HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's a good news update on a home ransacked and spray painted by a pair of teen burglars in northwest Houston. While the burglars are now in custody, community members and Marines stepped in to help the homeowner -- a 93-year-old World War II veteran.
The Marines quickly marched into the defaced home of WWII veteran Elbert Wood, eager to help.
"It's important that he knows we're here for him and that we're always his brothers," Major Roberto Rodriguez said.
The presence of these local Marines is just one example of the outpouring of support for Wood since we first reported the burglary and vandalism of his home on Monday. Two teens, ages 13 and 16, were arrested for allegedly committing the crime.
"My feelings about them are not anger so much as just wondering why they would do something like that," Wood said.
Since then, calls came in from around the country, as former Marines and strangers offered to paint the graffiti-laden walls or replace the damaged household items. Gallery Furniture dropped off a living room set.
Wood's daughter Mary Ellen Hopperdietzel said, "I feel that a fuss is made because he is a World War II veteran. But the fact of it is, this is devastating no matter who it happens to."
The Wood family says it's still trying to comprehend all the support shown their father, who also just lost his wife last month. For today, it's obvious the presence of fellow Marines brought a smile to his face, as he coaxed the younger Marines into an impromptu singing of the Marine Corps hymn.
Some contractors and builders also stopped by to assess the situation. They will return to complete the cleanup and repairs.
via abclocal.go.com
Those punks should be made to repaint and repair everything they messed up. the, send them MY way. I will whip their butts and send them whining home to their Mamas, who SHOULD have done this in the FIRST place!
Posted by: Book Baby | Friday, January 25, 2013 at 12:17 AM
His family don't understand how being a veteran prompts people to help him? That's odd.
Posted by: v | Friday, January 25, 2013 at 06:31 AM
Yes I agree, - why don't they do his lawn and house work for the next year? If that was my kid, he would be an indentured servant for that man until he passes.
Posted by: LSinNW | Friday, January 25, 2013 at 10:49 AM
I live in Houston and this just chaps my hide, kids these days just have no regards for anything. If I were in a better position in life and had the funds, i sure as hell would have been there and took care of everything and enjoy the company of a new friend.
Posted by: Robert | Friday, January 25, 2013 at 12:57 PM
These kids need something to occupy their time.
A few weeks of work around his house should suffice.
Posted by: Dan | Friday, January 25, 2013 at 11:26 PM