In a display of service and compassion, members of the 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 59th Medical Wing and 502nd Air Base Wing assisted on July 11 with flood relief operations in the Texas Hill Country, supporting efforts in the communities of Ingram and Hunt.
One team assembled at City West Church in Kerrville, partnering with Mercy Chefs to organize and distribute hot meals. Three additional groups were dispatched to Hunt to assist with debris removal and participate in search and recovery operations in flood-damaged areas.
"We partnered with Heroes for Humanity, the Mexican National Fire Department, and local rescue teams, including K-9 units, to help bring closure to families in the wake of this tragedy," said Master Sgt. Nicholas Galbraith, 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron flight chief.
"It was incredibly moving to see our Airmen volunteer their personal time to come out and serve. Efforts like this strengthen our bonds, not just within the unit, but with the community," Galbraith said. "Our presence matters. We want these families to know they're not alone, and that the Air Force is here for them, standing alongside them during their time of loss."
The response was part of a broader effort following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4-5. According to news reports, 130 people died, including 103 in Kerr County alone, with around 160 others still missing.
At the direction of Galbraith, Joint Base San Antonio mobilized volunteers from across multiple units to assist in the recovery and support efforts.
At City West Church, JBSA personnel partnered with Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit organization specializing in feeding disaster victims and first responders. The Airmen worked side by side with civilian volunteers to prep meals, organize donations, and provide emotional and spiritual care to anyone who needed it.
"Mercy Chefs was founded nearly 20 years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," said Gary LeBlanc, CEO and founder of the organization. "We provide high-quality, chef-prepared meals to victims, volunteers and first responders, both across the country and around the world."
LeBlanc said his team had been vacationing and picnicking over the holiday when they saw the flooding and immediately mobilized.
"We were able to deploy quickly and got our first meals out by Saturday night, most of which went directly to the rescue teams that had started responding on Friday," LeBlanc said.
The arrival of Air Force personnel on Friday provided a significant boost to their efforts.
"When the Air Force came in today, it was a game changer," LeBlanc said. "They were incredibly sharp, followed instructions, were proactive, and immediately integrated into the operation. It was an amazing lift for us. We prepared nearly 4,000 meals just today."
"We saw people truly struggling as they worked to recover and heal," said Maj. Todd Leathermon, chaplain with the 59th Medical Wing. "There was a clear need, and this gave us a chance to use the skills we've gained both through Air Force training and our ministry experience before joining the military. Whether it's providing spiritual and emotional support, helping prepare meals, or simply being present, we're here to care for them."
Meanwhile, in Hunt, three JBSA-led teams entered flood-damaged zones to help clear debris and aid in search and recovery efforts.
"I've always wanted to join special forces, and this is great experience for me as I plan to cross-train in that field," said Staff Sgt. Roberto Castro, with the 426th Cyberspace Operations Squadron. "I've been through several hurricanes so I understand how devastating they can be. I just thought, why not help out where I can?"
Though the tasks varied - from chopping vegetables to hauling debris - the heart behind the mission remained the same.
Throughout the day, chaplains remained available to volunteers and locals, ready to offer a listening ear or a quiet moment of spiritual care.
"It's been incredible to see all levels of government come together from our local law enforcement, military members, and even our brethren from Mexican emergency services to help bring closure to families," said Master Sgt. James Newcomb, superintendent of cyber support operations. "For me, it's meaningful because this is my duty. As military members, it's our job to give back to the community - to help, serve, protect, support and defend the American people."
