#National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

[uniqueartisanconnoisseur]

Diners with a Military or Veteran's Connection

There is something special about dining in a spot that has a military connection. My father Bill Disque served in the Navy during the Korean War, and my nephew Michael Salisbury, and Austin Rhodes also served, and Austin is still serving. When I think about those veterans that served and the freedom that they bought, I am inspired. I think dining at restaurants that honor the military is just…

[ravynfyre]

the "brotherhood". it's always the fucking "brotherhood".

national fallen firefighters foundation shares a documentary about LAFD station 9, and suggests that every firefighter in the country watches it. started watching it, but only made it a few minutes in, because the whole intro is guys from 9 talking about the "brotherhood" and the "camaraderie" and the "closeness of the fire family" and how every day was just so awesome because of all that...

and that's not what i experienced in my 12 years as a full time firefighter. but i had tits, and i wasn't the "cute one" or one of the lesbians, but i'm sure that had *nothing* to do with how some days i dreaded going in to the firehouse so much i got physically sick. i'm sure that that has nothing to do with the scars i have from being assaulted with fireworks, or the joy of having one of my first captains tell me that he "didn't believe that women should be there", so I'd best "stay the fuck out of the way if I didn't want to die". for the record, the "cute one" was just told by him to sit down and shut up and keep to herself, rather than having her life literally threatened... but apparently i *imagined* those threats (yeah, that's what the "cute one" said to me... couldn't even get the other women to back me up). just like i *imagined* the third degree burns i got from my own fucking academy classmates setting off bottle rockets in my fucking lap. or the battallion chief that night *laughing* at my bloody injuries and walking away.

i wish that i hadn't been married at the time, so i could have pretended to be a lesbian. they were afraid of the dykes... afraid that they'd get their asses sued if they so much as sneezed in their direction. i was the only non-lesbian, non-attractive woman on the job, though. that made me fair game.

so, yeah. i won't be finishing that documentary. when my own "brothers" couldn't be fucked to so much as send me a sympathy card when my dad died, when my house burned down, when i lost everything... when i wasn't even allowed to attend the funeral of one of the guys i went through paramedic school with, and who really *was* a real Brother to me, because I "didn't belong there"...

nah. stick your "brotherhood" up your ass, folks. because it *is* a BROTHERhood, and *sisters* need not apply.

.

.

(tonight brought to you by the fact that my shoulder is a worse aching ball of shit than usual, and all that "we are a family you wouldn't understand" shit was quite frankly triggering in a very real and painful way)

and as a post script to the women out there who are working at becoming firefighters... it's better now than it was 10+ years ago when i left. but just watch your six, because you have tits, which means that you really can't trust anyone else to watch your six, until you can. and if you end up in a shithole like i was? document. every. fucking. thing.

you never know when you might end up needing it.

[vitabrevisfineart]

Empowering Children of Fallen Heroes Through Mentorship and Support

The Angels of America’s Fallen (AOAF) dedicates itself to preserving the hope that fallen heroes from fire services, the military, and EMS would have offered their children had they survived their active duty. The organization’s encouragement, mentorship, and support system enables the children to grow self-confident, build their own identities, and write unique success stories.

From childhood until age 19, AOAF provides ongoing assistance that enables children to engage in positive activities such as arts, music, and sports. It helps them discover their passions at different developmental stages. They may change activities depending on the evolution of their interests, empowering them to shape their identity.

Mentorship is a crucial component of the AOAF initiative. Children grow to connect with coaches and instructors who provide guidance, filling an essential gap in the young one’s support system. This helps to instill personal growth and resilience during adversity.

Through the organization’s "The Voices" program, children and surviving spouses can share their stories. Participants attend national conferences, fundraisers, and performances to raise awareness concerning the plight of families without a parent lost in service, enabling them to find healing by helping others.

Similarly, the Peer Support Program offers remaining spouses a platform to support others who have also experienced the traumatic loss of a spouse. These therapeutic relationships built on trust and understanding provide valuable support to those in need, giving them a new meaning for family life and finding strength in shared circumstances.

Finally, Angels of America’s Fallen Heroes frequently collaborates with other charities, such as the American Red Cross state chapters, Kars4Kids, and Space Foundation, to empower the children of fallen firefighters, law enforcement, and military personnel. Through these partnerships, AOAF ensures children can lead enriching lives despite losing a parent.

[cyarskaren52]

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blackinformationnetwork

During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, almost 10,000 people were injured but survived in part due to the 343 firefighters who sacrificed their own lives to respond to the attacks. Of those firefighters who lost their lives, 12 were members of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)’s Black Vulcan Society, an organization established in 1940 due to discrimination in the department.

The fallen Black firefighters of the Vulcan Society include Gerard Baptiste, Vernon Cherry, Tarel Coleman, Andre Fletcher, Keith Glascoe, Ronnie Henderson, William Henry, Karl Joseph, Keithroy Maynard, Vernon Richard, Shawn Powell, and Leon Smith Jr.

“It’s up to us to keep the memory alive. They made the ultimate sacrifice,” Capt. Paul Washington, former Vulcan Society president, stated.

Click LINK IN BIO for more details.

(📸: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)

[naturecoaster]

