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Texas Strong: How a NAES family answered the call to help their community after tragedy struck

Written by: Emily Adelman, NAES Communications Specialist

Being part of NAES isn’t just about joining a company; it’s about becoming part of a family that looks out for one another and the communities they serve. This was powerfully demonstrated by Brad Leamon, a Grounds Maintenance Technician at the Walnut Creek Coal Mine in Bremond, Texas, when tragedy struck earlier this summer. 

Devastating floods ravaged the Texas Hill Country in early July, leaving the community of Comfort and other local towns reeling. Brad, alongside his wife, Dessa, and daughter, Cassidy, felt an immediate call to action, and as a rancher, Brad knew exactly what the impacted families needed. They quickly gathered bales of hay, animal feed, and other crucial supplies from local businesses and generous neighbors.  

Brad Cassidy 2 Rancher Navy Volunteers
Brad Leamon (second from the left, in the long-sleeve shirt) with local volunteers in the Texas Hill Country following devastating flash-flooding in mid-July.

The compassion didn’t stop there. When the team at Walnut Creek Mine heard what Brad was doing, they didn’t hesitate to help, empowering him to take whatever he could, but to make sure he didn’t leave the mine too short. Brad was able to grab some items from Walnut Creek and was able to order some extra supplies, including chainsaw fuel, gasoline, and diesel cans. He also loaded cleaning supplies like mops, buckets, brooms, gloves, sunscreen, rags and mosquito repellent to take with him. 

Volunteering truly was a family affair. Cassidy fundraised $1,500 in gift cards for families in need, from places like Home Depot, Lowe’s & HEB. Employees at Walnut Creek Mine made anonymous donations, demonstrating a quiet but powerful act of community. 

Cassidy Leamon (R) with a local volunteer in the Texas Hill Country
Cassidy Leamon with a local volunteer helping out in the Texas Hill Country.

With their truck packed with donations, the Leamon family drove four hours to the affected area. After dropping off some preliminary ranch supplies, local volunteers asked if they were able to drive deeper into the flood zone to deliver supplies where they were needed most. Without a moment’s hesitation, Brad responded, “We will do whatever you need us to do.”  

Cassidy L and Mary Krebs
Cassidy with Kerrville Police Lt., Mary Krebs.

Brad, Dessa, and Cassidy arrived at the Emergency Operations Center in Kerrville, where they were met with immense gratitude, especially from the Kerrville Police Lieutenant, Mary Krebs (photographed on the left). After unloading their truck, the family joined a line of volunteers, working tirelessly to sort donations and support the community’s incredible resilience.  

Mine Manager Tom Shaw proudly said, “Brad and the Walnut Creek Mine employees have demonstrated love and compassion for others in need.” This sense of empathy and community is at the heart of what it means to be part of the NAES family. The Texas Hill Country is still in the process of rebuilding, but with compassionate people like Brad and the support of the NAES family, there is hope. 

Memorial to flood victims
The local Comfort and Kerrville Co. community’s memorial to the families impacted by the flooding.

If you’d like to help, the United Way of Texas has information on how you can donate to Texas Flood Relief now: https://www.uwtexas.org/floodrelief