Marines and strangers rush to aid of victimized veteran
Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Miya Shay

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.

Once a Marine always a Marine.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Looks like he not only is a great example of "The Greatest Generation," but also did a good job raising his kids.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Film

Marines and others come to aid of World War II veteran whose home was vandalized by teen burglars | abc13.com

93-year-old war hero says he would spank teens who burglarized, trashed his home | khou.com Houston

GruntLife Elbert Wood WWII Fund - Fundraiser Profile - YouCaring.com

Thanks for that link to his fund.

__________________
You're a daisy if you do.
__________________________________
84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

Yes, I would spank them too-- with a baseball bat.

I can understand and even try to forgive just about everyone, except those people who hurt defenseless people for fun or money.

__________________
Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

Well said.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution