Soldier Gets Back On His Feet After Fire

by Ashlie Hardway

EL PASO — Many residents of the Linda Vista Apartments near Bassett Place are still trying to recover from the devastating fire that destroyed most of what they owned.

“I was watching my place burn and there was nothing I could do to get any of my stuff out … that was the worst part,” said Army Specialist Kenneth Cleary, who lost all his belongings.

Cleary,who is 21,isstationed at Fort Bliss,and now living in a different unit at the apartment complex.

His apartment is now bare with only a few pieces of furniture and a small box of toys for his one-year-old son. “I work a lot soI don’t get to spend that much time with my son,” he said.

Cleary said he and his son have been through a lot of hardshipin recent months. He had just returned to El Paso after a 14-month tour in Iraq, when less than a week later, his homewent up in flames.

He said he hashad to buy all new supplies for his apartment, including a new wardrobe for him andhis son. “Between work and getting all new stuff, I barely have time to do anything.” he said.

Thanks to a grant the Permian Basin Area Foundation awarded the Salvation Army in El Paso, Cleary’s burden is little less heavy. He was awarded$800 to use as a deposit and the rent for the first month at his new place.

Since 2007, the Permian Basin Area Foundation and the Salvation Army have generated more than$64,000 for the fund. Officials said elected soldiers can use the money for housing, utilities, day care, furnishings or food.

“It’s been really hard financially … I’ve run into a string of really bad luck lately, so this means a lot to me,” he said.