I hope you will keep in your thoughts and prayers the Granite Mountain Hotshots and their families and loved ones who miss them so dearly. They are American heroes that Arizona can call her own, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

— John McCain

This week we have much to reflect on as LD 6. First we remember 19 brave souls that lost their lives protecting Yarnell. As a Legislator, I will never forget the 19 as I fight for state control of our forest so we can maintain them and stop these horrible wildfires. Please keep their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

“On this somber anniversary, we remember the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who ran into – not away from – an inferno, sacrificing themselves to protect the lives and homes of their neighbors. These brave souls are personification of the guts and selflessness that our state and our nation are built on; and they remain exemplars of all that is good, and brave, and decent in men. They are today, as always, in the thoughts and prayers of the citizens of Arizona.” Dated June 30, 2014.

Remembering Capt. Token Adams USFS Last Alarm 8/30/13

US Forest Service Wildland Firefighter Engine Captain Token Adams disappeared on Aug. 30, 2013 in the Santa Fe National Forest. Search and Rescue members located Capt. Adams at 11:45 9/6/2013 after a fatal ATV crash. http://www.HeroesMemorial.org
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Do what you said you would for those who died that day protecting not only Yarnell but Prescott.

Join us at the Granite Mountain Hotshot Benefit Banquet on Aug. 29th at Tim’s Toyota Center to raise money in support of the families of the Yarnell 19 Firefighters lost so tragically in the line of duty.

Many organizations such as the Arizona Elk Society, the Mule Deer Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Arizona Deer Association and many more are proud to be part of this event.

Tickets are $50 a person or you can reserve a table for 8 people for $500.

There will be raffles, silent auction items and live auctions for fishing and hunting trips, gear, art and more.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7651374467/efbevent

More information: http://yarnell19banquet.com/

Including matching funds, more than $590,000 has been contributed to the Yarnell Disaster Relief Fund and the Yarnell Memorial Scholarship Endowment by individuals, donor funds of the Yavapai County Community Foundation and the Arizona Community Foundation, private foundations, and businesses.

In just three days, gifts to the Yarnell Disaster Relief Fund surpassed the $150,000 dollar-for-dollar match and continue to pour in. Contributions from the YCCF donor advised funds established by the Kieckhefer Family to honor Bob and Dudie Kieckhefer were added to the match offered by ACF, initiating the groundswell of support for the Yarnell Disaster Relief Fund. Matching funds were contributed by YCCF, ACF, and generous community partners including the Wellik Foundation and the Chauncey Foundation.

Consistent with the Community Foundation’s focus on sustainable solutions, the Yarnell Disaster Relief Fund will aid in the post-fire recovery and community rebuilding efforts. This fund is still accepting gifts and 100% of contributions will be used to serve needs in Yarnell. Contributors to this fund include Hickey Family Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Cox Communications and BMO Harris Bank.

A second fund was established with a $100,000 lead gift from Helios Education Foundation. The Yarnell Memorial Scholarship Endowment will provide scholarships for the children of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and other fallen firefighters. The endowment will support the post-secondary educational needs of the children, not just tuition, and scholarships will not be limited to public educational institutions located in Arizona.

The goal is to build the fund to at least $1 million, which will continue to grow—thanks to the power of endowment—over the next 12 to 16 years, until the children are of age to apply for college scholarships.