By the time The Lexington Lab Band launched into Van Halen’s “Jump,” the crowd was thrilled, tired, and fully satisfied. The band’s return headlined Sunday's fifth annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes ceremony; an event inspired by the life of PJ Quinn and created to honor four hero groups: First Responders, Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families. The event was free, lively, and packed with food trucks, community booths, and organizations representing local service groups. It was heartfelt, loud, joyful, and very Oro Valley.
A powerful opening before the ceremony began
The event opened with a patriotic punch. The Mariachi Voces de mi Pueblo delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and just moments later, the sky announced its own salute: A flyover by two medivac helicopters, a moving reminder of service in action.
By the time the ceremony began, Oro Valley's Kieght Park’s east field was filled with first responder booths, food trucks, and attendees. Many others gathered outside the fences, seated on chairs and blankets, finding shade on a warm November afternoon.
Retied General Ted Maxwell and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona honored armed services, with all branches represented except the U.S. Marines, who were in Las Vegas celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.
Oro Valley’s Chief Riley awarded the Community Hero Award
One of the ceremony’s biggest moments was the presentation of the Community Hero Award to Oro Valley Police Chief Cara Riley. Introduced by Rockin’ 4 Heroes organizers and Golder Ranch Fire Chief Tom Brandhuber, Riley was recognized for 30 years in law enforcement, including 21 years with the Oro Valley Police Department. Her career includes leading patrol, motors, K-9, SWAT, negotiations, and the Community Action Team.
Riley accepted the honor with humility and shared that the award also belonged to her sister, who supported the Quinn family during their most difficult days.
A new car for firefighter Julian Mills
Then came another lovely moment.
Julian Mills, a first-year firefighter with the Tohono O’odham Nation Fire Department, drives more than 120 miles round trip from Tucson to Sells for each shift. His current car; a 2000 Buick Century with more than 120,000 miles; has done its best, but the road has clearly won. Thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, along with support from GEICO, Caliber Collision, and Enterprise, Mills was selected to receive a fully restored Chrysler Pacifica. Mills was in mandatory training, so his mother accepted the keys on his behalf, to cheers, applause, and a few happy tears.
Raffle raises support for the Heroes’ Fund
After the band stopped playing, the raffle began, with proceeds gointg to the Heroes’ Fund; a fund created by Rockin’ 4 Heroes founders Mike and Bonnie Quinn. As Bonnie told the crowd:
“Because we have very supportive donors and sponsors, we’re able to not just stage this free public tribute, but we’re also able to fund our Hero Fund.”
Scholarships and support created by the Heroes’ Fund
The Heroes’ Fund continues to make a lasting impact. To date, it has established:
• The Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College, a fully endowed scholarship that funds two EMT students per year in perpetuity.
• The Veteran Student Gap Fund at the University of Arizona, providing financial support to veteran students and Gold Star family members for education costs not fully covered by the GI Bill. This fund also assists law-enforcement officers continuing their education while serving.
Support that lasts beyond the music
Rockin’ 4 Heroes lasts an afternoon. The Heroes’ Fund works all year. Donations help train EMTs, support veterans in college, and ease education costs for first responders who serve first and study second. Giving is easy and meaningful at Rockin4Heroes.org. Your gift would be a powerful way to say thank you long after the music ends.
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