Page 3 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Summer 2022 - Online Magazine

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We are so excited to present to you this First Responders Edition of Senior Link
Magazine. We believe SL Summer 2022 will be a keepsake issue for a couple of
reasons. the
One, this is our first ever First Responders edition, and we have over 20 hometown
heroes featured in this 100-page volume. The idea has been simmering since publisher
9/11/21 when a group of girls from my daughters’ school came together to honor
Lubbock first responders. It dawned on me that the day we said we would never
forget seemed to be fading from our collective memory. Tinsley Drake, a 14-year-
old Talkington student, wrote about our experiences that day. After reading her
article on p. 60, you might even want to partner with us in
expanding our scope of remembrance for Sept. 11, 2022.
Two, not all the articles in this issue are about seniors.
Several of the first responders whom we have chosen to
honor are younger and still serving our community. They
are all heroes, and we are excited about their stories as
much as those told by older, wiser, retired civil servants.
It was so much fun to bring this diverse group together
for a cover photo. Some of the retired first responders
hadn’t seen each other in years, and the reunion was so
joyful for them and for all of us who got to witness it.
Check out the photos from the special event held at the
Lubbock Regional Public Safety Memorial at Loop 289
and S. Quaker. A special thanks to all of those who helped
us pull it off. Indiana Ave. Baptist Church stepped up to
provide a meal. United Marketstreet donated a wreath
for a poignant wreath-laying ceremony carried out by
Honor Guard Officers Pierce and Garcia. The Red Cross, EMS,
Lubbock’s police department, fire department, and SWAT
team brought trucks and demonstrated equipment for the
families.
As always, Senior Link is a treasure trove of all kinds of inspirational stories. This issue also includes some
heartwarming love stories and another about a beloved educator. Of course, we always make room for helpful
resource articles, opportunities to serve, and more.
One more thing: As this issue grew, several new authors volunteered to do interviews and prepare articles.
We couldn’t have done it without them, and we are so grateful. We welcome anyone to write, especially as we
gear up for our Fall Veterans edition. Also, as printing costs continue to rise dramatically, we unabashedly ask
for partnership from our business community in sponsoring these priceless stories with your ad dollars.
We don’t say “Thank You” as often as we should to our First Responders. But it is my hope that the stories in
this issue will stir up our appreciation again. Twenty-one years ago – we said we would never forget. Let’s stir
up the unity and love that so many of us experienced on that tragic day and remember to show our gratitude
to all our first responders.
Erin Agee

The Mission of Senior Link

Our mission is to tell the stories of local seniors, not only to honor them,
but also to inspire and challenge younger generations. We endeavor to link
seniors with the resources they need to ensure quality of life. We believe in
the strength of the chain, in linking with one another, and in linking all of
us to information which can enhance our lives. We recognize the value of
every season of life and the uniqueness of every story.
Senior Link’s mission rests in the power of connection.