Tunnel to Towers 5k

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in memory of  fallen 9/11 firefighter Stephen Siller, whose mission is to honor and support first responders and military, is partnering with the City of Clearwater to host a 5K run and walk at 7:00 am on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Registration is open until Race Time for the Saturday, July 1, 2023 Tunnel to Towers Foundation Clearwater 5k Run and Walk Nearly 600 people are expected to participate, up to 100 of them will be uniformed firefighters, police officers and military service members. The event will be the first race in newly renovated Coachman Park and will be part of the weekend-long celebration of the grand re-opening of the park. The event will honor and celebrate Tampa Bay Area first responders—fire, police, EMTs, paramedics, dispatch—as well as military service heroes who serve, sacrifice and protect us every day. Registration for the Clearwater 5K Run & Walk is open. Participants may register online up until race time as follows: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Clearwater/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkClearwaterFL Registered walkers and runners will have the opportunity to create their own profile pages that will feature their personal photos and individual stories. Additionally, participants can compete to raise the most funds and recruit the most friends to their team.   The Clearwater 5K Run & Walk will start with a Color Guard Processional, a live performance of the National Anthem, several distinguished military and first responder and Tunnel to Towers program recipient guest speakers followed by a bagpiper leading the first responders and military and then the general public to the start line to begin the race. Vendors, exhibits, music, entertainment and free food will be in place before, during and after the race.  The Clearwater 5K Run & Walk is among more than 80 events in a national series of 5Ks and tower climbs held all around the United States in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This event is one of four Tunnel to Towers fundraising events held in the Tampa Bay Area. Of particular interest with all our events is that the first responders and military heroes participate while wearing their full gear which weighs up to 60 pounds for the firefighters. Tunnel to Towers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services for our nation’s first responders and military. Through its Smart Home Program, hundreds of customized high-tech “smart homes'' have been built throughout the country, including several in Tampa Bay, for catastrophically injured service members. These homes, created primarily for those who are now triple-and quadruple-amputees or paraplegic, largely as a result of IED explosions, have specialized features controlled with i-Pads to allow these heroes to lead as independent lives as possible. Through its Fallen First Responder Home Program, the Foundation pays off the mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty who leave behind young children. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure stability and security to these families facing sudden tragic loss. Through its Gold Star Family Home Program, the Foundation honors the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by providing the surviving spouses and young children with mortgage-free homes.  Tunnel to Towers recently announced the launch of a national campaign aimed to eradicate homelessness by providing tiny, comfort homes to veterans who are homeless across all 50 states. Tunnel to Towers is providing housing to more than 500 homeless veterans by the end of 2023 including in Manatee County, Florida. Of special note for Tampa Bay, Tunnel to Towers is in the process of constructing a 96-home “LET US DO GOOD VILLAGE” in Land O’ Lakes, FL. The mortgage-free homes are for the Foundation’s program recipients and will include resort-style amenities. This is a one of a kind endeavor unlike anything ever constructed in the U.S. to date. About Stephen Siller/The Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Tunnel to Towers is dedicated to the memory of FDNY hero and father of five, Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11. Stephen, who was off-duty having just finished his 24 hour shift when the first plane hit, drove to his Brooklyn firehouse and retrieved over 60 pounds of his gear, then sought the quickest route to the World Trade Center. Finding the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel already blocked for security, in a supreme act of heroism, Stephen ditched his truck and ran about three miles with that gear to the Twin Towers where he caught up with his team who all lost their lives while saving others. Stephen’s six much-older brothers and sisters, who had raised him after Stephen was orphaned at age 10, subsequently established the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his honor. Its signature event is its Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk held in New York City on the last Sunday in September. The event, which draws 25,000 participants from all over the world, follows in Stephen’s heroic footsteps on 9/11. For more information on The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Clearwater 5K Run & Walk, please visit https://t2t.org/. Read the full article

[tallmantall]

#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Sounding The Alarm: #Firefighters Remain More Likely To Die By #Suicide Than On Duty

Nicole F. Roberts Contributor #Firefighter Gerard McGibbon, of Engine 283 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, prays after the World Trade ... Firefighting is a brave and noble profession often associated with heroism. But #firefighters and researchers are sounding the alarm on the #mental and physical effects of the profession, warning that it comes with a severe cost – increased levels of occupational #stress that can lead to depression, burnout, #anxiety, #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD), and #suicidalideation. The National Fallen #Firefighters Foundation estimates that there are between 100 and 200 firefighter deaths by #suicide each year, double the rate of the general population. #Firefighters, being #firstresponders, stand on the frontline of disasters and emergencies. The stress they bear comes at a critical cost to their well-being. Repeated exposure to traumatic scenes including car accidents, homicides, #suicides, infant drownings, and cardiac arrests – in addition to fires - can cause cumulative #stress overload and distress as a result of the scenes they attend. In addition to traumatic events, #firefighters may also suffer the effects of shift work (often 24 hours), long hours , physical and emotional exhaustion, #stigma associated with seeking help, and a culture of toughness. In 2021, a systematic literature review of 29 studies found that #firefighters experienced a variety of psychosocial stressors in additional to physical #stress, and that those stressors were associated with multiple health?related outcomes. These were organized into six areas: “#depression?suicidality, non?depressive #mentalhealthproblems, burnout, #alcohol use disorders, sleep quality, and physiological parameters, and somatic disorders.” Additionally, a recent publication from the Ruderman Family Foundation follows up its initial 2018 report on #mentalhealth and #suicide of #firstresponders, finding that, “#policemen and #firefighters are more likely to die by #suicide than in the line of duty.” While the new report doesn’t include recent 2021 and 2022 statistics, it’s known that the added effects of the #Covid-19 pandemic such as increased workload, #stress and #trauma from being a #firstresponder, and exposure to the #virus itself impacted both work and home life. In fact, a study on the #stigma on #firstresponders during #Covid-19 showed a notable “increased sense of #isolation, stigmatization, and lack of support.” As Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation described the new data, “Our research underscores the ongoing #mentalhealthcrisis facing #firstresponders, which has become a perfect storm that combines the existing dangers of their work and the toll exerted by the #pandemic.” But, according to the Firefighter #Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA), moral injury is additionally to blame, although rarely discussed. Their most recent paper explores the implications of moral injury, or as they describe it, “Moral injury is the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct.” Given the distressing events faced on a regular basis, it’s easy to see how one’s beliefs and emotions become wounded. #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com Another way to think of the #mental toll is as cumulative exposures to traumatic #stress, that when left unaddressed, can “snowball,” leading to burnout, #PTSD, and moral injury. Unfortunately, no government organization requires reporting of #firefighter deaths or attempts. Nor is there mandatory research to find patterns, trends, or understand the multidimensional aspects that lead to loss of life. However, some cities and departments, like Detroit, do audits of their fire services. In addition, work like that being conducted by the FBHA can support the development of strategies to help this essential workforce deal with the considerable #mentalhealthchallenges that come with their work. Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of FBHA says, "One of our goals is to ensure, through #behavioralhealth workshops and providing resources, that our brothers and sisters have a great career, but a better retirement.” With that in mind, to reduce the number of deaths by #suicide in our firefighting population during service and in retirement we must promote a culture of #self-care as well as provide access to #mentalhealthservices, train #firefighters on #suicideprevention, and implement effective debriefing after traumatic events. The psychosocial stressors and moral injury related to their work calls for specific interventions and #mentalhealthsupport. “It is incumbent upon us to redouble our efforts to end the silence and eradicate the #stigma surrounding the #mentalhealth of #firstresponders,” says Ruderman. Although the conversations can be uncomfortable, by increasing awareness and drawing attention to the lives, experiences, and #traumas experienced by #firstresponders we can collectively ensure more resources and support are available. Follow me on #Twitter or #LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.  Nicole F. RobertsFollow Dr. Nicole (Fisher) Roberts is the Executive Director of Feed A Billion, an international nonprofit that feeds #girls around the world to... Read More Read the full article

