HELP 97-YEAR-OLD WWII VETERAN LOSES HOME TO FIRE
Donation protected
I am a dear friend of the family who is in need of help.
A WWII veteran who helped Allied Forces in stopping Adolph Hitler’s attempt at world domination has found himself in need of help, after losing his home to an accidental fire on March 6, as a friend attempted to help repair damage from pipes that froze and burst during the recent winter storm. Worse still, Martin and his wife lost their home to Hurricane Ike in 2008, and again in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey decimated Southeast Texas with floodwater.
Born in March 1924, Robert “Bob” Martin will turn 97 later this month and has survived the struggles and changes of nearly a century. He was a child of the Great Depression and proudly served his country in World War II. Martin clearly recalls the Battle of the Bulge, when the German army attacked Allied Forces in a bloody fight that lasted over a month and claimed nearly 200,000 lives before the Allies were victorious. One of the fallen was Martin’s best friend, who was fighting beside him when German forces fired a shot that struck his head, killing him instantly. Like so many other young men on the battlefield, 20-year-old Martin had no choice but to muster all of his strength and continue to fight. Eventually, Martin returned to civilian life in the US, where he settled down with his Filipino-born wife, Anecita.
Despite their advanced age, the Martins have been resilient, surviving one disaster after another since 2008. When last month’s freeze breaking a pipe in their Humble area home, they tried to find a plumber to repair it, but learned none were available anytime soon. Bob Martin then enlisted an old friend to help with the repair. As they attempted to solder the broken copper pipe, using a propane torch, the pipe got too hot and started a fire. The old, dry wood in the structure caused the flames to spread quickly.
Humble Firefighters swiftly responded, but the fire had done extensive damage by the time they arrived. It was almost completely destroyed. Adding to the Martins’ devastation, apparently, someone trying to help sort through the rubble for any salvageable items inadvertently left the gate open and Bob Martin’s beloved 100 lb. German Shepherd escaped. The Martins’ home was located just off of FM 1960 and Townsend Rd, which is a very populated and heavily traveled area. The family fears their four-legged family member will wander onto one of the busy roads. Several people have searched for the dog, with no success.
The Martins received $500 emergency assistance to temporarily pay for a hotel room. While insurance will eventually help rebuild their home, they need help to purchase basic supplies and continued housing to survive until then.
This fundraising effort has been established by long-term close friends who are making every effort to assist in the Martins’ recovery from this latest disaster.
Those who are able are asked to donate whatever amount they can. Anyone in the Humble area who has the time and ability to assist in the search for the Martins’ dog, Harvey, will be greatly appreciated. Obviously, some who’d like to help are unable to contribute funds or assistance.
Found dog 3/12
A WWII veteran who helped Allied Forces in stopping Adolph Hitler’s attempt at world domination has found himself in need of help, after losing his home to an accidental fire on March 6, as a friend attempted to help repair damage from pipes that froze and burst during the recent winter storm. Worse still, Martin and his wife lost their home to Hurricane Ike in 2008, and again in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey decimated Southeast Texas with floodwater.
Born in March 1924, Robert “Bob” Martin will turn 97 later this month and has survived the struggles and changes of nearly a century. He was a child of the Great Depression and proudly served his country in World War II. Martin clearly recalls the Battle of the Bulge, when the German army attacked Allied Forces in a bloody fight that lasted over a month and claimed nearly 200,000 lives before the Allies were victorious. One of the fallen was Martin’s best friend, who was fighting beside him when German forces fired a shot that struck his head, killing him instantly. Like so many other young men on the battlefield, 20-year-old Martin had no choice but to muster all of his strength and continue to fight. Eventually, Martin returned to civilian life in the US, where he settled down with his Filipino-born wife, Anecita.
Despite their advanced age, the Martins have been resilient, surviving one disaster after another since 2008. When last month’s freeze breaking a pipe in their Humble area home, they tried to find a plumber to repair it, but learned none were available anytime soon. Bob Martin then enlisted an old friend to help with the repair. As they attempted to solder the broken copper pipe, using a propane torch, the pipe got too hot and started a fire. The old, dry wood in the structure caused the flames to spread quickly.
Humble Firefighters swiftly responded, but the fire had done extensive damage by the time they arrived. It was almost completely destroyed. Adding to the Martins’ devastation, apparently, someone trying to help sort through the rubble for any salvageable items inadvertently left the gate open and Bob Martin’s beloved 100 lb. German Shepherd escaped. The Martins’ home was located just off of FM 1960 and Townsend Rd, which is a very populated and heavily traveled area. The family fears their four-legged family member will wander onto one of the busy roads. Several people have searched for the dog, with no success.
The Martins received $500 emergency assistance to temporarily pay for a hotel room. While insurance will eventually help rebuild their home, they need help to purchase basic supplies and continued housing to survive until then.
This fundraising effort has been established by long-term close friends who are making every effort to assist in the Martins’ recovery from this latest disaster.
Those who are able are asked to donate whatever amount they can. Anyone in the Humble area who has the time and ability to assist in the search for the Martins’ dog, Harvey, will be greatly appreciated. Obviously, some who’d like to help are unable to contribute funds or assistance.
Found dog 3/12
Organizer
Charlotte Johnson
Organizer
Humble, TX
