Marine Corps veteran Billy Warneke was one of 19 firefighters who lost his life on June 30 while battling the Yarnell Hill fire. Warneke's aunt and uncle have started a fundraising campaign to help his widow, Roxanne, who is due to give birth to the couple's first child in December.
The Associated Press reports Marcia and Bill Phillips of Gillette, Wyoming established a fund for Roxanne and her baby at Wells Fargo Bank in Billy Warneke’s name.
As Home Post previously reported, the 25-year-old Warneke grew up in the Southern California town of Hemet. He spent four years in the Marine Corps, and served a tour of duty in Iraq.
A memorial for the 19 firefighters is being held today in Prescott Valley. Firefighters from around the globe have come to pay their respects, along with Vice President Joe Biden:
