Hurricane Harvey - The Best of America...and an Invitation

Friends & Colleagues –

Forgive me for being long-winded but being inspired sometimes brings that. It is not often I write like this but when I do it is with a sense of purpose. My purpose this time is to try and inspire others. The outcomes I am hoping for fit into many categories but summing it up as an invitation to give time (I will share how at the end) or to give money/goods/services (I will share some options for that at the end) works. And if you feel like skipping to the end and getting right to the outcomes…all good…mission accomplished. Find the red font and you will find the right spot.

My focus of this story is about how I spend my time outside of work, how it led me to Hurricane Harvey and some thoughts on what I saw and felt. I am sure many of you have read many stories already. I am sure many have similar themes and thoughts. Knowing my own writing skills, I am sure many are better written. I still hope this drives the outcomes I am hoping for.

I joined TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue – www.texsar.org) a few years ago. TEXSAR is an all-volunteer first responder team. We are supported completely by our own funding and by the donations of others (we are a gold 501(c)3). TEXSAR is deployed by city, county, state and federal organizations. We are 911 activated and operate under law enforcement direction. We do not self-deploy. We are typically brought in to work on specific cases (a missing or lost person, a specific rescue attempt, an occurrence that creates danger for many). We are just as likely to have searched for a lost child, for an elderly person suffering from Alzheimer’s, to work on mass rescues in flooding (like in Texas a few years ago) or to help bring closure to open cases. We follow the National Incident Management System process and use the same communications system as FEMA. We have earned trust by folding into other operations seamlessly and performing as a unified team with others. Our team is skilled in many things but most of the team has one or more certifications within the areas of ground search, flood and swift-water, wildfire and K9. I am your typical grunt on the team with certifications in ground search (GSAR), wilderness first aid & flood/swift water (FAST). My wife, Jennifer Failla, is far more skilled than I and also holds a leadership position in the organization. All TEXSAR members have commonality in the desire to help others, the need to constantly train for improvement & expansion of capability - and the donation of our time, safety and funds to make it all work. 

Our TEXSAR team deployed broadly across Hurricane Harvey. We located teams in strategic areas (Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and other Gulf Coast locations) right from the start. I started my time in Rockport and Aransas Pass. Once deployed we immediately got to work in areas of search, rescue, recovery and medical/welfare support. The devastation we were met with was unbelievable. As I pulled into Rockport my first feeling was that I was looking at the path of the biggest tornado ever. Impassable roads, loose and dead cattle all over, boats thrown onto roofs and roofs thrown to the ground. Houses were leveled and/or submerged. There was no power or cell phone service. There were parts of town that first responders had not even seen yet at this point. There were helicopters flying through the rain and wind to try and get to people. It was truly overwhelming at first but that goes away rapidly as the tasks at hand take over. It was here in Rockport and Aransas Pass that I first witnessed heroism in many forms. It ranged from walking in, situationally blind, with the Rockport Volunteer Fire Department and an ATT tower worker to then getting rides (within the geographically cut-off area) on the backs of trucks from people so focused on helping others that they were not concerning themselves with the fact that they could not get out nor the reality that they had lost everything. As the night continued we set up a command center at the HEB in Aransas Pass where we were able to find shelter in the building, a place to sleep (on the produce floor) and the capability to help those who had made their way to us by handing out food, water and comfort. We were joined by Texas DPS (state troopers) for many key reasons. HEB, a grocery store chain for those who do not know, is amazing. They are an amazing sponsor of TEXSAR and, more than that, they are always there to help Texans in so many ways. They appear in my memories and stories of Harvey many times in many ways and more than I can recount in this story. Generous would be the understatement of the century when it comes to describing them. 

Our team moved with the weather. Find the greatest need, work with the right authority and then deploy. Our specific team, one of many TEXSAR teams on the ground for Harvey, headed out the next morning to operational command in League City. Our convoy was made up of 15+ vehicles, one TEXSAR-operated military 2.5 LMV and four rescue boats. Our team drove through the weather and were met with a different type of devastation upon arrival. The flooding was immense. Just getting to OC required us to find a location nearby, consolidate vehicles and teams, meet up with another courageous team (more on Jeremy and Justin later), with their 5 ton high clearance vehicle, and then we had to find a creative way to travel to the right place to help. Without getting into incredible detail I think it will do justice to say that this consolidation trip it took us over 2 hours to go four miles. Multiple route changes, dangerous conditions and a lot of creative driving. Our deployed Harvey team across Texas was now over one hundred strong.

