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.
___________________________________________________________
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices
local, miya shay
- Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run accident
- Spring-like temperatures before cold front moves in
- Police: 1 dead, several injured in shooting
- Senate District 6 race will go to runoff
- Texas school district considers allowing guns
- Mother fights back against home invaders
- Vandals cause $100K in damage at Waco cemetery
- Pastor injured after vehicle slams through church wall
- Columbia pilot's parents recall crash 10 years ago
- Casey Anthony files for bankruptcy in Florida
- Photos: 2013 ABC13 Women of Distinction
- otrc: 'Hansel & Gretal' tops box office
- abcnews: Travel offseason on the cheap
- Video: Third grader brings gun to school in MI
abc13.com News Links
-
Most Popular
-
Most Viewed StoriesMost Viewed VideoMost Viewed Photos
- abc13.com home
- Site Map
- RSS
- Advertise with Us
- Contact Us
- Online Public Inspection File
- Technical Help
- ABC.com
- ABCNews.com
- Privacy Policy
- Interest-Based Ads
- Safety Information for this site
- Terms of Use
- Copyright ©2013 ABC Inc., KTRK-TV/DT Houston, TX. All Rights Reserved.