[justdiscovery]

Tunnel to towers foundation

Similarly, Frank and Patrica are grandparents of 5 grandchildren. Talking about his family, he is married to his wife Patrica and they have three children together. He was 14 years older than his brother Stephen. However, he seems to have earned well observing his lifestyle. Stay tuned for event announcement, fundraisers and other. Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10306 Other Names Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation T2T Tax Status 501 (c)3 Website Stated Mission To honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. The Foundation was built upon the mantra, 'while we have time, let us DO GOOD,' and continues Stephen's legacy by supporting our nation's first responders and service members. Welcome to the official Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Facebook page. The Siller Family started the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor the memory of their brother, Stephen, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001. Only 3% of the fundraising goes to the management and general. Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY. The organization is best rated when it comes to the utilization of the charity. YeNewYorkPost Pirate DecemFrank Siller Net Worthįrank Siller’s net worth is also under review.Īs his main source of income is unknown, it is quite difficult to calculate his net value as well. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (named after the path Stephen took on foot to help) honors those who put their lives on the line to protect. However, it is unclear just like his salary.ĩ/11 charity to help families of executed cops Hence, it is obvious that people want to know about what Frank does for his living. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation also launched the Never Forget Virtual Challenge to encourage participants to honor the fallen in their own way. He has also been stated as the uncompensated volunteer of Stephen Siller Tunnel. Being the CEO of a nonprofit organization, the amount Frank should take should be at the end of the financial distribution.

[grannyandgrandpascreations]

Fallen Firefighter Memorial Chair Covering Black covering for a folding chair

We have a Firefighter in our family, and we appreciate his sacrifices for the community and also the sacrifices of the many brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve others. With having a Firefighter in our family, we understand the risks Public Servants take each day. We will donate a portion of the purchase price of the Memorial Chair to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization created by the Congress to lead a nationwide effort to remember fallen firefighters and to assist their families. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has developed and expanded programs to reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. They receive funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations.

Our gorgeous polyester chair covering offers a stunning range of vibrant red, gold and white colors. A unique and beautiful way to have your loved one very much a part of any milestone event.

We offer a Firefighter’s Prayer on the back of the chair covering and on the front a Firefighter kneeling before a cross with the fire fighter emblem and Firefighter kneeling before the cross with the fire fighter in a circle. There is an option of personalizing your loved one on the cross in the emblem. Please reach out to us for personalizing your Chair Covering.

Fits standard folding style chairs. Will not fit banquet style chairs. All sizes are approximate measurements. Top to Bottom Height 34”. Chair back 18” height x 21” width. Chair Seat 16” length x 19” Width. Chair legs from the ground 18” height. Thickness is 150 GSM.

All sizes are approximate measurements. Due to different light settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

How to Care: Warm water wash, DO NOT bleach, low temp dry. This item can be reused again and again.

We have a Firefighter in our family, and we appreciate his sacrifices for the community and also the sacrifices of the many brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve others. With having a Firefighter in our family, we understand the risks Public Servants take each day. We will donate a portion of the purchase price of the Memorial Chair to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization created by the Congress to lead a nationwide effort to remember fallen firefighters and to assist their families. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has developed and expanded programs to reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. They receive funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations.

Our gorgeous polyester chair covering offers a stunning range of vibrant red, gold and white colors. A unique and beautiful way to have your loved one very much a part of any milestone event.

We offer a Firefighter’s Prayer on the back of the chair covering and on the front a Firefighter kneeling before a cross with the fire fighter emblem. There is an option of personalizing your loved one on the cross in the emblem. Please reach out to us for personalizing your Chair Covering.

Fits standard folding style chairs. Will not fit banquet style chairs. All sizes are approximate measurements. Top to Bottom Height 34”. Chair back 18” height x 21” width. Chair Seat 16” length x 19” Width. Chair legs from the ground 18” height. Thickness is 150 GSM.

All sizes are approximate measurements. Due to different light settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

How to Care: Warm water wash, DO NOT bleach, low temp dry. This item can be reused again and again.

[kaunis-sielu]

Burning Rose

Bucky has to move quickly. His rut is coming and the fact that he’s already snapped at Fawn isn’t exactly a reassuring sign. He knows there’s this cute little flower shop not far from Fawn and Steve’s brownstone where he’s going to be staying.

The second he pushes open the door Bucky knows it’s a mistake. The shop smells like jasmine and rose and he knows that it’s not just the flowers but an Omega.

His Omega.

But he can also smell an Alpha.

He makes his way to the counter and starts leafing through the binder full of photos of arrangements.

“Um, hi.” A soft voice says and Bucky looks up to see you standing in the doorway of a back room. You’ve got to be the prettiest thing he’s ever seen.

“Hi, hey. I need to get some flowers. For my Omega. Pack! Pack Omega!” Bucky stammers and bless you, all you do is give him a soft smile.

“Okay, what do you have in mind?” Your voice is soft and you seem a bit uncomfortable. Bucky tries to make himself as small as he can to seem less threatening.

“It’s a sorry. I, I was rude to her.”

“Let’s see what I can do.” You tell him and Bucky nods dumbly. The door swings open again and when he glances over his shoulder he sees another Alpha and suddenly he’s posturing again. Shoulders back, chest puffed out, stance wide, the other Alpha gives him a narrow eyed glare.

