Yuma Army Veteran honored for heroic actions at Arizona State Veterans Home

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A Yuma Army Veteran is being recognized for going above and beyond in two sudden emergencies, while at work at the Arizona State Veterans Home.

Anthony "Tony" Becerra, a recreational therapist at the Arizona State Veterans Home in Yuma, recently received the Above and Beyond Award during the Arizona Health Care Association's annual convention.

Becerra was honored for his quick thinking and heroic actions during two separate incidents that helped protect both staff and residents.

In 2024, Becerra helped extinguish a fire in the facility's resident smoking area before it could spread, preventing what could have become a much larger emergency.

Earlier this year, he again sprang into action when a staff member suffered a serious medical emergency.

Working alongside a registered nurse supervisor, Becerra helped perform CPR, contributing to efforts that saved the employee's life.

Before joining the Arizona State Veterans Home full-time, Becerra began as an activities volunteer in 2024. He later earned his Certified Nursing Assistant certification and recreational therapy certification before joining the staff full-time.

According to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, Becerra has built a reputation for consistently stepping up wherever help is needed and often goes beyond the responsibilities of his position.

Yuma Home Administrator David Barrientos praised Becerra's dedication, saying his selflessness reflects the values of the Arizona State Veterans Home and the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services.