points from the instructor by running over there and seeing what it was all about,” Olson said with a laugh. “I’m glad I did. I just retired from the military. I’m taking advantage of my GI Bill and going to school at night.” What he learned was the center is a onestop shop to help military members and their spouses learn how to smoothly and successful transition to civilian life. Case managers help individuals create success plans that incorporate all facets of their lives. Students can seek funding through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation for scholarships, books, tuition, housing, resume writing, financial literacy, transitional classes, child care and emergency needs. The center also provides mental health resources and monthly substance abuse classes, the latter of which begin February 5. The services are free. “Whatever they need, we’ll provide
SRP...continued on page 2
Veterans...continued on page 9
NEWS .............. 4 Goodyear PD hosts explosive detection event
SPORTS ........ 17 Estrella Foothills girls’ soccer team undefeated
9 DAYS ......... 19 Looking for something to do? Check out the 9 Days a Week calendar
LETTERS ........................12 BUSINESS..................... 14 SPORTS ..........................17 FEATURES .....................21 NEIGHBORHOOD......26 SCHOOLS .....................27 OBITUARIES .................30 CLASSIFIEDS................32 WEST
Bret Marchese of Goodyear takes a selfie with a grateful family in Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy SRP)
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Looking somber, Bret Marchese of SRP talks about organizing efforts to restore power in Puerto Rico. For more than 35 days, the Goodyear resident was on the island battered by the category-five hurricanes Irma and Maria that destroyed much of its electrical infrastructure. As the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority rebuilds its grid, SRP is providing insight. “It was definitely sad to see the level of devastation,” said Marchese, who works at SRP’s Tempe campus. “Eighty percent of the system is down. It’s not something you typically see.