Vol. 127, No. 8
INSIDE
August 2024
Wildfire Relief Fund donations delivered
Wildfire Fund donations ➤ Pg. 1, 3
Camp scholarships ➤ Pg. 10
Camp photo pages ➤ Pgs. 12-13
hermannsonslife.org
Member Benefits Representative Leonni Avalos is pictured at the Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department presenting the donation to volunteer Cole Wilson. The Wheeler VFD had 11 brush trucks and 35 volunteers battling the wildfires and provided aid to surrounding counties under the direction of Chief Robert Ford.
SAN ANTONIO – In March 2024, the Hermann Sons Life Home Office issued a plea to members and lodges to join in a response to disastrous wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The Texas Wildfire Relief Fund was organized and more than $9,800 was raised. “We are so proud of our members and lodges for responding so generously to help in the recovery in West Texas,” Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude.” Checks in the amount of $1,400 were donated to seven different volunteer fire departments. Those departments were Stinnett, Crutch Ranch, White Deer, Miami Roberts, Canadian, Briscoe and Wheeler.
The nearly three-week battle that started in February became the largest wildfire in Texas history burning more than 1 million acres. “The VFD personnel said they all helped each other out collectively during the fires, but when winds caused direction changes, they had to return to their hometowns and contain the fire as much as they could on their own,” Cecily explained. “We hope these donations can help the departments recoup from their losses. They were all so grateful and appreciative and expressed that every little bit helps.” The fire departments said funds will help go toward new command and brush vehicles and other needs. More photos on Pg. 3
Nelson Britten of the White Deer Volunteer Fire Department accepts the donation from Member Benefits Representative Leonni Avalos. He reported they fought fires for five days from South Pampa to Lefors.
Miami Roberts Volunteer Fire Department received thank you notes and posters from area students for battling the wildfires. They are proudly displayed at the station. Chief Philip Clark said 450,000 acres burned in Roberts County that is 923 square miles.
Member Benefits Representative Leonni Avalos is pictured presenting a check to Crutch Ranch Volunteer Fire Department volunteers Matt Gillman and Ben Alden. Chief Mark Mitchell said the department assisted other departments but lost 3,000 acres in their own service area.