“Blossom? You good?” The female Alpha asks, it’s her scent that Bucky can smell in the shop, it’s intermixed with yours and Bucky is absolutely jealous.

“Yea,” you tell her and when he looks back at you your head is bowed and you’re flipping through the book on the counter between you.

“What do you think about this?” You ask pointing then sliding the book away from you. The female Alpha joins you on your side of the counter, leans back against the back counter and folds her arms over her chest. Bucky glances down at the arrangement that you’ve picked for him and nods.

“I think she’ll like that. Do you deliver?”

“Uh, I can see if I have someone to.”

“I just, I know that I’m close to my rut and I should go lock myself in my house and stay there until it’s over.”

“Yea, best to be with your Omega.” You muse softly as you write out Bucky’s order.

“Don’t have an Omega.” The Alpha next to you bares her teeth and Bucky stares back. “Relax Alpha, I’m not gonna try anything.” Bucky grumbles even though he’s dying to just, touch your hand.

“Maria will you see if Ned can deliver these please?” You ask and when Maria hesitates you throw a look at her over your shoulder. With a huff she turns and heads back into the shop. “I’m sorry about her.”

“I can understand why your Alpha is so protective.”

“Oh, no, she’s not. She’s not my Alpha.” Bucky’s heart leaps, “Worse, she’s my sister.” Bucky can’t help the laugh that passes his lips, you look pleased with yourself.

“You’re safe though?” He asks, not sure why he feels the need to ask but he does and he’s glad that he does when you sigh softly.

“For now.” You say so softly that he almost misses it.

“Omega?” He matches your low tone, he slowly slides his hand across the counter, palm up and you stare at it for a second. He can see how your pulse jumps in your wrist but he doesn’t move. He can be patient. You’re just about to put your hand in his when your sister calls,

“Ned can make the delivery!” Irritation rushes through him but he knows that it’s his rut and that he needs to get back to Steve and Fawn’s.

“I’ll be back when I’m not, like this, if that’s okay with you? My ma deserves all the flowers I can give her.” He says with an easy smile.

“Oh, um okay. It’s going to be $30 for the flowers and delivery.” Bucky pulls out his wallet and pulls out two $20 bills.

“Keep the change.” He tells you but you still take a ten out of the register and shove it into the jar that he didn’t notice before. It has a piece of paper taped on it that has, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, written across it. “Good choice on charity.”

“You know it?” You ask sounding surprised,

“I’m a firefighter.” He says pulling out one of the cards that Steve had insisted the team carry.

“I hope you don’t need to ever use it.” He places the card on the counter between you,

“You and me both Darlin’. Thanks for the flowers, I’ll see you soon.” He says with a smile before he turns and leaves the small shop with a glance over his shoulder he can’t help the pleased smirk when he see you staring after him, his card in your hand.

🌹🔥🌹🔥

The second the door dings closed Maria comes out of the back, folding her arms over her chest she leans against the doorframe.

“What the hell was that?”

“What was what?”

“Asking me to go into the back? He’s an Alpha, exactly why you asked me to come and work here with you.”

“I know.” You say softly, “He was nice though.”

“Most Alphas are until they don’t get what they want. Especially male Alphas.” She says with a scowl as you start to get the bouquet together for Bucky Barnes, as his card said, and his pack Omega.

It must be so nice to have a pack so close, and one that apparently has it’s shit together because they have a pack Alpha and Omega. You and Maria did belong to a pack, one run by your older brother but you’d taken off when things had gotten bad.

“I know Maria. I just, he was nice and he smelled so good.”

“Probably because he was close to his rut.”

“He said he’d be back.”

“We’ll see.” She says before leaving you to your work. You can’t blame her for her hesitation, you and Alphas don’t exactly have the best track record and she’s sacrificed being with the pack to be here and help you.

“When is Ned coming?”

“Twenty minutes.” She says going back into the back room as you put together the bouquet. When it’s done you place it in the bucket and get back to work on your order for next week, it leaves you too much time to think though and you can’t seem to get one Bucky Barnes off of your mind. It probably doesn’t help that his card is practically soaked with his scent, cedar wood, oranges and a hint of jasmine and smoke. Knowing what his job is the smoke makes complete sense. You take his card out of your pocket and shove it into your purse, then zip your purse closed. It helps not having it quite so close but it’s like his scent is lingering in your shop and there’s nothing that you can do about it.

“Did he touch you?” Maria asks as the two of you head out that evening. You lock the shop as you shake your head.

“No, why?”

“I can smell him still.” She says looking around and you tense. She can’t smell him on his card can she? You don’t notice it inside your purse.

“Maybe because he was almost in rut?”

“Maybe.”

When you get home you and Maria make dinner together and eat then you head to your room, you’re not feeling 100%, you’ve got a bit of a headache and you’re so tired. You go to the bathroom to grab some painkillers but when you walk past her Maria inhales sharply.

“Um, those aren’t going to help.”

“What?” You ask, of course they’re going to help, you just have a headache.

“Headache?” She asks and you nod, “You’re going into heat.”

“No, I still have two weeks.”

“Blossom, I can smell it.” She says, “I’ll run to the store and get you your snacks. Don’t open the door.”

“Duh.” You tell her with an eye roll and she scrunches her nose at you. After Maria leaves you go back to your room, why would your heat be coming two weeks early?

Something smells so good in your room, you inhale deeply to try and place the smell. You make your way slowly through the room, eyes closed to keep yourself from being swayed by what you’re seeing. You bump into something and stumble slightly but you realize its your desk, the smell is coming from your desk. Did you leave something in the desk and it spoiled? That wouldn’t be like you but when you’re on your heat your nose is a lot more sensitive than usual. You open your eyes and start digging in the drawers but you can’t find anything so you start looking on your desk but the only thing there is your laptop and your purse. No. Your purse. With the card inside. You slowly unzip it and are overwhelmed by the smell. There, in the side pocket where you’d shoved it is his card. You pick it up with shaking fingers and know without a doubt, that’s the sweet smell.

