GeoRock - 10-28-2003 at 11:20 PM
Fellow Baha lovers,
I'd surely appreciate your prayers for my nephew Steve and his family. Yes, this is the same Steve that just returned from Iraq. He was at a party
Saturday night when the fire, fast as lightening, approached the house. Everyone evacuated, he being last. The car in front of him, because of the
black smoke, drove off the road and down a mountain. The crash killed one girl.
Steve saw it and stopped, went down the hill, and pulled the two people out of the car. He pushed and shoved them up the hill and they got out okay,
with just minor burns. But they lost him in the fire.
A sheriff found him. He has third degree burns. He's at the Burn Center in San Diego. I'm going down there first thing in the morning to remind him
to get better fast for planned Baja trip.
Please pray. We're all scared.
By the way, it was a miracle that Mom and Dad's house made it through. The car port melted. A shed between my sister's house and parents, burned.
All houses around burned but for one.
The fire came up to the Virgin Mary statue in the yard, just feet from the house and stopped!
Sadly though, between 8-15 family homes on the reservation have been lost.
This is just horrible, horrible.
Mindy, are you out there? Does that offer to stay with you still stand or have you been evacuated yourself? I can crash my sister's hotel room. I'm
just gonna try and get some sleep and think more clearly in the morning. I think I'm still in shock over this news.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Suzanne.....
Debra - 10-29-2003 at 12:47 AM
Prayers going up for Steve and your whole family from Seattle!
I'm so sorry that you and your family are having to go through this terror. Our prayers got him through last time, and I'm confident they will again.
My family is feeling so helpless up here, we have made so many friends down there and are worried about you all. If anyone can give me some
information about the Sweetwater Campground in Bonita (east of Chula Vista, Capt. Mike?????)....Please! While we were down there last Fall and Winter,
we met 3 homeless families that were living there and are very worried about them.
Has anyone heard from Neal and Mariam?
Again, I talked to Mary Ann yesterday and she said they are fine (nothing left to burn she says) but, I just heard on the 11PM news that the winds
have turned and their area is getting a second blast, I don't want to call them this late (maybe they are getting some much needed sleep) I'll call
in the AM and post another report.
Our hearts are with you everyone, hang in there, or better yet GET OUT!
i couldn't get to SD at all this week but my
capt. mike - 10-29-2003 at 06:01 AM
help says bonita ok and spring valley, site of our development is ok for now. the fire has gotten very close to otay lakes.
Steve deserves a MEDAL!! prayers are happening. pure guts at a time when so many these days are gutless....i'm personally overwhelmed over this.
Prayers
Ski Baja - 10-29-2003 at 08:18 AM
Cardon, you are correct. Our heartfelt prayers are with all of those who are dealing with this nightmare, especially the heroes.
[Edited on 10-29-2003 by Ski Baja]
Cardon Man - 10-29-2003 at 08:36 AM
Best wishes and positive vibes are headed your way Georock. I hope Steve makes a strong recovery and feels the Baja sun again very soon. He rocks!
( Hey Minnow and Ski, your response to Steph's post shows you have as little tact/class as she did with the her prayer comment. You guys are wired so
tight it's scary. Pick your battles. Cold pacificos and solid hook-ups for both of you. Tranquilo wey! )
elgatoloco - 10-29-2003 at 08:53 AM
GeoRock
Steve is a hero! Our hearts and thoughts are with you and his family!
Skeet/Loreto - 10-29-2003 at 09:18 AM
Thank God for people like Steve. There is hope for us.
Geo if you need anything that I might be able to do. Please let me Know. My cousin is there I have not been able to get an answer on any of there
teles and he works for ATT!!
In your prayers please remember Steph, she also needs our Prayers.!!
Hey Geo...
M - 10-29-2003 at 09:46 AM
Not sure what route you are taking but we are 4 miles off the 5 freeway in Laguna Niguel, that's just North of San Juan Cap. and San Clemente. Mark it
for a stop point any time you need it. Room has a computer and it's own shower/bath/phone. My mom called and I told her your story, we are both
praying hard for your hero. From personal experience I can say burns are no fun, he has my special sympathy and support. Big hugs from BHL and I to
your family, M
Stephanie Jackter - 10-29-2003 at 10:02 AM
We make the mistake in this country of watering down what the word "hero" means by using it to describe sports stars and others who just use their
natural talents and don't expose themselves to danger in an attempt to help others. But what your nephew did fits the classic definition. Let us
know if there's anything we on this board can do to help either of you. - Stephanie
[Edited on 10-29-2003 by Stephanie Jackter]
Georock is on the road
jeans - 10-29-2003 at 10:18 AM
I just talked to her....she is on the road heading down to her family.
I told her of the outpouring of support and prayers for Steve from the board, and was very appreciative.
She will be well taken care of while she is here. Her thanks to all.
[Edited on 10-30-2003 by jeans]
I reread my original post and apologize to those it may have offended.
Stephanie Jackter - 10-29-2003 at 10:28 AM
I'll go back and delete it and my other post. - Stephanie
Ski and Minnow...
Cardon Man - 10-29-2003 at 11:21 AM
It's all good amigos...viva Baja!
Skeet/Loreto - 10-29-2003 at 11:36 AM
My prayers were not for Steph. to delete her posts.!!!
My prayers were directed to changing her life to one of Peace and contentment and a Poistive Attitude.
I feel sure that my prayers for her will be answered and she will have Peace in her Heart and Mind.Skeet/Loreto
Suzanne
Debra - 10-29-2003 at 11:36 AM
Glad you are on your way out to safety, please give us an update on how Steve is doing when you reach Michelle.
