Solar for Disabled Veteran

David Correa and his family have lived in Ontario since 1997. David was born in Mexicali, Mexico (on the border of Imperial Valley) in the City of Calexico. His family migrated from Mexico when he was five years old.

David enlisted in the military (United States Marine Corps) immediately upon graduating from high school in 1982. He served as a combat engineer infantry (they called them smart infantry) where he dealt with explosives, demolitions and construction. He was stationed in Hawaii for three years then transferred to a duty station in San Antonio, Texas where he and his family lived for 11 years. He had a desire to move to California to be closer to family and reenlisted and was stationed in Twentynine Palms, Calif where he served for six years. He was trained at the rifle range and recognized by the NRA as a distinguished shooter and became a pistol instructor. Noted as an exemplary Marine Corps, he became a recruiter to help enlist other marines during his last three years of service. David had always dreamed of becoming a police officer or Texas Ranger. He had nine years of military of the 20 required years of service to make his dream a reality. He applied to Houston Police Department and was accepted right away. He was given a start date for the Police Academy, but unfortunately was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He was put on permanent disability in 1995 by his doctor.

David first heard about GRID Alternatives when he received a flyer and called to inquire about the program. When he called, he learned that he was qualified for GRID’s Energy for All no cost solar program. “I am on a fixed income, so the savings will help a lot with financial obligations such as my car payment,” said Correa.

The Correa family lives on a half-acre property and David used his skills in construction to help build an addition in the rear of his home where his parents now live. They have three dogs, a Siberian Husky named Maya and two Chihuahua’s named Coco and Lulu. They also have a very chatty parrot name Pancho, who is well versed in English as well speaks and sings in Spanish. David has Native American heritage of the Yaqui Indian Tribe, South Western in Mexican state of Sonora. His mom is from Southern Arizona. He and his wife participate in local Pow Wow’s once a month, such as Moronga, Pechanga, San Manuel and tribes in Los Angeles County.

As the COVID-19 stay-at-home-orders are gradually being lifted, David say’s he looks forward to visiting their kids in Phoenix Arizona, as well as his mother-in-law in Imperial Valley and extended family in Mexicali.

To see if you qualify for GRID’s Energy for All Program, visit www.gridsolar.org or contact the Outreach team at 1-866-921-4696.