Bucky Barnes, firefighter and Alpha triggered your heat with his rut. You’ve sworn off of Alphas.

What the hell do you do now?

Tag list:

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[captawesomesauce]

Thoughts at 130pm..

If you’re looking for training, well... this is where I got all of mine! It’s been an adventure of knowledge, that’s for sure.

American Red Cross

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CALFIRE - Clark Training Center Riverside Unit

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Federal Emergency Management Agency - Mid-Atlantic Center for Emergency Management & Public Saferty - Frederick Community College

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Louisiana State University - National Center for Biomedical Research and Training - Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education

Medical Library Association

National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Applied Remote Sensing Training Program

National Criminal Justice Training Center - Fox Valley Technical College

National Disaster Life Support Foundation

National Fallen Firefighter Foundation

National Fire Protection Association

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Weather Service

National Volunteer Fire Council

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

New Mexico Department of Health

North Carolina Institute for Public Health - University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health

Ohio Department of Health - Ohio State University Center for EMS

Orange Coast College

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Planning Information Exchange

Region 2 Public Health Training Center - New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands

San Diego State University - Institute for Public Health - Pacific Emergency Management, Preparedness and Response Information Network and Training Services

Tau Sigma Academic Honor Society for Transfer Students

Team Rubicon

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service - National Emergency Response & Recovery Training Center

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service - National Emergency Response & Recovery Training Center - Federal Emergency Management Administration

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service - National Emergency Response & Recovery Training Center - Federal Emergency Management Administration - National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi

Texas Hurricane Response Hub

Texas State University

Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine - University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health - South Central Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center

Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine - University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health - South Central Public Health Training Center

U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools - Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center

Underwriters' Laboratories - Firefighter Safety Research Institute

United Nations - Department of Safety and Security

United Nations - Environment Programme - Partnership for Ecosystems for Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation

United Nations - Office for Outer Space Affairs - Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response

United States Agency for International Development - Humanitarian Academy at Harvard

United States Department of Veteran Affairs - Veteran Health Administration

United States Environmental Protection Agency - Watershed Academy

United States Institute of Peace

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

University of California GIS Consortium

University of California, Los Angeles

University of Washington - Northwest Center for Public Health Practice - School of Public Health

World Bank Group

[maid-of-timey-wimey]

Doing okay/not doing okay is not just a binary. Know when to ask for help.

Thriving (“I got this.”)

Calm and steady with minor mood fluctuations

Able to take things in stride

Consistent performance

Able to take feedback and to adjust to changes of plans

Able to focus

Able to communicate effectively

Normal sleep patterns and appetite

Surviving (“Something isn’t right.”)

Nervousness, sadness, increased mood fluctuations

Inconsistent performance

More easily overwhelmed or irritated

Increased need for control and difficulty adjusting to changes

Trouble sleeping or eating

Activities and relationships you used to enjoy seem less interesting or even stressful

Muscle tension, low energy, headaches

Struggling (“I can’t keep this up.”)

Persistent fear, panic, anxiety, anger, pervasive sadness, hopelessness

Exhaustion

Poor performance and difficulty making decisions or concentrating

Avoiding interaction with coworkers, family, and friends

Fatigue, aches and pains

Restless, disturbed sleep

Self-medicating with substances, food, or other numbing activities

In Crisis (“I can’t survive this.”)

Disabling distress and loss of function

Panic attacks

Nightmares or flashbacks

Unable to fall or stay asleep

Intrusive thoughts

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Easily enraged or aggressive

Careless mistakes and inability to focus

Feeling numb, lost, or out of control

Withdrawal from relationships

Dependence on substances, food, or other numbing activities to cope

(Adapted from: Watson, P. et al. (2013) Stress First Aid for Firefighters and Emergency Services Personnel. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.)

[abcnewspr]

ABC NEWS PRESENTS ‘9/11 TWENTY YEARS LATER: AMERICA REMEMBERS’ – A WEEK OF COVERAGE TO COMMEMORATE THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPT. 11 TERRORIST ATTACKS

Live Coverage on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Beginning Saturday, Sept. 11, at 8:00 A.M. EDT on ABC, Led By Anchors David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer

Three Primetime Specials From Roberts on Wednesday, Sept. 8, and Muir and Sawyer on Friday, Sept. 10, to Air on ABC

George Stephanopoulos Narrates Five-Part Docuseries and Linsey Davis Anchors Hour-Long Special, Both Premiering Monday Night, Sept. 6, on ABC News Live

ABC News Live Dedicates Full 24 Hours to 9/11 Programming on 20-Year Anniversary

ABC News announced today “9/11 Twenty Years Later: America Remembers” — a special week of coverage across the network and streaming news channel ABC News Live to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, including four reflective primetime specials and a five-part documentary series.

On Saturday, Sept. 11, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary, a special edition of “Good Morning America Saturday” will air at 7:00 a.m. EDT and lead into ABC News’ special live coverage “9/11 Twenty Years Later: America Remembers” beginning at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Anchor David Muir will lead the special live coverage alongside “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, with ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer from ABC News headquarters in New York and ABC News’ powerhouse team of anchors and correspondents across downtown Manhattan, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, including “Nightline” co-anchors Byron Pitts and Juju Chang, “ABC News Live Prime” and “World News Tonight Weekend” anchor Linsey Davis, chief global affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz, chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, chief White House correspondent Cecilia Vega, chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas, congressional correspondent Rachel Scott, senior national correspondent Terry Moran and senior foreign correspondent Ian Pannell. The special coverage will reflect on all that happened since that tragic morning and feature the live ceremony taking place in lower Manhattan, including the reading of the names by family members of those killed, as well as the six pauses for moments of silence commemorating the four attacks and collapse of the two towers, and the ceremonies at the Pentagon, Shanksville and elsewhere.

ABC News Live will dedicate a full 24 hours of rotating 9/11-related programming beginning the morning of Saturday, Sept. 11.

Below are details about the primetime specials and ABC News coverage (subject to change). All programming can be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu, and throughout the day on Saturday, Sept. 11, on ABC News Live.

