Odessa, Texas – On October 22, Diamondback Energy held its eighth annual Honor & Serve Luncheon, a community‑focused event that celebrated the men and women who keep the Permian Basin safe. The gathering took place at the company’s Odessa facilities, where employees prepared a buffet lunch and organized a raffle for the attending first‑responders.
Company and community partnership
Diamondback Energy, a major oil and gas producer in West Texas, has made the luncheon a yearly tradition to show gratitude to local fire, police, and emergency‑medical personnel. By providing a relaxed setting and a chance to connect with community members, the company aims to strengthen the bond between industry and the public safety workforce that protects it.
Speaker highlights the sacrifices of responders
During the program, Director of Corporate Safety Carey Matthews addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the hardships faced by those who run toward danger. “Take a moment, stop and think about our first responders, what they go through … the things that they have to do, what it takes to be able to run into danger and not run away from danger,” Matthews said.
Event details and community impact
The luncheon featured a catered meal prepared by local vendors, allowing attendees to enjoy a shared table while exchanging stories and experiences. A raffle, funded by Diamondback, offered prizes ranging from gift cards to equipment vouchers, providing a modest token of appreciation for the volunteers’ daily sacrifices.
Beyond the food and awards, the event served as a networking opportunity. First‑responders met with company representatives to discuss safety concerns, resource needs, and ways the private sector can support public‑safety initiatives. Such dialogue aligns with Diamondback’s broader corporate‑responsibility goals, which include investing in community health, education, and emergency‑services infrastructure.
Community response
Local officials and community leaders praised the luncheon as a positive example of corporate citizenship. Odessa Mayor Jeff Hernandez noted, “When businesses like Diamondback step up to honor our heroes, it reinforces the spirit of cooperation that makes our city thrive.” The sentiment was echoed by several fire‑department chiefs who highlighted the morale boost the event provided to their crews.
Overall, the Honor & Serve Luncheon underscored the shared values of faith, family, and liberty that bind Odessa’s residents. By publicly acknowledging the dedication of first responders, Diamondback Energy reinforced its commitment to the well‑being of the Permian Basin community.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
