Achievement unlocked…

Posted on by July 15, 2016

While other areas were dealing with “Day of Rage”, Wichita Falls was doing a first responder appreciation today.

flag flying

Thanks to the Elk’s Club and about 50 volunteers, a variety of first responders- LEO’s, Fire, EMS, from Wichita Falls and some of the surrounding small towns, along with DPS, Rangers, Possum Cops and others got a lunch and dinner for free as a thank you.

Quite a few brought along family members, and between lunch, dinner and the take outs for the jailers, dispatch, and those manning firestations and other critical infrastructure, a little over 1100 meals were served between lunch and dinner.

I was basically a gofer… go fer this, take out that, set up those tables and chairs, etc… But it felt good to see those first responders come through the door and hear their thanks.

A couple of the volunteers were also Patriot Guard riders, who had been in Dallas Wednesday supporting those officers funerals, and they said the procession was over five miles long. Not only that, the other side of the freeway stopped in salute as the procession was moving through.

I’ll probably STILL be soaking my feet when you read this, but I’m glad I got a chance to give a little bit back to those who DO lay their lives on the line every day.

Comments

Achievement unlocked… — 15 Comments

  1. OK…gotta ask..what are possum cops?? Hope you don’t have anything planned for today…I’m tired just reading about everything you’ve done this week!

    Suz

  2. Sounds like it was well worth it. Just put your feet up & take it easy … at least until lunchtime. 🙂

  3. “Possum cops” are probably game wardens and DF&W officers. At least, that’s what they’re called around here. (Along with a few other, less savory, titles.)

  4. That’s a wonderful thing to do! If I was there I would have helped!!

  5. Thank You for helping to thank them.
    Agree with Suz you’re making me tired just reading about all your doing.
    It took me a sec to figure out possum cops, but then I realized that’s what we call game wardens.

  6. Suz- RS is right…LOL

    Rev- I am!

    RS- Thanks, and yes I was being polite, since they were both good kids! 🙂

    LL- I know you would have. Ironically, all but two of the men I talked to were ex-military from all the services. 🙂

  9. LOL. Ok so I learned something new today. Never would have guessed game wardens…always have known them as DNR.

    And yes on the ex-military…most of the cops, firefighters and EMS I know are ex-military. The few exceptions are Irish. 🙂

    And I +1 LL. Would definitely have loved to have helped out. Such events are very worthwhile and fun. And so very appreciated. Truly a case of better to give than receive.

    Suz

  10. Suz: You might want to read “Born Fighting” by James Webb. He explains a lot about why you find so many people of Scots=Irish heritage in the military or LE/Fire Service/EMS.

    And it’s a fun read, besides!

  14. Good job! Nothing better than sitting down with those who care enough to say thank you by making a meal for those who spend many meals away from loved ones or eating on the run. Proud of you daddy!