“Living to Serve” is a key part of the FFA motto. It’s also a line almost every FFA member knows by heart and embodies every day through their projects and community service. After all, our organization is built on serving others.
However, this motto hit close to home for Oklahoma FFA members in Mayes, Rogers, Craig and Ottawa counties and surrounding areas this spring. In May, the northeast part of the state was hit by a wave of severe tornadoes in the span of several weeks.
“It felt like it would never end,” says Salina FFA Vice President Kinlee Mindemann. “There were tornado sirens blaring at home while we were in Tulsa for state FFA convention. It was so scary to watch the radar and news of what was going on just 45 minutes away.”
Homes were lost, businesses were destroyed, and FFA members were left to learn how to “live to serve” not only in their communities but also in their own chapters.
For Claremore FFA President Kinzee Joslin, this disaster became a personal tragedy.
“My house was pretty affected,” she says. “Thankfully, I was away in Oklahoma City. A huge tree fell on my roof and through my room. If I were at home asleep, the roof would have caved in on me. It was heartbreaking and scary to see driving back into town. You see it on the news and see it everywhere else, but you never think it’ll happen to you. My aunt’s house was blown away. Homes were destroyed and businesses were just gone. It didn’t look like Claremore, Okla., anymore.”
Joslin’s story wasn’t unique, as several FFA members and community members across the area could relate to the feelings of heartbreak and tragedy but also community and service. Just a few days after the town had been hit, Claremore FFA advisor Matt Boyer stepped up to challenge his members to show up for their community.
Although lending a helping hand in its community is a big focus for Claremore FFA, being there for its members is even bigger.
“Boyer asked me personally if my family needed help because we were hit so hard,” Joslin says. “We were able to help my grandpa and aunt. He wanted to focus on members’ families first and community members next. It really touched my heart. So many members showed up to assist me and my family, and it was so amazing. I really think sharing my story can show members, especially younger ones, that they can make an impact.”
This chapter made an impact, and a similar story could be shared about chapters across the area. These members show that even in the midst of tragedy, FFA is all about “Living to Serve.”
