Posted on 11/11/2004 11:45:51 AM PST by JusticeTalion
Soldier is back in the U.S. on leave after his Chowchilla house burns.
Terry Hitchcock, a soldier stationed in Iraq, is home in Chowchilla on emergency leave to deal with the aftermath of his family's house fire. He hugs his 8-year-old son, Brandon, in the doorway of the burned home under a flag sign yellowed from the fire.
Taking emergency leave from Iraq to return to a fire-gutted house in Chowchilla wasn't the happiest homecoming for Army Spec. Terry Hitchcock, but he and his family were thankful to be together Wednesday.
"I just want to take care of my family and get them settled somewhere," said Hitchcock, 42.
He must return to action Nov. 23, giving him only a brief time to find a new home and help his wife and children find new clothing and furniture. After that, he'll be gone until at least February.
The fire that caused $80,000 in damage started in an electrical plug or cord, fire investigators told the Hitchcocks. The family had no renters insurance and lost nearly all their belongings.
(Excerpt) Read more at fresnobee.com ...
The first episode I saw of this program was a makeover of the home of a family whose dad waqs in the reserves and was in Iraq. In fact, unknown to the family, he came home during the episode and helped with the work. The mom and 2 boys were thrilled with the house, but it was nothing compared to the moment when they realized their dad was there. I still choke up thinking about it.
So, on further review, I will refrain from posting the phone numbers I got until I hear back and will post the address to send donations at that time.
I think they might appreciate a lot of messages of support...and thanks !
The Extreme Makeover is meant for homeowners. It looks like this family was renting - they "only" need to replace furniture and belongings.
559-665-9591 Kim
559-665-1993 Michelle
Yup, you're right. I missed the reference to "renter's insurance" in the article the first time.
Bump for an address where we can get some help to this soldier.
Missed this one.....thanks. Perhaps ABC is finding their way back? Maybe.
Just got a note back from the reporter - said there's two contact numbers: (559) 665-9591...(559) 665-1993
I haven't tried calling but would be glad to send a donation if someone else wants to hunt down the info.
My house burned down last year. I thank God each day that this occured during the day so everyone got out unhurt. I think this is the first thing on the soldier's mind. Each time we hear of a house fire, we will be reminded to thank the Lord for saving our families. Then secondly, they will thank all you who help them. (We had insurance.)
Hitchcocks
P.O. Box 386
Chowchilla, CA 93610
Oh, sad. Prayers offered.
They were renters. They lost their stuff, not the house. They need stuff. Let's send them stuff.
Thanks for the address. I'll put some wheels in motion.
I just talked with Kim Whatley. She is one of the girl's teachers and is working with others to provide for this family. She was blown away by the fact that this article was on the internet and by the offers of help. I gave her the link to this site so that she can see the offers of help. She said it was ok to contact her by email at kimwhately@yahoo.com
That's a nice idea, but I think $ might be better. The article says some in the community have helped with stuff. These folks are going to need $$ for rent, security deposit, and renter's insurance. Money orders are cheap....
I emailed kim again and suggested that a paypal account be set up for the Hitchcocks and then money could be quickly and easily transferred.
I like that one! (PayPal).
JIMROB:
That's local for you!
Any contacts out there?
Let us know if we can help!
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