06/12/2026
A final update on our gifts of appreciation to the Wildland Fire Fighters. Our gifts and cards were delivered this morning!! I read this letter to the teams already at work today. There were smiles and hugs shared!
Thank you to Marie Peck of the Fetch Foundation for transporting our mountain of gifts! And thank you to everyone who supported these Gifts of Gratitude!!!
Dear Wildland Firefighters, Hotshots and All Who Stand on the Front Lines,
With deepest gratitude and admiration, I write to thank you for the extraordinary courage, endurance, and sacrifice you show in the face of wildfire. When flames threaten our homes, our property, and the fragile beauty of the desert we cherish, you answer the call without hesitation. You work in extreme heat, choking smoke, and dangerous conditions, often for long hours and with little rest, to protect lives, land, and entire communities.
To every member of the firefighting teams, your strength, skill, discipline, and teamwork are nothing short of inspiring. You go where others cannot, endure what most never will, and remain steady in moments of chaos. Your efforts save not only buildings and belongings, but memories, livelihoods, wildlife habitat, and the desert landscapes that define and sustain our way of life.
Please know that your work is seen, your sacrifices are valued, and your service is deeply respected. Behind every line you hold and every home you help defend is a community that is profoundly thankful. We recognize that your commitment often comes at a personal cost—time away from family, physical exhaustion, and constant risk—and we do not take that lightly.
Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for fighting to preserve our homes, our property, and our desert. Your service leaves a lasting mark not only on the land you protect, but on the hearts of all who live here.
Please accept these gifts of gratitude on behalf of the communities you have protected time and again. On a personal note, you saved my home, my miniature therapy herd, and my neighborhood more than once as the fires advanced. Two years ago, we were forced to evacuate, and flames reached neighboring homes, but your swift actions kept us safe.
With heartfelt appreciation from grateful communities;
Terry Holmes-Stecyk and the Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales herd
On behalf of:
Rio Verde Foothills, Desert Hills, New River, Anthem, Cave Creek/Carefree Communities
Arizona Foothills 911 and their supporters
Arizona Society Daughters of the American Revolution who assembled the donations
The desert wildlife, livestock and pets of the communities … and more
