07/08/2025
The response to our first update left me speechless: almost 50,000 views and over 140 shares nationwide. At one point, donations were arriving every minute, most modestly in the range of $10 to $20. These heartfelt contributions, regardless of their size, underscore a profound truth: our country is filled with everyday heroes who are willing to risk everything to help others in need.
On day two, Kaylan stepped up and took ownership of parking duty like a boss with her megaphone at the now-operational Center Point Volunteer Fire Department. I believe nearly a thousand people attended the search on this day. Meanwhile, I focused my efforts on coordinating local businesses for the tasks awaiting us on day three.
By the third day, the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department had reached out for assistance. Because of the sensitivity of the situation and the families involved, I'll limit the specifics and the photos shared; however, those familiar with the situation understand its urgency. Our task was straightforward yet daunting: to build land bridges across newly formed islands on the Guadalupe River, enabling emergency services to deploy heavy equipment and conduct essential searches.
Once again, the community answered my call. In less than 24 hours, we had over 15 machines and around 30 dedicated, skilled workers who came together for this mission. Businesses were eager to contribute, but due to necessary protocols, we must carefully coordinate efforts to protect families and maintain privacy. The community support, both offered and provided, was overwhelming to say the least.
I feel compelled to acknowledge the remarkable businesses that immediately stepped forward:
* Lee Nadler with Coyote Dirt Works dropped everything to bring his dump truck and excavator.
* Daniele Beedle with Centerfire Services arrived with multiple pieces of heavy equipment, welders, repair technicians, and a chainsaw brigade.
* Tyler and the team from Singer Services Landscape and Design contributed significantly, with around 10 team members and heavy equipment.
* Chad from Van Delden Wastewater Systems Services sent four or five machines, eight crew members, and even joined the effort himself.
* Joshua Pistone and Caleb Pistone, with Reddy Pros, of course, were present, along with chainsaws and a hardworking team.
* I even had a few of my close personal friends
show up to help.
The combined knowledge of the people we had in the field would make even the most prominent commercial companies proud. Together, working from sunrise to sunset, we successfully stabilized nearly a half-mile stretch of river road, created two new river crossings, and created access for heavy machinery and critical search-and-rescue operations. These are small businesses coming together, not huge enterprises or government-funded agencies. These individuals are here because they have a huge heart for our community.
People ask how one manages to cope with the overwhelming sights—the devastation, personal belongings scattered like tragic forget-me-nots, shoes, backpacks, even family photo albums marking lives disrupted or lost. Perhaps later, in quiet moments at home, these images linger. But in the field, what sustains us is the remarkable bond we form instantly with strangers turned friends, united by a shared mission. Volunteers and rescue teams, many of whom are unpaid and come from across the nation, have made incredible sacrifices, giving up time with their families, enduring physical strain, incurring financial costs, and facing emotional burdens. The medical tent on-site was filled not with victims, but with volunteers dealing with injuries, dehydration, and exhaustion.
Contrary to media portrayals that often divide us, the reality here reaffirms our shared humanity and common purpose. When lives are at stake, geography and politics take a backseat once you realize how insignificant they truly are. The value of family, friends, and life takes precedence. When these heroes are risking their lives for strangers, no matter where you come from, I will proudly say that, as far as I am concerned, you are all Texans now.
