With help, military family moves ahead after fire

On Friday August 27, flames ripped through a Tampa home displacing a military family of four.

We brought you the story on Bay News 9. Since then, the community has come forward to help.

Luis Vargas recalls donating to the American Red Cross years ago. He never expected someday he'd benefit from their service. After fire destroyed his home the Red Cross provided food and a place to stay.

"Those guys are my heroes," said Vargas. "Because I usually watch them do every disaster and they're always there. I've seen them in tornadoes, hurricanes. I didn't know they do work like this, too, for fires."

The Vargas family lost practically everything, but they haven't lost faith.

"At least all my family members are alive," said Vargas. "We just lost materials."

The community immediately stepped up, donating items to replace the ones lost in the fire.

Soon the family is moving into a new apartment and the leasing office is even giving the family a free months rent.

"I don't know these people. They don't know me and they still help," said Vargas.

Vargas has given much of his life serving our country. He has served 4 tours in Iraq and is now an Army recruiter. Vargas said it seems now his country is giving back.

"It says a lot about patriotism," said Vargas.

Vargas' battalion is accepting monetary donations for his family. The donations can be dropped off at the U.S. Army Recruiting Headquarters at 3350 West Busch Boulevard in Tampa.

You can contact the battalion at 813-935-5365.