“This Week with George Stephanopoulos” kicks off the commemorative week on SUNDAY, Sept. 5, with an in-depth look at the fallout from America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan with insight from Raddatz and her two decades of on-the-ground reporting in Afghanistan.

Anchored by Davis, the hour-long special “9/11 Twenty Years Later: Women of Resilience,” streaming MONDAY, Sept. 6 (7:30-8:30 p.m. EDT), on ABC News Live, features the dramatic stories of four inspiring women who survived trauma and loss on 9/11 to find purpose and peace after two decades. One is the first-ever female FDNY firefighter who, along with her fellow first responders, rushed to ground zero on 9/11. Another is a heroic Army colonel at the Pentagon who narrowly escaped death and saved several lives while jumping from the burning inferno. A mother and a widow share their stories of loss and redemption, ensuring their lost loved ones will never be forgotten.

Narrated by Stephanopoulos, five-part documentary series “9/11 + 20: The Longest Shadow,” streaming on five consecutive nights beginning MONDAY, Sept. 6 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC News Live, examines a nation and world completely changed by the terrifying moments when al-Qaeda operatives used U.S. jetliners to attack America on Sept. 11, 2001. Returning to the morning of Sept. 11, the series explores what America is and has become in the aftermath of one of the most traumatic events in history. From families still searching for answers, their responses and the failures that allowed terrorists to turn planes into missiles to the fear over an anticipated “second wave” of attacks and a seemingly endless war on terror, each episode navigates viewers through the past twenty years to today. The series, produced by ABC News’ Investigative Unit, will be rebroadcast on ABC News Live in full following the commemoration ceremonies on the anniversary, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.

For the first time, after two decades, the women whose lives changed forever on Sept. 11 tell their stories of survival, pain and redemption in a landmark two-hour documentary special, “Women of 9/11: A Special Edition of 20/20 with Robin Roberts,” hosted and executive produced by Roberts, airing WEDNESDAY, Sept. 8 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. From the heroic female first responders and workers who risked everything in dangerous jobs at ground zero to the miracle survivors, including Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last person pulled out alive from the World Trade Center rubble after 27 hours, and the women who suffered heartbreaking loss; all of them bonded in trauma, grief, and after two decades, remarkable strength and resilience. “The Women of 9/11” is produced for ABC News by Rock’n Robin Productions in collaboration with Plimsoll Productions.

“20/20” will present two specials on Friday, Sept. 10:

Two     decades after 9/11, anchor David Muir reports on how the day’s     tragic events forever changed the world. In the one-hour special event,     Muir interviews survivors and family members who lost loved ones in the     attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 in     Shanksville. The survivors share their harrowing personal stories of     rescue and escape, including Florence Jones, who Muir has followed for     years. Muir also spends time with families who lost loved ones, including     the family of Flight 93 passenger Tom Burnett who, along with other     passengers, helped stop an additional attack on our nation’s capital.     “20/20” will also revisit Joseph Pfeifer, the New York City Fire     Department chief, who Muir has profiled, who led the command post at the north     tower following the initial attack – and firefighters who survived the north     tower collapse. Muir’s interviews include personal and moving messages to     the American people from survivors and relatives of some of the victims on     what they’re hoping Americans will do to honor those who were lost — 20     years later. The special edition of “20/20” airs Friday, Sept.     10 (9:01-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Twenty     years ago, in the wake of Sept. 11, ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer     sat down with young women holding their infants — who were pregnant when     their husbands died in the attacks. The mothers she met were fresh in     grief, holding new babies who often looked like their dads. Over the     years, Sawyer and her team followed these families as they look at the     world through their unique lens, with their children’s lives in part     shaped before they were even born. Now, as those children approach their     20th birthdays, a special edition of “20/20” brings nearly 40     families together again. Has grief given them new purpose? Are some following     in their fathers’ footsteps? A master class in resilience and hope comes     from a group forever bonded by a national tragedy. With lessons to teach     us after a year of national trauma, they hand us a blueprint for survival.     The special edition of “20/20”     airs Friday, Sept. 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

In the week leading up to Sept. 11, “World News Tonight with David Muir” will feature anchor David Muir’s interviews with the survivors and heroes he’s been following for more than a decade. They open up to Muir about the tragic day, the loved ones they lost, the people they met during the horror and their messages to their fellow Americans on why it’s so important to reflect and remember 20 years later. On Friday, Sept. 10, Muir will anchor “World News Tonight” from ground zero.

“GMA3: What You Need to Know” will feature a wide range of stories and topics, including a panel discussion on Islamophobia and two strangers who met trying to escape the towers and became friends for life. The program will feature interviews with retired FDNY Chief Joe Pfeifer, the first firefighter on the scene at the World Trade Center on 9/11, legacy female firefighter Kelly Fullam, whose father was also a FDNY firefighter who died from 9/11-related illness, and the family of fallen FDNY firefighter Lt. Kevin Dowdell. Ending the week, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will anchor from ground zero on Sept. 10 with John Feal, president and chairman of the FealGood Foundation, 15 active and retired firefighters who rode for 40 days across the country with the goal of raising money in honor of the anniversary, and former FDNY chaplain Rev. Chris Keenan will join for “Faith Friday” to discuss his experience and deliver a word of faith in honor of the anniversary.

On FRIDAY, Sept. 10, “The View” revisits the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as the co-hosts prepared for the live broadcast. They will reflect on the tragic events of the day, including what it was like at the New York City studio as the news unfolded and the important conversations that took place at the table once they returned following the terrorist attack.

In addition to the five-part docuseries narrated by Stephanopoulos, ABC News Live will provide coverage throughout each day in the week leading up to the anniversary. During the day, ABC News Live will carry live streams of 9/11 related events and feature new interviews and roundtable discussions on topics such as how New York City recovered from 9/11 and how that has helped the city recover from a pandemic, and how first responders have dealt with health issues for years. On FRIDAY, Sept. 10 (3:00-3:30 p.m. EDT), “The Breakdown” will be anchored by Diane Macedo live from lower Manhattan.

