Perfex Chemical Solutions’ Post

The latest reports (we’ve seen) are stating this is the second largest wildfire in Texas history, with the potential to be the largest. Estimates are nearing 1,000,000 acres and it’s not over. Our prayers go out to all those affected by this catastrophic event. People have often asked me “why the Texas panhandle?”, sometimes about our choice to raise our family here, sometimes in reference to starting and headquartering a national oilfield chemical services company here. My response is always the same – “The People”. Through this devastating tragedy, I am once again reminded why that’s the answer. While scrolling through social media and calling to check on friends and employees, I’ve seen and heard so much selflessness, compassion, and genuine American spirit. People who had lost their homes, their land, their livestock, and livelihood, saying things like “it could have been worse” or “I’m just glad everyone is ok”. Then there are the first responders, the volunteers, the heroes, exhausting themselves to do everything they can to help; putting their own lives in danger to help their fellow man, their neighbor, their community. There are the farmers, ranchers, and just “good ol’ boys and girls” offering their land, pens, trucks, trailers, etc. for someone else’s livestock. There’s the news crews and storm chasers, running to the flames, to make sure we have the latest information to keep our loved ones safe. I’ve seen numerous folks offering food, donations, etc.. Amarillo food trucks were headed to places like Canadian, TX, first thing this morning, to feed those in need. Businesses are sending tanker trucks to haul water to firetrucks and help water livestock. I’ve even seen people offering their homes and campers to complete strangers. Beyond the panhandle, there are people from all over offering to head this way to help in any way they can. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) once said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” As much as I wish this never happened, these are the moments I’m reminded why we choose to live here. These are the moments when everyone sets their differences aside, and we are reminded what truly makes our country great. The “helpers” are everywhere! Please say a prayer for the people of the TX Panhandle and NW OK. These are some of the hardest working, kindhearted, grounded, authentic, and resilient people this country will ever know. People like them are the lifeblood of this country, and we should never forget that. We need to do what we can to share the weight of the horrors of this week. Lastly, it is difficult to determine how to best assist (especially from afar) during a developing situation like this. Feel free to post any information of where to send donations, help for livestock, etc., in the comments below. I know there are many more people wanting to help; they are just not sure how or where.