The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association
“Our mission is to support underserved Fire Explorers and Cadets by providing scholarships, essential fire equipment, and financial assistance to programs and individuals.”
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association is a non-profit organization started by Kevin Woyjeck’s parents, Joe and Anna Woyjeck. It was founded as a way to honor and carry on Kevin’s legacy after his line of duty passing, battling the Yarnell, AZ wildfire on June 30th, 2013, alongside 18 crewmates. KWEFLA helps young men and women successfully participate in fire career related explorer and cadet programs, just like Kevin did himself. Kevin truly enjoyed the explorer program and what it had to offer him in reaching his dreams.
Our organization gives fire explorer and fire cadet programs and disadvantaged youth access to tools that help them follow their career goals, while shadowing real firefighters volunteering their time to teach and pass on knowledge. It fosters a priceless on-hand learning environment.
Make a Donation
Support from the community, public and private sector is essential to our ability to support fire explorer and cadet programs and disadvantaged youth from across the country. To date, we’ve been able to donate gear, resources and funds across the country. Please consider making a monetary contribution by clicking the link below.
Donate
Posted @withregram • @joe_woyjeck
Hello everyone,
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association (KWEFLA) is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
It was founded by Anna and Joe Woyjeck after the tragic loss of their son, Kevin Woyjeck, a wildland firefighter. Joe Woyjeck is a retired Fire Captain from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Recently, we’ve received many inquiries about whether we are accepting financial donations to support those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. We want to confirm that we are.
100% of all financial donations designated for wildfire relief will be used to assist fire explorer and fire cadet families who have been affected and are in need.
If you would like to contribute, you can donate online by visiting our website: [ExplorersForLife.org](explorersforlife.org).
Link in bio.
Alternatively, checks can be sent to:
**KWEFLA**
1077 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 219
Seal Beach, CA 90740
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (562) 547-8919.
Thank you for your support! ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Wildfire help
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association (KWEFLA) is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
It was founded by Anna and Joe Woyjeck after the tragic loss of their son, Kevin Woyjeck, a wildland firefighter. Joe Woyjeck is a retired Fire Captain from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Recently, we’ve received many inquiries about whether we are accepting financial donations to support those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. We want to confirm that we are.
100% of all financial donations designated for wildfire relief will be used to assist fire explorer and fire cadet families who have been affected and are in need. Unlike other nonprofits no one is paid on our board meaning all of the funds go directly to help eliminate the need in these troubled times.
If you would like to contribute, you can donate online by visiting our website: [ExplorersForLife.org](explorersforlife.org).
Alternatively, checks can be sent to:
**KWEFLA**
1077 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 219
Seal Beach, CA 90740
There are many great non profits to donate to.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (562) 547-8919.
Thank you for your support! ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
In times of chaos, this is not the time to point fingers or assign blame. These fires were a perfect storm—like trying to stop a fire hurricane.
As valiantly as the firefighters might fight, they might win some battles, but ultimately, Mother Nature dictates the outcome.
Now is the time to unite and care for one another. Having experienced profound loss due to a wildfire, we know firsthand how the community and the fire family can come together to provide comfort, guidance, and the strength to take one step at a time.
Some fire stations are overwhelmed with donations, while others have little to nothing. Our advice is to let the dust settle and assess where the greatest need lies.
The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association is currently working to identify explorer and cadet families affected by this devastating event.
Once these needs are identified, we will share opportunities to contribute and support these families on a case-by-case basis.
Thinking of all the fire fighters and first responders out there,
Joe & Anna ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Thank you Joe and Anna
Thank you. Always think of you all in one of these crisis.
Joe, you and your family know more than anyone should about wildfire and loss (along with my friend Juliann Ashcraft and family and so many others). Your support is acknowledged and appreciated. Thinking of Kevin and Andrew and others.
Thank you Joe and Anna. We’re here to help.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
You and Anna are an inspiration❤️
Couldn’t have said it better. We need kindness and compassion during this time. Thank you for what you do! You are appreciated❤️
Prayers to all in need. Thanks for everything you do, for so many. ❤️
No truer words! I pray for all first responders daily and will continue to. Thank you.
Will be happy to help. Wish we were closer and could help.
🙏
Good news Joe....thank you and Anna for all you have done and your call for making things better and not pointing fingers....Anyone who went outside to try to close and lock a gate during the wind storm knows it was impossible...my gate banged all night long... Whenever you have any ideas how we can help the survivors or what we can do...please include me ....thanks
Good seeing you in Prescott for the Fire Academy graduation. The prefect storm. Aye sir
🙏
So well said. We work for the LAFD Foundation. Right now the priority is to help those men & women firefighters doing an exhausting job to save life and property. Many of them have lost everything as well. When the dust settles they will need our help. supportlafd.org. Thank you Joe and Anna for your tireless efforts in helping others.
Very well said
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Posted @withregram • @joe_woyjeck 1/10/25
As the sun sets over Southern California, I can’t help but reflect on how many lives have been forever changed in the past 48 hours.
I’ve spoken with several firefighter friends, and they’re completely exhausted from the relentless battle. I keep wondering—how many lives have been lost? How many people have seen their businesses reduced to ash? How many have lost the homes they worked so hard to build?
The devastation is staggering, and the full impact is still unfolding. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
It’s heartbreaking, frightening and humbling to scroll through our social media feeds.