“ABC News Live Prime” (7:00-8:30 p.m. EDT) will feature a conversation and tell the story of Heather Penney — a female F-16 fighter pilot who was supposed to go on a kamikaze mission and shoot down Flight 93 but didn’t get there in time — and examine the current iteration of the Taliban and look at why the Taliban is still a threat 20 years after 9/11. Plus, ABC News reporters who covered the tragedy 20 years ago will reflect on their experiences at the time of the attacks, including former ABC News White House correspondent Ann Compton who was traveling with former President George W. Bush that day. “ABC News Live Prime” will also feature a report by senior Washington reporter Devin Dwyer on Islamophobia and how Muslims feel 20 years later. On the eve of the anniversary, “ABC News Live Prime” will be anchored by Davis from near the site of the attacks on the twin towers and take a look at the children of 9/11 firefighters who became firefighters themselves.

ABC News Digital will have wide-ranging coverage on ABCNews.com and its apps leading up to the anniversary, including an overview of the 20 years since 9/11, how Islamophobia has evolved in the U.S. since 9/11, what progress has been made with the Victims Compensation Fund and 9/11 victims, coverage of the memorial events held around the country on the day of the anniversary and more. Additionally, two 9/11 related episodes of digital video series VOICES will be released, looking at the 20th anniversary and the “War on Terror.” There will also be a special 9/11-focused episode of “On Location” and video highlights on the day of the anniversary.

ABC News Radio will provide an hour-long special anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky, which will be available mid-week for affiliates to air on-demand. The special will also be available later as an episode of the “ABC News Radio Specials” podcast, available on major listening platforms. On Saturday, Sept. 11, ABC News Radio will provide live-anchored coverage of the annual commemoration ceremony.

ABC News’ flagship daily podcast “Start Here,” hosted by Brad Mielke, will feature special coverage in the days leading up to the anniversary.

ABC NewsOne, the affiliate news service of ABC News, will be providing a series of reports in the week leading up to the anniversary, looking at how 9/11 changed America. NewsOne will also be providing live coverage from lower Manhattan with multiplatform reporters Ike Ejiochi and Reena Roy on the day before and the day of the anniversary. NewsOne provides news content and services for more than 200 ABC affiliates and international news partners.

For more information, follow ABC News PR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

-- ABC --

[mmaryoliver]

Northern California wildfires: How to help fire victims and firefighters

Wildfire season has descended on Northern California with a vengeance, sparked by lightning, heat and high winds. With more than half a million acres burned and evacuations in full progress across the Bay Area, many people have begun wondering how they can help. Here are a few options. -  source -  Lisa Herendeen

American Red Cross: Donations will go to the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts. https://www.redcross.org/donate/ 

Wildfires have burned over 800,000 acres in Oregon. Here's how you can help.

Big Basin Redwoods Recovery Fund: Donations are needed to rebuild Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Click the donate button at: www.thatsmypark.org/parks-and-beaches/big-basin-redwoods-state-park/

California Fire Foundation: This foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Find details on how to help at https://www.cafirefoundation.org/.

CDP California Wildfires Recovery Fund: Help the Center for Disaster Philanthropy support those affected by the wildfires. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/issue-insight/wildfires/

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County: This foundation is seeking help to support those affected by the lightning complex fires. www.cfscc.org/updates/fire-response-fund

Everest Effect: Build a Basket, Buy a Basket campaign helps those affected by wildfires. www.everesteffect.com/baskets/

GlobalGiving — California Wildfire: Providing support for firefighters and supplying food, water and medicine to people in need. www.globalgiving.org/california-wildfires/ 

GoFundMe: Has launched a centralized hub of fundraisers that will help residents who have lost their homes and have been displaced by the fires. www.gofundme.com/c/safety/gofundme-guarantee. In addition, they have launched California Wildfire Cause General Fund to offer relief to Californians in need. www.gofundme.com/f/CaliforniaWildfireReliefFund

Hobee’s Providing Meals to Fire Evacuees & Heroes: All five Hobee locations are working together to feed those affected by CZU and SCU Lightning Complex fires. They have put together a gofundme so that they can cover the food costs of the meals. https://www.gofundme.com/f/hobee039s

Latino Community Foundation NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund: Supporting frontline community partners, who are helping those affected by the August 2020 wildfires. https://latinocf.org/norcal-wildfire-relief-fund/

Meals of Gratitude: This organization sends meals to firefighters, evacuees and volunteer frontline support. Find out how you can help at http://mealsofgratitude.org/.  

Monterey County Community Resilience Program: Send supplies, donate money or lend a hand to those impacted by the River Fire. https://montereyco.recovers.org/

Napa Valley Community Foundation’s 2020 Napa County Wildfire Fund: Providing relief and recovery services to those affected by this most recent disaster in Napa Valley. https://www.napavalleycf.org/

National First Responders Fund: Providing support to first responders with post-traumatic stress injuries. www.nfrf.org

North Valley Community Foundation Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund: This fund helps support nonprofits and agencies providing assistance to evacuees, animals and others impacted by the fires in Glenn and Tehama counties in Northern California. Learn more at www.nvcf.org/donate.

Off the Grid NorCal Fire Fund: Donations will provide meals to those affected by the Bay Area fire. https://offthegrid.com/relief-efforts/. If you are a corporate partner or food truck business and wish to help, join the effort at https://offthegrid.com/norcal-fire-relief/.

Puente: Donations needed to help provide staffing at the Half Moon Bay Evacuation Center 24/7 and hotel vouchers. https://mypuente.org/

Ranger Foundation: Wildfire relief grants are available to park workers, including volunteers, seasonals and retirees, who have suffered loss due to the wildfires. www.cspra.com/rangerfoundation/index.html

The Real Cowboy 911: Find information on this group that offers assistance with livestock and pets in emergency situations at bayareane.ws/RealCowboy911.

The Salvation Army: Donations support disaster relief for the current wildfires as well as potential future disasters. https://deloro.salvationarmy.org/del_oro/august-2020-wildfires

San Mateo and Santa Clara County Fire Relief Fund: The Silicon Valley Community Foundation has established a fund that benefits individuals and families affected by the wildfires. www.siliconvalleycf.org/

Santa Cruz County Warehouse: Donate non-perishable goods and new items for evacuees. High-need new items include men and women’s clothing, towels, bed sheets, sleeping pads, pillowcases and ice chests. The warehouse is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1082 Emeline, Santa Cruz. www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx

Solano Disaster Relief Fund: Grants from this fund will help nonprofits provide individuals and families impacted by the wildfires. https://www.solanocf.org/Funds/

Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: ARF partners in emergency disaster relief and provides help with animals in need. https://secure3.convio.net/arf/site/Donation

United Way Greater Bay Area Central Coast Wildfire Relief Fund: The Wildfire Relief Fund provides immediate and long-term recovery assistance to residents affected by the wildfires. Working together, United Way Bay Area, United Way of the Wine Country, United Way Monterey County and United Way of Santa Cruz County will assist residents and community agencies in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Donations to the Greater Bay Area Central Coast Wildfire Relief Fund can be made at https://uwba.org/wildfirerelief/

Vema Net: Volunteers for the Emergency Management of Animals Network is a free online bulletin board where people can offer or ask for help with animals in need of evacuation and a temporary safe haven. http://vemanet.org

Volunteer Center: The Volunteer Mobilization Fund helps coordinate volunteers to address fire-response needs. https://scvolunteercenter.org/about-us/donate-volunteer-center/

Wildfire Relief Fund: Supporting immediate, mid- and long term recovery efforts for major California wildfires. https://www.calfund.org/wildfire-relief-fund/

Woodside Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund: Help support large animal disaster relief. https://woodsidegiving.org/disaster-relief-update.html

World Central Kitchen: Chef José Andres’ World Central Kitchen is feeding firefighters and evacuees. Donations needed.  https://wck.org/

[h3creations]

15% of all the purchase price from the sale of Custom Lasered Products will be contributed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The promotion shall last until December 31, 2021. #H3CREATIONS #h3c #laserengraving #laserengraved #laseretch #laser #maltese #fundraiser #fire #firedepartment #firefighter #fireheronfff https://www.instagram.com/p/CIVUGX7rtMP/?igshid=1tja0katnek9k

[joie-university-rp]

Our next (platonic!) date of the evening is none other than MARLEY ROSE! 

The money from HER date will be going to THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION and bidding will start at three dollars

If you are interested in a date with MARLEY, please come to the stage in front of the Union Fountain to place a bid.

[naturecoaster]

Tunnels to Towers Clearwater 5K Run & Walk

Registration remains open until race time for the Saturday, November 5, 2022. Tunnels to Towers Clearwater 5K Run & Walk   - The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in memory of  fallen 9/11 firefighter Stephen Siller, whose mission is to honor and support first responders and military, is hosting a 5K run and walk at 8:30 am on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Nearly  600 people are expected to participate, over 100 of them will be uniformed firefighters, police officers and military service members. The event will honor and celebrate Tampa Bay Area first responders—fire, police, EMTs, paramedics, dispatch—as well as military service heroes who serve, sacrifice and protect us every day. Registration for the Clearwater 5K Run & Walk is open. Participants may register online up until race time as follows: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Clearwater/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkClearwaterFL Registered walkers and runners will have the opportunity to create their own profile pages that will feature their personal photos and individual stories. Additionally, participants can compete to raise the most funds and recruit the most friends to their team.   The Clearwater 5K Run & Walk will start at 8:30 am and will be held at the intersection of Osceola Ave. and Cleveland St. in downtown Clearwater. The event’s opening ceremony will start with a Color Guard Processional, a live performance of the National Anthem, several distinguished military and first responder and Tunnel to Towers program recipient guest speakers followed by a bagpiper leading the first responders and military and then the general public to the start line to begin the race. Vendors, exhibits, music, entertainment and free food will be in place before, during and after the race.  The Clearwater 5K Run & Walk is among more than 80 events in a national series of 5Ks and tower climbs held all around the United States in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This event is one of four Tunnel to Towers events held in the Tampa Bay Area. Of particular interest with all our events is that our first responders and military heroes participate while wearing their full gear which weighs up to 60 pounds for the firefighters. Tunnel to Towers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services for our nation’s first responders and military. Through its Smart Home Program, dozens of customized high-tech “smart homes” have been built throughout the country, including two in Tampa Bay, for catastrophically injured service members. These homes, created primarily for those who are now triple-and quadruple-amputees or parapalegic largely as a result of IED explosions, have specialized features controlled with i-Pads to allow these heroes to lead as independent a life as possible. Through its Fallen First Responder Home Program, the Foundation pays off the mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty who leave behind young children. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure stability and security to these families facing sudden tragic loss. Through its Gold Star Family Home Program, the Foundation honors the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by providing the surviving spouses and young children with mortgage-free homes.  Tunnel to Towers recently announced the launch of a national campaign aimed to eradicate homelessness by providing tiny, comfort homes to veterans who are homeless across all 50 states. Tunnel to Towers is providing housing to more than 500 homeless veterans by the end of 2022. Of special note for Tampa Bay, Tunnel to Towers has begun construction on a 110-home “LET US DO GOOD VILLAGE” in Land O’ Lakes, FL. The mortgage-free homes are for the Foundation’s program recipients and will include resort-style amenities. This is a one of a kind endeavor unlike anything ever constructed in the U.S. to date. About Stephen Siller/The Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Tunnel to Towers is dedicated to the memory of FDNY hero and father of five, Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11. Stephen, who was off-duty having just finished his 24 hour shift when the first plane hit, drove to his Brooklyn firehouse and retrieved over 60 pounds of his gear, then sought the quickest route to the World Trade Center. Finding the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel already blocked for security, in a supreme act of heroism, Stephen ditched his truck and ran about three miles with that gear to the Twin Towers where he caught up with his team who all lost their lives while saving others. Stephen’s six much-older brothers and sisters, who had raised him after Stephen was orphaned at age 10, subsequently established the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his honor. Its signature event is its Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk held in New York City on the last Sunday in September. The event, which draws 25,000 participants from all over the world, follows in Stephen’s heroic footsteps on 9/11. For more information on The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Clearwater 5K Run & Walk, please visit https://t2t.org/. Read the full article