thedrifter
02-01-07, 09:46 AM
Burglars hit Canyon Lake retreat for wounded GIs
Web Posted: 02/01/2007 12:15 AM CST
Roger Croteau
Express-News
STARTZVILLE — Burglaries always leave homeowners feeling violated, but Rose Camero-Gill was disgusted by what vandals did to her vacation house at Canyon Lake, which she often makes available to wounded soldiers and Marines.
She bought the home as a retreat after her son, Marine Cpl. Steven Gill, 24, was killed in action in Iraq in July 2005. Camero-Gill, who volunteered at Brooke Army Medical Center, provided it as a weekend getaway for patients recovering there.
"They would go on the river and relax," she said. "If you've ever been in the barracks at BAMC, it's like a submarine."
Now Camero-Gill, whose main residence is in Round Rock, is considering selling the home.
The U.S. and Marine flags were torn off the walls and thrown on the ground. A favorite photo of Steven with his girlfriend was burned. Commemorative coins given to her by the military at Steven's funeral were among the items stolen.
"The hurtful thing is that they would throw the American flag down and disrespect it," Camero-Gill said. "And to burn his photo, that is just pure meanness."
Comal County sheriff's investigator Rex Campbell said the vandalism makes him suspect teenagers did it. The burglary happened at some point between Christmas and Jan. 25, and was discovered when Camero-Gill asked a friend to check the place for damage after the recent ice storm.
"The monetary value of the things stolen is relatively minor," Campbell said. "But the sentimental value of some of the items was priceless."
He said Comal County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward, and more money is being collected, so the reward will likely increase. Anyone with information can call Comal County Crime Stoppers at (830) 620-8477.
A neighbor, Kenneth Cole, said his home was also burglarized around the same time, while he was out of town. Jewelry, designer purses, an antique Remington rifle, televisions and a computer were among the items taken from his home.
"Hopefully some of it will turn up in a pawnshop or a parent will spot the stuff in some kid's bedroom," he said.
Camero-Gill said items taken from her home included a drum set and electric guitar.
"I won't say I can't forgive them," she said. "But I want those kids punished."
rcroteau@express-news.net
Ellie
Web Posted: 02/01/2007 12:15 AM CST
Roger Croteau
Express-News
STARTZVILLE — Burglaries always leave homeowners feeling violated, but Rose Camero-Gill was disgusted by what vandals did to her vacation house at Canyon Lake, which she often makes available to wounded soldiers and Marines.
She bought the home as a retreat after her son, Marine Cpl. Steven Gill, 24, was killed in action in Iraq in July 2005. Camero-Gill, who volunteered at Brooke Army Medical Center, provided it as a weekend getaway for patients recovering there.
"They would go on the river and relax," she said. "If you've ever been in the barracks at BAMC, it's like a submarine."
Now Camero-Gill, whose main residence is in Round Rock, is considering selling the home.
The U.S. and Marine flags were torn off the walls and thrown on the ground. A favorite photo of Steven with his girlfriend was burned. Commemorative coins given to her by the military at Steven's funeral were among the items stolen.
"The hurtful thing is that they would throw the American flag down and disrespect it," Camero-Gill said. "And to burn his photo, that is just pure meanness."
Comal County sheriff's investigator Rex Campbell said the vandalism makes him suspect teenagers did it. The burglary happened at some point between Christmas and Jan. 25, and was discovered when Camero-Gill asked a friend to check the place for damage after the recent ice storm.
"The monetary value of the things stolen is relatively minor," Campbell said. "But the sentimental value of some of the items was priceless."
He said Comal County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward, and more money is being collected, so the reward will likely increase. Anyone with information can call Comal County Crime Stoppers at (830) 620-8477.
A neighbor, Kenneth Cole, said his home was also burglarized around the same time, while he was out of town. Jewelry, designer purses, an antique Remington rifle, televisions and a computer were among the items taken from his home.
"Hopefully some of it will turn up in a pawnshop or a parent will spot the stuff in some kid's bedroom," he said.
Camero-Gill said items taken from her home included a drum set and electric guitar.
"I won't say I can't forgive them," she said. "But I want those kids punished."
rcroteau@express-news.net
Ellie