As we spent the next 48 hours deploying from this location we went into many different towns and cities. I personally spent time in Dickinson, Texas City, League City and a few other spots I am not sure I can name. We went in by boat, by land, by high-clearance vehicle and with our own vehicles when possible. We typically broke into 3-5 teams for each piece of work, went in different directions and found every way we could to bring people out of the flood and to safety and shelter. There were women in labor, elderly without mobility, wheelchairs hoisted over the water and into boats and, with all that, an over-arching sense of community as we worked with others. As many of you have seen on the news there were many private citizens in boats, dump trucks and 4X4s also working (google Cajun Navy for a perspective on this). It was non-stop activity. In Dickinson, I continued to see heroism in many forms. Flooding is a strange beast. It goes from two feet deep to six feet deep to ten feet deep to a spot of dry land. It means that boat work sometimes ends and the foot work begins as you try and move the boat to the water. One incredible moment came as I found the three of us in my truck in up to the grill but the people in need still hundreds of yards away. A privately owned dump truck loaded down with four fireman, and multiple evacuees, pulled up and offered to go in with us. The family was pulled out on a small inflatable and we helped them climb a self-held ladder, perched on the inflatable, into the top of the vehicle. It was evident that the commitment was there in everyone whether rescued or rescuer. Those in the back of the truck already rescued delivered words of inspiration as they were pelted with the rain. As our time in Dickinson continued we answered 911 calls, monitored calls for help so we could wade into more cutoff neighborhoods and worked closely with local authorities to determine who went where and how we got the best care to people as quickly as possible. I witnessed mental strength I had never seen and participated in spot decisions on how to prioritize the next best thing to do. We had the amazing members of the National Guard deploying with us on some of these missions and their added presence was an incredible thing to behold. I watched community forming in the neighborhoods to help make sure that food and fuel were not needed. Whether it was the delivery of meals throughout the day, or a diesel tanker pulling up to refuel us, there were few concerns about whether we could find ways to continue. Each time we had the chance to grab a few hours of sleep on the conference room floor we knew we were fortunate. And we knew we had work to do. If anything, the team was always thinking about how we could do even more – creativity matters in these situations. It is also during these times, reflecting back on it now, that I wished I had delivered an appeal like this letter before now. More donations means more boats, more high-clearance vehicles, more tools to deliver more help. It is a need that will always be there. We also had two very special people with us that were essential and deserve special mention. Jeremy and Justin came in with their emergency response vehicles, including a 5-ton high-clearance rescue truck, that served as transport, team deployment vehicles, rescue vehicles and a beast that could get us into places our trucks could only dream of. Teamed up with the TEXSAR LMV we had opportunities to drive change. This is one of the permanent needs for the team we need to fund.

It was after these two days that it was time to move again. We were headed to Friendswood. On the way we stopped to pick up three pallets of MREs – over 2500 meals – to end up in the hands of one of the shelters in Friendswood. When our convoy arrived at the Friendswood Police Department/Fire Department we found out that the pathway to the shelter was impassable. The challenge of getting the MREs to their destination was going to be a big one. Of course we volunteered. It is who we are. It is what we do. We loaded up twelve or so folks into the two high clearance vehicles and began to make our way there. One hour into the 4 mile trip (yes – you read that right – another multi-hour short trip) we hit a snag. The water had swamped the air filter of the 5-ton. A few us hopped out into the waters, hooked up tow lines to the other high-clearance LMV and we drug the truck out to safety. It was here that Justin’s artistry (and make no mistake…the 5-ton requires art to drive and work on) solved the issue with a pocket knife and some strategic holes to drive the water out. We were on our way again. Waters were deep enough that as I sat on the edge of the bed shining a light onto the spot that could not get wet (calling out distance – in inches - to disaster as we made our way through depths as close as one inch from being swamped again) I wondered how many routes we would have to try to make it happen. We had multiple team members navigating; working on various websites to look for new roads to try. Think of it as a combination of Google and cartography. When we finally made it there, quite some time later, we set up a bucket-brigade style process and had the meals off-loaded and hand trucked into the elementary school where hundreds slept while dozens cared for them. It was in Friendswood over the next few days, a home base where we slept on the fire station floor and in the Police Department jail cells, that I saw more remarkable behavior. The PD was loaded down with fresh meals all day. Homemade, exceptional, hot and nourishing. There were tables loaded with medical supplies, socks…you name it. And at this point, as many of the team members had rashes, swimmer’s itch and who knows what else from being in the contaminated water so much, that I had this startling realization that in the worst of times I was seeing the best of America. The people of Friendswood were leaving full gas cans on corners, applauding as we walked into places and giving us an emotional adrenaline shot every step of the way. Whether we were riding into neighborhoods, putting people into our boats or working to enter homes previously untouched we had a community with us and behind us. Just amazing. As we say in TEXSAR, “Texans Helping Texans”. The sense of “team” was alive and well. After two days here, with more adventures not recounted here, it was time to move again.

