Del Rio Answers: What's Your Kerrville Connection?
Throughout local flood relief events this week, Del Rioans shared their personal stories of connection to Kerr County. VFW Post 8225 leaders reflected on their frequent trips to the Veteran’s Affairs office in Kerrville. Children recounted stories from their grandparents about the 1998 flood in Del Rio that were passed down through the generations. And a local father provided photos of the Kerrville disaster zone, taken when he dropped his daughter off at Schreiner University just 3 days after the storm.
Robert Garcia Jr. was raised in Del Rio and brought up his daughters here too. Two of his daughters are actively involved with Queens For A Cause, and his oldest graduated from Del Rio High and now attends Schreiner University in Kerrville. Garcia was beyond thankful that his daughter came home from Kerrville to Del Rio for the July 4th holiday. On July 7, Garcia drove his daughter early to school to prepare for her role as freshman mentor. Garcia said, “the river was still outside its banks… most of the side streets were closed, we had to stay on the main highway.”
Schreiner University is hosting evacuees in their event center. Garcia said university classes should start on time. He mentioned that all of his daughter’s school friends are safe, “one of her friends lost two sisters, but they have been found and are doing well.”
Veteran and volunteer Alex Arriaga of the VFW drove to Kerrville on July 6, in advance of planning multiple flood relief donation drives in Del Rio. Arriaga likened the scene to that of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey. Arriaga’s son Angelo Arriaga, age 21, was helping his father load donations at the VFW. When asked why he felt compelled to help, Angelo said: “I have been to Kerrville many times. I would go to the VA office with my dad, we always stop at our favorite pizza spot… It’s sad to see such a peaceful town affected by something like this.”
Louis Sanchez, another veteran and volunteer of the VFW, remembers the struggle of the flood of 1998 in Del Rio. Sanchez was 18 years old when the storm hit. He said, “we had to wear the same clothes for a week... I know what they are going through.” His experience motivated him to continue donation drives, even after the Kerrville Salvation Army said they were at capacity for donations. They are finding alternate routes for donation. He ended with, “that’s why the VFW is here, to help out the community; it feels good when the community comes together.”
The ladies behind 830 Press, Madison Fernandez and Jocelyne Cervera organize drives throughout the year for various causes, including one for Texas Hill County Flood Relief. Fernandez and Cervera were both born after 1998, however, they “grew up hearing a lot about the flood in Del Rio.” Cervera remembered stories about “how much my parents struggled,” she said in 1998, “my dad drove his truck through the floodwaters to help pick people up.” And now Cervera continues the legacy of community service.
Another personal connection story came into Del Rio News Network after the initial phase of donation drives... A law enforcement couple living in Del Rio felt compelled to do something after seeing the devastation posted online. They wished to remain unnamed and kept the focus on the flood victims. They said: “After not being chosen to help while on duty like many of our counterparts, we decided to go while off duty… We hope to clear as much land as possible to bring some hope to the families that are still missing loved ones or assist in any other way needed.”
As of July 11, Kerr County is still in the primary search phase. There are active fire bans, airspace bans, and road closures. Additional volunteers for search and rescue and still being sent into the disaster zone. The Border Patrol Del Rio Sector sent countless agents to the field, including their emergency response BORSTAR team.
There are still many opportunities to help with the Texas Hill Country Flood Relief. Monetary donations can be made here: Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. In-person volunteers are being asked to register via the Kerrville Salvation Army by calling 830-465-4797.
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