Congressman Honors Fallen Victims of Camp Mystic Flooding Daughter’s Prayer Highlights Community Spirit
Meta Description: Congressman August Pfluger recalls his daughter praying for friends during catastrophic Camp Mystic floods in Texas honoring victims and urging national unity and improved emergency response .
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In a heartfelt address on the House floor Texas Congressman August Pfluger paid tribute to the victims of the catastrophic flooding that devastated Camp Mystic a decades old Christian girls’ camp in Central Texas. The flash flood which occurred over the Fourth of July weekend claimed more than 130 lives across Texas including 11 individuals from Pfluger’s own 11th Congressional District .
Personal Toll: Prayer Amid Crisis
Pfluger shared a deeply personal moment revealing that his daughters Caroline and Juliana both fourth generation campers at Camp Mystic had survived the flooding. He recalled how Caroline standing on higher ground as the floodwaters surged bowed her head and prayed for the safety of her fellow campers .
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Everybody knew everybody. And this family is deeply grieving right now emphasizing the closeness of the camp community and the depth of the shared loss .
The Scale of the Disaster
Triggered by torrential overnight rains the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes turning the peaceful campgrounds into a zone of chaos and destruction. Emergency services were overwhelmed by the speed of the flooding which hindered timely evacuations and disrupted communication .
The disaster resulted in the loss of at least 27 campers counselors and volunteers alongside many others across the state. The suddenness and scale of the flooding shocked not only local residents but the entire nation .
Heroes Among the Loss
In his tribute Congressman Pfluger honored those who died calling them selfless individuals leaders officers in the police force and people that we will miss dearly .
Among the most notable victims was Dick Eastland a beloved camp director who reportedly died while helping others escape . Stories of courage and sacrifice have since emerged from survivors and first responders shining a light on the extraordinary bravery shown during the crisis .
Congressional Response and Call for Unity
Pfluger used his congressional platform to advocate for unity and reflection in the face of tragedy . While he acknowledged the need to reassess emergency preparedness and infrastructure he insisted that the immediate focus must be on supporting grieving families and honoring acts of heroism .
As a former Air Force fighter pilot Pfluger affirmed that an after action review would be conducted but emphasized that now is not the time for finger pointing .
A Camp of Legacy and Loss
Founded in 1926 Camp Mystic is one of Texass most cherished Christian camps for girls drawing generations of families including First Lady Laura Bush who once served as a counselor there. The camp represents a legacy of faith community and tradition which makes the tragedy even more heartbreaking for those tied to its history .
Looking Forward
Pfluger concluded his remarks with a note of hope and purpose. I hope this serves as a wake up call to our nation not only to prepare better but to celebrate the countless heroes some of whom gave their lives he said .
Already long term plans are being discussed to improve flood warning systems infrastructure resilience and disaster communication protocols .
In Summary
- Congressman Pfluger honors flood victims and highlights his daughters prayer during the crisis .
- Rapid flooding overwhelmed Camp Mystic claiming over 130 lives statewide .
- Acts of heroism emerged including a director who died saving others .
- Pfluger calls for national unity and better emergency preparedness .
- Even in tragedy Pfluger’s message underscores how faith compassion and courage can bind a grieving community and inspire a nation to do better .