Happy Independence Day!

Today we’re celebrating freedom – the country’s freedom, and the freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy every day.  My Memorial Day post honored our military and those who fight to keep us safe and free. My 4th of July post will do the same – honoring the Granite Mountain Hotshots who gave their lives protecting their community in Arizona. In the midst of your celebrations, please take a moment to pray for the families of these highly skilled, focused and brave individuals.

PRESCOTT, AZ (July 1, 2013) The City of Prescott is mourning the loss of the 19 heroes of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who gave their lives yesterday fighting the Yarnell Fire.

The Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives are:

• Ashcraft, Andrew – Age: 29
• Caldwell, Robert – Age: 23
• Carter, Travis – Age: 31
• Deford, Dustin – Age: 24
• MacKenzie, Christopher – Age: 30
• Marsh, Eric – Age: 43
• McKee, Grant – Age: 21
• Misner, Sean – Age: 26
• Norris, Scott – Age: 28
• Parker, Wade – Age: 22
• Percin, John – Age: 24
• Rose, Anthony – Age: 23
• Steed, Jesse – Age: 36
• Thurston, Joe – Age: 32
• Turbyfill, Travis – Age: 27
• Warneke, William – Age: 25
• Whitted, Clayton – Age: 28
• Woyjeck, Kevin – Age: 21
• Zuppiger, Garret – Age: 27

I’m praying that God wraps His arms around the families of these young men, and the grieving community, and fills them with His peace and comfort.

If you care to offer financial support, here are the recommended sites:
Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona – http://pffaz.org/
The 100 Club – http://www.100club.org/web/100Club
Wildland Firefighter Foundation – http://www.wffoundation.org/

More information can be found here – YarnellFallenFireFighters