“Some people run away from problems. Others run toward them…We call them heroes.”
It’s incredible that three numbers placed next to each other, like “9/11,” can bring such a flood of memories and images and feelings to one’s mind in just a few milliseconds. No matter where you were around the world on that fateful day in 2001, you remember. The terror that struck each of us as we stared unwillingly at the TV screen was unbearable–but how much more to be in the middle of it all. The first responders to this terrorist attack were literally running into the unknown in order to help as many people as they could before it was too late. Unfortunately, of the 2,977 victims killed in the September 11 attacks, 411 were emergency workers in New York City who responded to the World Trade Center. This included: 343 firefighters (including a chaplain, two paramedics, and a fire marshal) of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Fourteen years after this tragedy–whether you are writing out or typing in the date for the first time on the anniversary of September 11th–it’s hard not to get choked up for a moment as you think back to that horrifying day.
This year on 9/11–in memory of those who served–a team of Life Members felt that they should do something special as part of the Life on Life Initiative for the men and women who strive to make a difference every day while looking danger in its face. Thankfully, there are other organizations out there that feel the same way; and while partnering with the local Chick-Fil-A restaurants, members of Team Braveheart were able to get together and serve 23 different fire stations along with 3 Police Departments. Between the suburbs of Houston, Texas, (The Woodlands, Spring, Jersey Village and Magnolia) and Tulsa, Oklahoma, a total of 67 adult members and 26 Life kids were able to write Thank-You letters and serve boxes upon boxes of chicken to 197 different people. Check out what a couple of the volunteers had to say after all was said and done…
“I’m thankful that Life Leadership has given us the opportunity to live from a place of contribution, to have a community of like-minded people to do it with, and to provide purpose and the freedom of time to make a difference and an impact. To treat with honor and dignity those who give daily to save the lives of others was such an honor.” -Lorine Martinez (Life Member)
“It was overly humbling and rewarding to have the privilege of giving back to our community. The fire chief and his crew were not only thankful but excited to show us their world. They were also interested in Life Leadership and asked to sample some of our information to help their crew financially. Overall, it was a really great experience!” -Candyse Walker (Life Member)
“I’m grateful that Life Leadership gave me an opportunity to reach out into the community with my children. It was an honor to serve the everyday heroes that serve us selflessly all the time.” -Rhonda Wise (Life Member)
“I have always wanted to be a part of something to thank our firefighters for their courageous acts of service. It was an honor to provide a meal in gratitude this September 11, 2015. I took pictures and posted them on social media. The inspiration is contagious and I believe that others took note of Life Leadership and are encouraged to hear about our Life on Life Initiative.” -Claudia Victoria Prigent (Life Member)
As the Founders of Life, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Rob Hallstrand, Claude Hamilton, Bill Lewis, George Guzzardo and Dan Hawkins, along with all of their wives, have inspired a culture within Life Leadership of demonstrating the utmost respect for those that have served–and those that continue to serve–as first responders and in the military. Life is proud to be associated with and represented by the members of Team Braveheart, as well as many others, who take the time to say, Thank You.
Lloyd Weiler says
Awesome, go team brave heart!!
jamienkim vanslembrouck says
Great job!
Susan Strickler says
Thank you to all service workers, emergency personnel and to Life Leadership Team Braveheart for recognizing their sacrifices and hard work saving lives every day. Your service is appreciated and often goes unnoticed. Super proud to be affiliated with Life Leadership!!
Jeff Darling says
What an honor it was to serve those who serve us on a daily basis! These men & women were so appreciative for our efforts, and we all had a great time – serving others is a great therapy. And THANKS to all the Chick Fil A stores for being so gracious, as they donated food for a few hundred people! LIFE on LIFE ROCKS!
Soraya says
Thats Awesome Jeff and Tammy, so encouraging to want to be part of. I am hoping we in St. Lucia can do something similar very soon. Thanks for leading the way.
Dana Blakely says
That’s awesome! Our firefighters and policemen don’t get shown enough respect these days. How uplifting for a group to show how much a community can care and appreciate the fact that these men and women risk their lives daily to protect the community. Fired up!
Dean Frey says
Thanks to all first responders who continually run towards the danger instead of away from it. Great job Team Braveheart!
Ryan Blakely says
That was an amazing idea. Why not serve those that serve us on a daily basis. Those servants put their life on the line daily for us, what a great way to give back.
Martha Andrus says
Go Team Braveheart
Fausta & Evans Baptiste says
Very Great Job !
We are proud of you.
Team One Mission (Haiti) : Financial Freedom
Blair Carrens says
It was an honor to serve the fire and police departments on that day!!! Thank you Jeff Darling for setting up the idea, and team Braveheart and Chick Fil A for providing the food!!! The firemen and policemen were so thankful and asking us who are you guys?!!!!! Thank you life leadership for your vision!!!!! Team Braveheart FREEDOM!!!!!
Tracey Brill says
Awesome job Team Braveheart!!!
Greg and Wendy Burkhardt says
A special thanks goes out to Chantell Wimberly. She only had about a four-day notice to get her store informed and ready to go with all the food and drinks we were able to serve to the firemen and police. She also made arrangements for the Chick Fil-A Cow to go to the Louetta Crossing Fire Department. What a wonderful event. We had the privileged of taking our 11 and 7 year old with us. They had a blast serving.
Thanks to Everyone that was a part of making this happen.
Greg and Wendy Burkhardt
Cathy K says
What an awesome idea, Team Brave Heart! You served those who serve all of us. Great job!
Micah Kramer says
You can’t stop an idea who’s time has come. And when leaders get into action, great things can happen! It was amazing to watch the partnership form, between Life Leadership (Team Braveheart) and the North Houston Chick Fil A restaurants, to give back to the Fire/Police/EMS and first responders on 9/11. To see so many families and their children giving back was a blessing to all. Have fun, make money, make a DIFFERENCE! #lifeonlife
Michael McDonald says
As a First Responder, I remember well, the fateful day of September 11, 2001, I believe that I can speak for all of my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Public Safety, when I say THANK YOU!, for both your recognition and your willingness to serve others. It truly does make a difference!
As a member of Life Leadership, I am proud and honored to be associated with a community whose message is to serve others in all areas of life, and models that message thru #lifeonlife events and activities. Proud of Team Braveheart, and Thank You to Life Leadership!