Beaumont was our next stop. While probably the easiest destination to theoretically get to (but as you will find in a moment, the hardest to get out of), it was a place of great need and the trip was not simple. On our way we had our two high-clearance vehicles go out within five minutes of each other. We were stuck. The LMV was over-heating. The 5-ton had lost fuel supply. The solutions were not easy. The team worked diligently to manually override a fan shut-off in the LMV and the amazing folks at O’Reilly opened up to get us parts. The team at Lowes sent out a plumbing expert to help us rig a compression fitting to safely block a pneumatic line and, at the same time, the people at Discount Tire donated a spare tire for the trailer that was holding the 22 foot rescue boat I was towing. Once in Beaumont the picture was clear. There was no water. There was no fuel. This community of over 100,000 had significant needs and little way of serving them. As we pulled into town we immediately saw action taking place and action to take. HEB, once again, was at the ready. They had a powerless store open for supplies but had to use caution in making sure goods were not over-purchased so all could get enough. They were also helping to deliver goods without charge and were working on how to get more employees into Beaumont to help relieve those now exhausted. One of the TEXSAR missions in Beaumont was working from the high school providing a case of water and a bag of ice each to an endless line of cars – again donated by HEB. You have not seen the best of America until you are directing traffic in a line to get water when a family offers you a bottle of water. People helping people. Texans helping Texans. Inspirational and special. Thank you to that family, and many others, for making a difference in my life. I will carry that moment with me to my grave.

My time with Harvey, now on day eight, was coming to a close. Other team members were coming in to continue the efforts. The combined forces of local and state police, the incredible people at HEB, the National Guard, TEXSAR and others were delivering on our commitment and we were in place to have it continue. It was that evening that we started to head home. As with all parts of the story it would not be complete without community involvement and a few challenges. Highway 90 was in trouble. The path to exit town was anywhere from six hours to not at all. As we stared across an out of the way half-mile flooded roadway Jennifer and I questioned whether the truck would make it. We had only seen one other truck try it and it was out of sight before we could determine the outcome. As in many situations like this you have assess carefully. I began the walk through the water to see how deep it would get. As I hit the 2/3 point, with water well over my knees, a truck came at me from the other side. This incredible local man put me in his truck, drove me back across to mine and sat with us for 45 minutes strategizing a path out of town. We finished the strategy and off he went to help someone else. Texans helping Texans. As the rest of our party arrived we slowly made our way across the water and there he was again. He had a creative idea and decided he was going to lead us out all the way to the next step of the journey. We trailed him to China (yes…China, TX) and he sent us on our way with plan in hand. The next seven hours (from this point it should have been 3 hours) we made mistakes (you have not lived until you have seen me back up a 22 foot trailer ? mile), we found solutions (like a police escort taking us westbound on I-10 eastbound as the westbound side was flooded) and we found community (like the amazing team at Whataburger in Baytown who brought, and bought, us food that we sat in the boat and ate on the side of the highway.