We are proud of our Explorers who became firefighters and are out there sacrificing and being brave. We see you.
We are saddened by the devastating loss.
We know all of you are already helping in some way because that’s who you are.
Volunteer and Donation opportunities are vast and we are providing some ideas should you feel overwhelmed with how to help.
For any KWEFLA friends that have experienced loss, please reach out so we can check in on you.
Be safe. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Great info! Thanks!
So good thanks guys! I miss Arizona
🙏🙏
Great information as always Thank you
🙏❤️
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The more the Merrier! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
We are in our in our grandparent zone and we couldn’t be happier! Forrest, Gunnar, Violet and Baby boy Bryson on the way are blessings we could never have imagined.
We love our new jobs of Papa and Nana and we want to share this joy with all of you - our KWEFLA family!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Joe & Anna ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Merry Christmas!!!!
Merry Christmas Joe, Anna and family!
Aw! Beautiful🥰!! Merry Christmas to you all! 🎄🎁🫶🎅🏻
Merry Christmas!!
Great picture, beautiful family! Merry Christmas to you all 🎄
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas 🎄
Merry Christmas to you all and to Kevin in heaven . With love, Mrs. Schlumpf
So happy for you and your growing family. Grandparenting is my favorite job ‼️ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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2024 President’s Message - Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association
As we close another incredible year, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, dedication, and shared commitment that fuel the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association. In the last 10 years we have positively impacted countless Fire Explorers, cadets, and underserved individuals striving to become first responders. A highlight of this year was co-sponsoring and attending the California State Firefighters Association’s first-ever Fire Explorer Muster, which brought together 200-300 young Fire Explorers from across the state. Witnessing their enthusiasm and dedication to the fire service was truly inspiring. To date, we are proud to have contributed over $800,000 in scholarships and equipment to programs and individuals across the nation ensuring that aspiring first responders have the tools and resources they need to succeed, while upholding the values of our mission. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our 100% volunteer board, whose tireless efforts make everything we do possible. Their dedication enables us to attend graduations, firefighter events, and community gatherings, where we share our mission and preserve the legacy of Kevin and his 18 fallen brothers. Their sacrifice and commitment continue to inspire the next generation of first responders. As we look forward to 2025, I ask for your continued support. Please consider the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association for your end-of-year donations. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of those working toward a career of service and ensures that our mission thrives in the years to come. Thank you for standing with us in honoring the past, empowering the present, and shaping the future of the firefighting community. Together, we are making a difference.
Joe Woyjeck
President, Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association
You find our donation link in our bio.💜 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
He loved his job....and so many people remember him and his team. thank you for your service Kevin....
Our “19” angels never stop working.💜
Repost from @joe_woyjeck
Tonight, I traveled to Prescott, Arizona, to witness Brendan McDonough @donut_928 and DJ Parker graduate from their fire academy. Brendan is the sole survivor of the ill-fated Granite Mountain Hotshot crew, and DJ is the brother of Wade Parker, one of the brave Hotshots who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I had the privilege of pinning Brendan’s badge—a deeply emotional and humbling moment. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this significant milestone.
Some details of tonight feel far from coincidental: the graduation took place on
December 19th, the dispatch welcoming the graduates was marked at 19:01, and 19 recruits started this class.
Congratulations to Brendan, DJ, and all the graduates-your journey honors the legacy of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
🙌 🙌 🙌 🙌 🙌
What an honor Joe. So cool you were able to do that. Congrats to Brendan and DJ!
Congrats Brendan! So proud of you brother!
Congratulations young men
Congratulations
Wow.. what an amazing journey to watch, how the tragedy and the loss of Kevin (and the rest of the Granite Mountain Hotshots) has turned in to a beautiful blessing to others. Great work!!! Praying for your continued success and blessings to others.
This is just amazing💜. Love the signs from above.
Congratulations
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations to you both! Good job!
Congratulations well deserved!
🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️
Awesome congrats to all!
Congratulations!!! Your brothers above are always watching over you 🙏❤️
Joe you are so awesome. It had to be filled with so many emotions...just seeing the photos I felt Kevin smiling. All that you have done.
Congratulations! 👏
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**2024 President's Message - Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association**
As we close another incredible year, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, dedication, and shared commitment that fuel the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association. In the last 10 years we have positively impacted countless Fire Explorers, cadets, and underserved individuals striving to
become first responders. A highlight of this year was co-sponsoring and attending the California State Firefighters Association's first-ever Fire Explorer Muster, which brought together 200-300 young Fire Explorers from across the state. Witnessing their enthusiasm and dedication to the fire service was truly inspiring. To date, we are proud to have contributed over $800,000 in scholarships and equipment to programs and individuals across the nation ensuring that aspiring first responders have the tools and resources they need to
succeed, while upholding the values of our mission. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our 100% volunteer board, whose tireless efforts make everything we do possible. Their dedication enables us to attend graduations, firefighter events, and community gatherings, where we share our mission and preserve the legacy of Kevin and his 18 fallen
brothers. Their sacrifice and commitment continue to inspire the next generation of first responders. As we look forward to 2025, I ask for your continued support. Please consider the Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association for your end-of-year donations. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of
those working toward a career of service and ensures that our mission thrives in the years to come. Thank you for standing with us in honoring the past, empowering the present, and shaping the future of
the firefighting community. Together, we are making a difference.
Joe Woyjeck
President, Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook