Fellow Legionnaires:
The Hill Country area (numerous counties) have been affected by the flooding that started around 1:30 am Friday morning. We awake to a disaster but also the many agencies in this area immediately jumped into action and have been going non-stop since notifications went out. An Emergency Declaration was declared by the County Judge Rob Kelly and last night,
Gov. Greg Abbott attended a press conference at 9 PM in Kerrville and signed a State Declaration of Emergency that included numerous counties in the Hill Country and surrounding counties that were affected. This will free up State funds to help those in need. Search and rescue efforts continue. Sheriff Leitha briefed that over 850 people have been rescued, 27 confirmed fatalities and approximately still 25 or so people still unaccounted for.
Kerrville Memorial Post 208 did not sustain any damage from the flooding, got close but we are fine. We stayed open and besides members also provided hamburgers and hotdogs to those in the immediate area and the first responders, clean up maintenance crews and such if they were hungry or needed a dry place for a short time.
I have called and emailed State Commander Tom Marty to keep him apprised of the situation. The 4th Division District Commanders have been asked to reach out to their posts and if anyone needs help to get the information out and keep us informed.
Due to the confusion and power outages and such that were down, it has taken some time but per 21st District Commander Jeff Meurer and Vice Commander Don Gray, all but two Commanders have responded and stated all is well or as can be expected.
I have received calls from other individuals throughout the state NEC John Hince, Past Commander Jeff Perkins, asking how they and their posts, can help. Right now, initial influx has been done by the rescue units and other state agencies that are here. At the 9 PM briefing the Emergency Mgmt team from the State of Texas has asked that everyone to let them evaluate the needs and will get the word out as soon as they can. Last night the words used several times at the briefing and through interviews from people "Kerrville Strong" will continue to resonate through the Hill Country.
Right now Keep us in your prayers, pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones, especially the young children (campers that came to camps to have fun and enjoy the summer with other young people), pray for those who have lost everything; and definitely pray for the emergency folks, the first responders as they continue to work diligently throughout this trying event to help and reassure our local communities that they are here as long as it takes.
Sources for Info:
FBK: City of Kerrville, TX - city hall
WEB: kerrvilletx.gov
WEB: kerrcountytx.gov
. . . just to list a few that will have regular updates on the status of the flood and rescue operations.
Cash donations can be made to: The Community Foundation
Again keep the Hill Country and surrounding counties that are affected in your prayers and as we are informed of urgent needs and such, we will strive to get the word out as best we can. As I mentioned earlier, let the people on the ground determine what is needed and then we'll go from there.
Thank you all for your calls and please check on your legionnaires.
This is a great time for BUDDY CHECKS!!
George McHorse Jr Dept Vice Commander 4th Division Department of Texas
(830)-329-3064
gmj1201@stx.rr.com
Since the 1920s, The American Legion has stood by communities, Legionnaires and Legion posts after disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.
Established after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the National Emergency Fund has delivered over $11 million in aid to Legionnaires and Legion posts, helping prevent post closures and support recovery. With grants of up to $3,000 for individuals and $10,000 for posts, the NEF ensures rapid relief when it’s needed most.
Membership in The American Legion must be active when the disaster strikes and when the application is filed.
What's covered: An NEF grant may be considered when the applicant:
Has been displaced from his or her primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
Provides copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs (such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster.
American Legion NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND
Cmdr 2023-2025 | Jeff Meurer | (817)-395-2674 | csmjmeurer@yahoo.com |
Cmdr 2025-2027 | Don Gray | (830)-336-4335 | don.amlegion@gmail.com |