After a fire randomly destroyed his camper trailer and sole living quarters earlier this month, Stone County firefighters are helping collect donations for a now-homeless veteran.
On Thursday, May 5, the camper caught fire near McHenry as it was transported down Highway 49 South. No injuries were reported, but the veteran’s belongings were destroyed along with the camper. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.
McHenry Fire Chief Tommy Muffler said the 67-year-old veteran ended up living under a bridge near Biloxi for several days before a representative from Veteran Affairs relocated him to a motel room.
Now, Muffler and other firefighters in the county are working on raising funds for a more permanent residence for the man and helping replace the many personal items he lost, such as clothing and toiletries.
Muffler said the veteran, who served in the U.S. Marine Corp for an unknown number of years, draws social security, and he is unaware of the VA providing him a more stable home at this time.
Muffler also expressed that he felt the veteran’s current living arrangements were unsuitable for a U.S. servicemember long-term.
“Veteran Affairs got involved, and they put him in a ratty hotel, but at least it is not under a bridge,” Muffler said. “It’s still not the best accommodation.”
Through the help of several veterans advocates and other donors, the McHenry Volunteer Fire Department has taken in several clothing donations, but there are still some unmet needs.
“He got plenty of the shirts, but he did say he still needs some blue jeans and some shoes.”
The U.S. Marine veteran wears a 42X30 pair of pants and a size 11 in shoes.
Muffler said the man also has diabetes and may need some specialized footwear and additional medical supplies or equipment.
Additionally, the fire department will also take in extra toiletries for him.
Other than personal items, Muffler hopes to raise some funds for a new camper trailer.
He said the one that burned up was an old FEMA trailer.
Though no one has set up a GoFundMe for the veteran, Muffler said anyone interested in donating funds for a newer camper trailer may contact him at the McHenry Fire Department or on his cell phone at 228-760-1247.
