Events

Lt Chris Dibrell has had a very impressive career and we are pleased to have him with us today. Chris is currently the Fire Adapted Communities coordinator for the Austin Fire Dept Wildfire Division, since Feb 2024. He is responsible for community outreach to develop awareness and empowerment for residents that live in the Wildland Urban Interface.Chris received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M and his Master in Education from Southwest Texas State University. 

Chris proudly served in the United States Army, retired at rank of Major.  His service included Jan - Jul 1993, deployed to Belize, Logistics Officer for Task Force Jaguar; May 2005-Aug 200, deployed to Baghdad, Force Protection/Intelligence Officer Iraqi Military Academy; Oct 2008- Dec 2009, deployed to Baghdad, Advisor to Iraqi Armor School and Iraqi Baghdad Ops Center. Thank you for your service Chris!

He retired AFD with 30 yrs. Of that time, 7 yrs as lieutenant in the Wildfire Division with a myriad of roles

Chris is from Wimberley, Texas and still reside there

Welcome Chris! 

Members are encouraged to do service projects today and then come have lunch and enjoy each other's company.  No program. 

Becca serves as the Senior Outreach Coordinator for Foundation Communities, located in Austin, TX. In this role, she develops and leads culturally competent outreach and communications strategies to increase participation for Foundation Communities' free Prosper Programs, which include tax preparation, health coverage enrollment, financial coaching, and benefits enrollment. She graduated from Smith College in 2022 with a degree in Women and Gender Studies and Latin American Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, trying new places to eat, and cooking.

Richard McHale has worked in the waste management industry for over 31 years and is currently the Director of Austin Resource Recovery.  His experience encompasses operations, planning, and policy development.

Presently he is a director and Past President of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America, Past President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors – Municipal Waste Management Association, a former Advisory Council Member of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality – Municipal Solid Waste Management, and Resource Recovery Advisory Council. He serves on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission for the Capital Area Planning Council of Governments.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography & Planning and a Master’s of Applied Geography degree in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University. 

Welcome Richard!

Our Angel Tree recipient will be Common Ground ATX.  Mickie Powers has sent us a list of items needed, so feel free to select something and bring to the celebration.  In case you were not at the meeting where Mickey shared about Common Ground ATX, and her work with the homeless, let me share a few things. Powers said many of their residents are one step above homeless and not accepted in traditional rentals because of a criminal background.  “When someone has been incarcerated or on the streets for 5-10 years what’s successful — some might consider awfully small, but for them it can be life changing,”. There is a community of homeless people that Mickie personally reaches out to - serving is her life and if you talk to her, you know this. 

Let us make a difference here.
 
The list:
 
Bar soap
Deodorant
Socks
Razors (preferably multi-use)
Blankets
Sleeping Bags (perhaps waterproof)
Coats/Jackets
Gloves