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Wildland Firefighter Foundation / Articles and Letters / 2008 Articles and Letters / My Life Forever Changed
My Life Forever Changed
By Melissa Schwagerl, WFF Office Manager
When I accepted Vicki's offer to work at the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, I had no idea that this would be the job that wasn't just an "occupation" or a "paycheck". In my 15+ years of non-profit work (including working for two nationally known non-profits) I have never been so enveloped and passionate about the work that I do.
I've been asked by my family and friends how I can work somewhere that deals with such sorrow (the photos on our walls move them to tears). Emotions do run high, the main mission of what we do is difficult and the grief can be overwhelming. But, in that sadness, we meet some amazing families who share their stories and become more than "survivor family members", they become our friends and family.
Being part of this organization, I feel the most important job I have is sharing the stories of fallen and injured firefighters and their families to anyone that stops by, that I meet at a trade show or conference, anyone that calls, and in every piece of work I produce. I've repeatedly told the story of Levi and Joe Brinkley: two amazing brothers, two amazing firefighters - one who was lost eleven years ago and one that was injured and very nearly lost this summer. I've had the good fortune of meeting Shane Heath's (Cramer Fire fatality) younger brother who spent a whole day at the Foundation before leaving for college last fall, he needed to stop in and talk about Shane. I've spent time talking to Brent Martindale hearing more about his son Jacob (Hayman Fire van accident) and his love of music, or talking to my friend and "52 Run Cheerleader" Lori Greeno (Lori lost her husband John a year ago), about her amazing fortitude and desire to support and spread the word of the Foundation, which is helping her to heal.
The people and friendships I have made keep me drawn to the Foundation and to this community. My life has been forever changed because of these amazing families. I make it my personal mission each day to support them and work for them. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.
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