Veterans from Tunnel to Towers Partner with Harris County Precinct 3 to Aid Hurricane Beryl Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Beryl, veterans from the Tunnel to Towers organization have joined forces with Harris County Precinct 3 to assist with the removal of debris across the precinct that resulted from the storm.
According to Col. Jennifer Almonte, P.E., Harris County Precinct 3 Road and Bridge Director, Precinct 3 teams realized that they were quickly becoming overwhelmed with the amount of debris that was received from Hurricane Beryl. "We’ve been working with Tunnel to Towers for quite a while. The community outreach team was able to work with Tunnel to Towers to get these amazing veteran volunteers to come out and help us pick up debris in our residential areas of the Cypress camp zone," said Col. Almonte.
Over the previous weeks, the county had already collected over 230,445 cubic yards of vegetation and debris with the help of 108 pieces of loading and hauling equipment. Now, local veterans, led by the Tunnel to Towers organization, are supplementing this effort, taking to the streets to help clear fallen trees and limbs. This community collaboration is part of a larger $2.2M strategic investment approved by Commissioner Tom Ramsey to fast-track the clean-up efforts throughout Precinct 3.
Speaking about this partnership, representatives from the Tunnel to Towers Greater Houston Chapter emphasized their gratitude for the veterans and the continuous support from Commissioner Ramsey. “We are so grateful for these men who served our country and continue to serve our communities like the true heroes they are,” the organization said in a statement. “Thank you, Tom Ramsey Harris Co. Commissioner PCT 3, for providing as much support as you did while we were without power for an entire week. We could not have gotten through without your assistance!”
The collaborative effort doesn’t only benefit the community but also provides a sense of purpose for veterans like Joseph Herring, who enjoys serving his country. Herring served as active military with the United States Army for over three years, then the National Guard. He has since attended culinary school, with plans to return so that he can share his passion for food and the shared love of a good meal with others. “I do love helping out people. I always did. That’s why I joined the military,” revealed Hering.
Another veteran volunteer, Michael Hubbert, served in the United States Marine Corps. He emphasized the ripple effect their acts of service can have in the community. "We're just trying to spread the blessing and hope it'll be a domino effect for each and every neighbor who sees this," said Hubbert.
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Col. Almonte hopes this collaboration will continue. "We're really excited about supporting them and they're definitely paying it back by supporting us during this hurricane event," she expressed.
The Tunnel to Towers organization, established in 2001 in honor of fallen FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, operates with a mission to eradicate veteran homelessness nationwide. One of its flagship projects, the Veteran Village in Houston, provides housing and support services like counseling and career development to over 100 veterans. As part of its commitment to serve those who have served the country, the organization plans on delivering 200 mortgage-free homes this year to Gold Star Families, Fallen First Responder Families, and catastrophically injured service members and first responders.
By partnering with the Harris County Precinct 3, these veterans, who have already given so much to their country, continue to give back to their communities, helping to restore local communities in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
