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Standing in the Gap: Dr. Herbert Ashford and Hill City Church Respond to the Kerrville Flood Tragedy

A group of volunteers in protective gear cleaning out a flood-damaged home in Hunt, Texas, with visible piles of debris and removed drywall stacked outside.
Volunteers from Hill City Church, assist with flood recovery efforts in Hunt, TX, on July 11–12, 2025. Their work included removing debris, damaged flooring, and waterlogged drywall in response to the devastating July 4th flood.

When the Waters Rose, So Did They: The Story of Selfless Brotherhood in Action

When disaster strikes, the true character of a community is revealed—not just in words or prayers, but in action. On July 11–12, 2025, Brother Dr. Herbert Ashford and twenty-five dedicated members of Hill City Church did more than just bear witness to tragedy—they became part of the solution.


Just days after Tropical Storm Barry ravaged the Hill Country, dropping torrential rain over Kerr County and sending the Guadalupe River surging 26 feet in a mere 45 minutes, the community of Hunt, Texas, was left reeling. The flood devastated homes, claimed over 130 lives, and left hundreds missing—many from Camp Mystic, a historic summer camp that became the epicenter of unimaginable loss.


Rather than waiting for a call to action, Dr. Ashford and his church mobilized immediately, responding with tools in hand, hearts full of service, and the spirit of Christ leading the way.


A Brotherhood Beyond the Bond


Dr. Herbert Ashford sits in the back of a truck wearing a Hill City Church t-shirt alongside a fellow volunteer in tactical gear and a cowboy hat, preparing for flood relief efforts in Hunt, Texas.
Dr. Herbert Ashford (right) prepares with a fellow volunteer before heading into homes impacted by the devastating Kerrville-area floods. Service, strength, and unity in action.

Dr. Ashford’s commitment reflects the very ethos of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Denton-Lewisville Alumni Chapter, where he is a proud member. Brotherhood is more than tradition—it's service. It’s stepping forward when others step back. It’s understanding that the measure of leadership is not just in titles held, but in burdens carried for others.

Through sweat and sacrifice, the team from Hill City Church:


  • Removed waterlogged debris from ravaged homes

  • Tore out flooring, fixtures, and sheetrock up to the ceiling line where floodwaters rose

  • Restored dignity and safety to those who lost nearly everything


Dr. Ashford, an academic and man of faith, was not just overseeing efforts—he was in the trenches, working shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow believers, residents, and even strangers who shared one common goal: healing their corner of Texas.

"I was in awe of what water can do. As a public safety technical diver I have always had respect for the power of water. However, when you see very old trees snap in half and empty foundations where a home was, awe is the only word to best describe the devastation."— Dr. Herbert Ashford

A Texas Tragedy—and a Testament to Community


The Kerrville flood is now one of the most catastrophic in Texas history. Yet within that tragedy, stories like this shine as proof that resilience isn’t a slogan—it’s a reality. From businesses to non-governmental organizations, from neighbors to complete strangers, the flood of pain was matched by a flood of compassion.

"I was touched by the unity, compassion, and generosity of strangers."— Dr. Herbert Ashford

The Hill Country’s natural beauty has long hidden its dangerous potential for flash flooding. As climate patterns shift and storms grow fiercer, the need for responsive, compassionate leadership—like that modeled by Dr. Ashford—becomes all the more critical.


Representing Brotherhood and Achievement


In moments like this, titles matter less than testimony. Yet it must be said: Brother Dr. Herbert Ashford embodied the mission of both his church and Kappa Alpha Psi in his actions. As a leader in the Denton-Lewisville Alumni Chapter, he has consistently exemplified the Fraternity’s motto—“Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.”


This moment was no different. Whether in the white coat of medicine, the red of Kappa service, or the denim and sweat of disaster recovery, Dr. Ashford reminded us what community-driven leadership looks like.


Call to Action: Rebuild. Restore. Rise.


We salute Dr. Herbert Ashford, Hill City Church, and every servant leader who showed up for Kerrville. But the work is far from over.


If you're looking to make a difference, consider these action steps:


  • Volunteer for disaster relief through your church, fraternity, or local NGO

  • Donate to local recovery efforts in Kerr County and the wider Hill Country

  • Train in emergency response so you're ready when your community needs you

  • Recognize those in your own circles who quietly lead through service—celebrate them


A diverse group of volunteers from Hill City Church stand in a prayer circle outside a flood-affected home in Hunt, Texas, with hands laid gently on one another in solidarity.
Hill City Church volunteers pause to pray together before continuing their cleanup work in Kerr County. Compassion and faith fueled their mission to support flood survivors.

To Brother Ashford and the Hill City team—thank you for standing in the gap. You showed us that when the waters rise, so too can the strength of faith, fraternity, and community.


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