Community pulls together after tornadoes
By BOBBIE JO YOUNG | Photos by BOBBIE JO YOUNG and courtesy photos
On May 22, Bell County was ravaged by two devastating tornadoes, leaving nearly 500 homes and businesses in ruins or severely damaged.
With winds surpassing 120 miles per hour, the storms wreaked havoc, injuring more than 30 people and causing widespread destruction. As the sun rose the following morning, the Temple community, though bruised and battered, demonstrated remarkable resilience. City officials declared a disaster, prompting hundreds of dedicated businesses and individuals to mobilize.
One local resident, Britnia Weicht, felt a profound urge to help. Living just 25 minutes away, Britnia and her family knew they had to take action. She shared her resolve with her husband, 1st Sgt. Robert Weicht, Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, III Armored Corps, and together, they drove through the hardest-hit areas, stopping at numerous homes to offer their support.
They spoke with residents and neighbors, asking how they could help, and shared their availability on Facebook to spread the word.
What began as a small family effort quickly grew into a significant community operation. Initially, it was just Britnia, Robert and their teenage daughter. However, after Memorial Day weekend, Robert had to return to his duties as a first sergeant in the Army. Undeterred, he began sending soldiers who had time to spare and a desire to assist. Through word of mouth and community referrals, their volunteer efforts expanded beyond anything they could have imagined.
To date, the team has helped more than 140 families and continues to receive new requests daily. With more than 20 families currently scheduled for assistance, their work encompasses much more than just tree removal and debris clearing. The volunteers have tackled a wide range of tasks, including cutting down trees, removing brush, cleaning up yards, dismantling and removing structures, salvaging items, gutting and demolishing buildings, completing home repairs, and even providing groceries and household items to those in need.
The Weicht family has also played a crucial role in collecting and delivering donations from the community. They organized a donation drive on Fort Cavazos to collect food, toiletries and baby items, with Robert spearheading the effort. The team, comprising of military personnel, has been instrumental in spreading the word and securing as many donations as possible. Britnia reflects on their unique situation, noting that as military families who are often separated from their loved ones, they empathize deeply with those in need and hope that others would offer similar support to their families in times of crisis.
The immense dedication and support from her team have made this initiative possible. Many volunteers have contributed more than 100 hours each, with her own family surpassing 200 hours. The children of many team members have also pitched in, sacrificing their time to help others and witnessing firsthand the positive impact of their efforts. The support from HHBN, III Armored Corps at Fort Cavazos has been particularly valuable, allowing soldier volunteers to continue assisting with the cleanup during their normal work hours. The community has responded with an outpouring of support and encouragement, including financial donations to cover expenses.
Like the Weicht family and their volunteers, hundreds of others quickly stepped up to assist those in need. They assessed damage, prepared meals, cleared debris, and united under the banner of Temple Strong. Dozens of volunteers gathered in the heat at Tarver Elementary, led by the Bell County Business Group, serving an estimated 4,000 free burgers and hotdogs over three full days to those affected by damage or loss of electricity.
One group member stated, “Really, it was about small-business owners rallying together and seeing an immediate need in the community and having the resources to fit that need. We would do it again!”
Roofing and restoration companies worked around the clock, providing free tarping and water removal services, often with little to no sleep.
Numerous other businesses and organizations sprang into action to serve the community, including Bold Republic Brewing Company, Family Promise, Haute Dog, Shaffin Wegener of State Farm, Wes’s Burger Shack, Feed My Sheep, Bulldog Auto Detailing, KCEN Channel 6, Texell Credit Union, Vista Real Estate, and countless others.
The Temple community has banded together in an extraordinary display of resilience and solidarity. Neighbors helping neighbors — clearing debris, providing shelter and sharing resources. Volunteers from all walks of life pitched in, offering everything from meals to manual labor.
This collective effort not only sped up recovery but also strengthened the bonds within the community, showcasing the power of unity and compassion in times of crisis.
“Volunteering and helping others has always been my passion,” Britnia shared. “We strive to be a blessing to someone every day, and we firmly believe in spreading love and kindness to counteract the darkness in the world.”
This experience has solidified her desire to start her own nonprofit organization, and she eagerly anticipates its future impact. She looks forward to continuing to bless others, embracing the motto, “We’re stronger together.”
This disaster has revealed the true character of Temple — a city united by empathy, driven by hope, and fortified by the relentless will to overcome. As we move forward, let us carry this spirit with us, knowing that no challenge is too great when we stand together. The future of
Temple is bright, and with hearts full of compassion and hands ready to help, we will build a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come. Temple will continue to rise from these ashes, thanks to the boundless compassion and determination of those who live and work there. Together, we embody the spirit of Temple Strong.
