The Post: Tragedy and Response
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Robert Henneke is TPPF’s Executive Director and General Counsel. He’s also from Kerr County. In a piece that will be published soon, he recounts his thoughts on the tragedy and how Texans responded.
“Kerr County is my home. I grew up just upriver from Camp Mystic, and the tragic deaths of more than 100 people in last week’s flash flooding couldn’t have hit closer to home.
At times like this, I remember Mr. (Fred) Rogers’ words to comfort children witnessing tragedy: ‘Look for the helpers. You’ll always find people helping.’
In Kerr County, much of the help that arrived in the early morning hours was local – volunteer fire departments and neighbors helping neighbors; that’s the very personal nature of this tragedy—many responders knew the victims.
Yet I’m also heartened by the Hill Country’s initial response to the sudden storms and floods, as well as the state and federal
[H]istory will show that in Texas, first responders from all levels of government worked hand-in-hand to step up and do the hard and often thankless work of searching for survivors, and then recovering bodies.
Now, as the waters recede and as cleanup begins, I believe the July 4 disaster in Kerr County will become the model for how government should respond to disaster.
Bad things will continue to happen, and when they do, we want—and expect—every level of government to work together to help Texans in need. Kerr County has provided the model for that.”
Brian Phillips Chief Communications Officer |
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John Mondi is joined by James Quintero and Jose Melendez of TPPF’s Taxpayer Protection Project to break down what the 89th Texas Legislature did this session to benefit the taxpayers of Texas. |
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Dive into the complex relationship between Mexico and Spain in this captivating episode of The Hard Country! Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo explore 500 years of history, from the Spanish conquest to modern-day diplomatic drama. Why does Mexico’s civic identity reject its Spanish roots? How do figures like AMLO and Claudia Sheinbaum fuel anti-Spanish sentiment? Discover the cultural, political, and economic ties that bind these nations, despite centuries of tension. From Hernán Cortés’ unmarked tomb to Mexico’s trade with Spain, this episode uncovers the myths, heroes, and conflicts shaping Mexico today. Don’t miss the tea on recent diplomatic snubs and surprising citizenship moves! |
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Praying for Central Texas |
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I grew up in a sleepy little river town few would know but loved by all who do. In fact, when people asked where I was from, often I had to tell them it was about an hour West of San Antonio to give a rough idea of where this little town was. With a modest population of about 700 residents, and five times that number in river vacation homes, it was a serene, truly special place to grow up. In addition, this little river town was home to many summer camps, some over 100 years old, where generations of families send their sons and daughters to attend every year.
Unfortunately, on July 4, 2025, Hunt, Texas suddenly, devastatingly, became known around the world.
In the early morning hours on the 4th, the Guadalupe River rose rapidly, some estimates up to 26 feet in just 45 minutes, with a last recorded heigh of 37.52 feet before the gauge ceased reporting for the rest of the day. The flash flood caught so many by surprise, with many waking up to the water in their house. Due to the sudden and severe rise in the river, 120 lives have been lost across Texas, 96 of those in Kerr County, and 173 are still missing, as of the sending of this newsletter.
I continue to pray for the families who have lost a son, daughter, mother, father, friend, or acquaintance. I pray for Camp Mystic, Camp Heart of the Hills, Camp LaJunta, and all who lost so much on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River. I know the Camp family will rally around you and support you during this awful time.
As soon as I could get there without interfering with first responders, I drove to Hunt to see my family and the place where I grew up. As I travelled on the once lazily winding roads one word struck me: devastation. Trees and homes I’d seen my entire life were simply gone. Low water crossings had the asphalt ripped away. There were boats and tin roofs in treetops. It was a stunning and heartbreaking sight.
Despite the melancholy brought on by the horrible loss of life and destruction, there is an incredible story to tell which inspires hope. When the news broke about the flooding, fellow Texans, the Cajun Navy, and countless others jumped into action without hesitation. They showed up to search for those who were lost, to provide meals, to clear the debris, to support those who were grieving, and to help in in any way they could. This is saying nothing of the incredible heroics of the Coast Guard, National Guard, DPS Troopers, and other first responders who undoubtedly saved the lives of so many who were displaced.
I’ve always been proud to be a Texan, but perhaps never more so than in the days following this tragic disaster. The way Texans rally to overcome is truly remarkable: from Hurricane Harvey, to tornadoes, to Winter Storm Uri, to the flooding in Central Texas, Texans come together to overcome any tragedy. Thank you to everyone who has lent equipment, time, hands, or even a dollar to help this community recover.
There is still so much left to do and there is a long road to recovery, but with countless helping hands and the support of so many, I know that the community will overcome. Texans are resilient and have been since the first Texians came to this land in the early 1800’s.
There are a lot of great organizations supporting recovery efforts across Texas, if you feel compelled, please consider supporting them.
Sam Pohl Associate Vice President of Engagement
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