One year ago, on May 20, 2013, the EF-5 tornado that ravaged the community of Moore went directly over the TFCU Moore branch, completely destroying the branch, but sparing 23 people who took shelter in the vault. Today, on the anniversary of the storm, TFCU employees are back at the newly rebuilt Moore branch, ready to serve the community.
“We are all so happy to be back home and in the community,” said Branch Manager Jan Davis. “We are absolutely thrilled to reopen, and it is so apparent on the faces of all of the employees here.”
The Moore branch reopened its doors on Monday, January 27, 2013 – only eight months after the storm.
On May 20, 2013, 14 employees, eight TFCU members and one passer-by took shelter in the safe deposit box vault, the only thing left standing, and walked away from the destruction without injury.
“I am so grateful for the people at the Moore branch and the friendships we have made from that day,” said TFCU member Dena Clark, who took shelter in the vault during the storm. “Yes, it happened and it’s part of my family’s story now. My husband and I just celebrated our first year of marriage and buying our first house – none of that would have happened without TFCU and how the people there saved my life.”
Immediately following the storm, TFCU leadership met to begin the plan of recovery. There was never a question if TFCU would return to Moore, only when.
“We began a conversation with our community almost immediately through social media, and the outpouring of support was inspiring,” said Senior Vice President of Marketing Matt Stratton. “There was never any doubt that we would rebuild and be a part of Moore’s recovery, and we are so thankful for all of the support and encouragement we received from everyone who helped out along the way, beginning only moments after the tornado passed right through to opening day of the new branch.”
TFCU chose to remember the strength of the vault and the events of May 20, 2013, with the installation of a monument made from a recovered section of the safe deposit box vault. The monument, located outside of the rebuilt branch, displays the original building dedication plaque and an etched inscription to pay tribute to the lives saved and the spirit of Oklahomans in times of need.