MADISONVILLE, Texas (KBTX) -Iraq War veteran Jacob McWhorter misplaced all the things after a hearth ripped by way of his Madison County home Tuesday morning.
The Marine says he’s grateful for being alive, attributing it to his service canine Mattie Mae.
“I was asleep in the back room, and she came in, barking. I didn’t really pay it any attention. She grabbed me by the leg and started pulling me out of bed,” stated McWhorter.
“The house always smells like smoke; we have a wood-burning stove. I didn’t think anything of it until I opened my eyes, and she was ripping me out of bed. About 30 seconds longer, I wouldn’t have been here. She saved my life,” he added.
Now, the Iraq veteran is sifting by way of the ashes, grappling with the aftermath of shedding the home he was restoring, his belongings, and all of the recollections handed down by way of two generations.
“I just started putting everything new back in and was working on the restoration and had new, just gotten new appliances. Well, you see that,” stated McWhorter.
Now the group is coming collectively to assist the Marine get again on his ft. Local businesses like Sweet Magnolia Learning Center in Madisonville are pitching in with non permanent housing, Rocking D Roll Offs is offering a dumpster, and others are working to arrange fundraisers.
Madison County Veterans Service Officer Erica Green sees it as a small value to pay for individuals who gave a lot.
“Our men and the women that have gone overseas and fought for our freedoms, they came back with a hope of being taken care of. And unfortunately, the government systems have made it extremely difficult to maneuver to the point where these veterans end up giving up,” stated Greene. “A lot of them lose hope and find themselves in situations where they’re just struggling. It’s just so important that we step in and make sure that they know that they’re not alone, that they know that there are people there to help them and help them fight that situation and that people care and they’re grateful for their freedom.”
As for McWhorter and his greatest good friend Mattie Mae, they know issues will work out.
“Just got to keep going, mission first. God is going to take care of it. We’ll get there. We’ll figure it out,” stated McWhorter.
McWhorter says he’s grateful for the assist of the group.
“Man, the community. The community has been amazing. I’ve had people all over the community just reaching out. I’ve had my phone’s been ringing off the hook all day long of people trying to help,” stated McWhorter. That hometown feeling, man, it’s taken an actual unhealthy scenario, however you realize, you undoubtedly understand who’s there for you.”
Information on how one can assist is under.
Fundly: McWhorter Veteran Fire Emergency Fund
Email Madison County Veterans Services Officers Erica Greene or Pat Patterson @ [email protected] or name 936-348-2244
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