As we arrived back in Austin at 2:00 a.m. I was struck by a few things – some thematic as previously read. 1.America, in the face of the worst of times, brings out the best in people. 2.The blessings we have in life are too great to be counted. I don’t how many times I had the thought that our family was blessed…but in a situation like this the thought comes up over and over again. 3.The thanks we have to give to others are too many to recount. But even though it may sound like the Oscars I will try (and please, to those who I accidentally leave out, forgive me):

To our family and friends who took shifts at watching our children, dogs and bird – wow. We appreciate you. You made a difference. You enabled teamwork. You did our laundry. You kept our family safe. You gave of yourselves in a meaningful way.

To the people of HEB – I am amazed at your generosity, your strategy for helping others and your tireless pursuit of community. Your giving is endless and boundless. I know full well that other companies and organizations gave as well but you were the constant presence in my experience.

To the US Army and National Guard – Your presence was positive, universal and warm. Your calm and well trained approach incredible. 

To Jeremy and Justin – You never stopped giving. Vehicles, time, experience, navigation and now – at least I strongly feel – friendship. You are teammates in the best kind of way. And get your butts into TEXSAR now. ?

To the police, fire, medical, county, Federal and other first responders. You are tireless, caring and incredible. Each of your respective communities are fortunate to have you. We were the better for working with you.

To the people stranded in so many places we spent time with – your thanks, sharing and encouragement were the sparks for our engines. Amazing. 

To the many others who delivered motivation along the way – you made a difference. In particular, a thanks to Congressman McCaul who shared an inspirational message for TEXSAR team members before I left – thank you. 

To my bride and best friend, Jennifer Failla, you are amazing. Your constant and tireless approach as a TEXSAR team member and leader carried so many. You motivate me to be a better person.

To our government leaders, from Governor Greg Abbott to our TEXSAR board member, and Corpus Christi mayor, Joe McComb – You mobilized help. You flat out got it done. And still are as this continues.

To the leaders of so many efforts to help, in particular my former leader Michael Dell and one of my sons favorite players, J.J. Watt – my gosh look what you are accomplishing. 

To those I work with, I cannot say enough. You supported me, you enabled me, you inspired me and you appreciated me. My mission at work is protect our way of life in the digital age but you gave me the ability to carry out a mission to help others in a different way. The incredible culture of Palo Alto Networks makes this no surprise, but it still deserves thanks. Leave nothing on the field is the approach we expect at work and you gave me the ability to do that with Harvey. And through so many other efforts you have given the company, and our awesome people, the ability to help in this time as well. Mark McLaughlin, Dave Peranich, Wendy Barnes, my teammates and team members…and more…thank you.

To my TEXSAR team members – I am without the right words. I got the chance to stand, wade, walk, ride, boat, swim and work with the best of the best. You are coaches, leaders and friends. You helped me become better and, in turn, that helped others. I am incredibly proud to be a teammate of yours. Thank you for being a teammate of mine. 

Now, as mentioned, a few invitations for your involvment:

Give to the people who were impacted by Harvey: www.rebuildtx.org

Give to TEXSAR: www.igivehere.org/texsar

Help our teammates: www.gofundme.com/5-ton-recovery-vehicle-refit

Come join our team – you are wanted and needed: www.texsar.org

Donate silent/live auction items to annual gala: [email protected]

Join our fundraising gala 9/30 in Austin:      https://www.texsar.org/2017-search-party/

Support some of our biggest sponsors: See sponsors on our home page – HEB, Yeti, Mercury and more… You can add Jeremy’s company to that list: www.alphaprintservices.com

Support Irma victims and responders: This remains to be seen…but it weighs heavy on my mind as we watch what is taking place right now. 

If you want to see more about some of these events, and see pictures of some of what took place, I encourage you to visit the TEXSAR web page or to follow some of the groups and people mentioned above on twitter:

@TEXSAR1

@joshuaphoffman 

@planthrudivorce

@HEB or @HEBPrepared 

@JJWatt

@MichaelDell

Please always feel free to open reply with more suggestions and ideas for others to get news, find ways to help, etc. If my inspiration leads to yours, awesome. Mission accomplished.

In closing, thank you. Thank you for taking time to read this, to donate, to pass along to others. Whatever it takes. Let’s all continue to show America at our best. 

God bless America. 

God bless Texas.

Josh

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

@joshuaphoffman    

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/joshuaphoffman