Capt. Mike, thanks for giving me info. on Bonita.....those people are really on the streets if that camp goes up.
prayers
marla - 10-29-2003 at 12:01 PM
Suzanne I will be sending good thoughts your way! God bless.
Eli - 10-29-2003 at 12:27 PM
Georock, I am truly sorry to hear about your loses and Steve's pain, please know that I have a candle burning for him in my Capilla. I do believe that
no matter what is ones belief, a prayer, even from a stranger can help. This certainly has been a year for the testing of one's faith. Ay, yi, yi,
this too, shall pass.
hey Steph, i see we have something in
capt. mike - 10-29-2003 at 02:01 PM
common regards who we like to quote. I am a huge fan too of Hunter S. of whom your sign-off refers?
GeoRock's nephew
marla - 10-29-2003 at 04:17 PM
BC-WST?Wildfires-Family, Bjt,470 ?He?s a hero? ? Marine and friend badly burned in fires Eds: New for PMs. AP Photo stftmgr1 By TIM MOLLOY Associated
Press Writer
SAN DIEGO (AP) ? Steven Lovett threw Allyson Roach in the car. There was no time left.
With a wildfire knocking on the front door of their home, the Roach family and Lovett, a Marine who just returned from Iraq, were fleeing as quickly
as they could through black smoke that choked off visibility.
Roach?s parents had gone in one car, and close behind were Allyson?s brother, Jason, and sister Ashleigh. Within moments, their car crashed twice,
once into another car and once into a tree, and the fire caught up with them.
Jason, 22, escaped with burns, but Ashleigh, 16, was killed. Lovett and Allyson were badly burned, and remained hospitalized Tuesday.
Lovett had stayed at the house with Allyson until the last minute to help look for her cat.
?He?s a hero,? said Ben Montoya, a close family friend, as he stood across the street from the hospital where Allyson, 20, and Lovett, 21, were in the
burn unit Tuesday. ?He saved Allyson?s life.?
The car Lovett and Allyson were driving ran into a ditch but Lovett helped Allyson, who had already been burned, get to Jason?s car, Montoya said.
Soon after, that car also crashed.
Ashleigh had returned from her high school?s homecoming celebration to a Saturday night Halloween party at her family?s house. With a night of
celebration over, the family was dozing off or finding places for their remaining guests to sleep.
But outside, the newly born Paradise Fire was growing closer ? and moving fast.
Lovett was downstairs on the couch, planning to spend the night. His girlfriend of eight years, 21-year-old Elisabeth Laird, was watching television
upstairs.
Allyson was counting beds, and realized there was nowhere for Laird to sleep. She offered her a ride to her house a few blocks away, and that?s when
they first saw the fire. Allyson went home.
?She turned around and that?s the last I heard,? Laird said.
As the fire roared closer, Montoya said, emergency workers told families they had 20 minutes to pack their things and leave. The family scrambled.
?By their description, the fire was basically hiting the door of the house as they were leaving,? Montoya said.
Lovett was in fair condition Tuesday, said Emrys Eckre, nursing supervisor at University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Allyson?s condition
was not released, but Montoya described it as ?grave.?
Lovett?s family and Laird were keeping vigil near his hospital room Tuesday. Lovett had returned in August from Iraq to his family?s home on the San
Pasqual Indian reservation. He had survived some close calls in Iraq, said his brother, 19-year-old Greg Lovett.
?If he made it through Iraq, he?ll make it through this,? he said.
jeans - 10-29-2003 at 05:08 PM
Geez....I had read that..didn't realize it was who Georock was talking about..So sad...
I used to think that All my Heros were dead.....
Bedman - 10-30-2003 at 12:50 AM
but, my new list continues to grow.
Suzanne, please give my "Sincerest Thanks" to Steve for all that he has done for me, my family, my country and my beliefs in my fellow man. If he
has any needs or wants that I might accommodate, please, give me the opportunity to repay a small portion of my grattitude.
Praying for a speedy recovery
Steve
Anonymous - 10-30-2003 at 09:24 AM
GeoRock - my prayers are with Steve, your family and friends, and with all others who are affected by these terrible fires. I have added Steve's name
to our group prayer list; we send him energy and prayers for healing 3 (or more) times daily. Please keep us posted regarding his recovery.
Berkeley is a bit of a drive, but if any of you are in need of a place to stay please know you are welcome in my home. One extra bedroom, along with
plenty of floor space. If we can be of assistance please u2u me (presumably I'll have been reminded of my password and will be able to read your
mail).
...Natalie Ann
Natalie Ann - 10-30-2003 at 09:31 AM
Got my password (that was quick! thanks) so if you need a place to recoup, u2u me.
Skeet/Loreto - 10-30-2003 at 09:33 AM
People helping People!!!!Isn't it the greatest felling to see the help for those people in need.
Oh! if our nation could come together like the Baja People for their fellow amn!!
God Bless All.
Skeet/Loreto
Bob H - 10-30-2003 at 02:43 PM
Steve is one big hero. He is now in the process of getting the best care available. I work for UCSD Medical Center and I know first hand that our
Burn Unit is a internationally recognized center. My heart goes out to him and his family. Get well soon Steve!
Bob H
Update on Steve
GeoRock - 11-3-2003 at 10:21 AM
Thank you all so very, very much for your touching outpour of prayers and concern. I am sorry I haven't had a chance to update anyone until now, the
day's passed so fast.
First, when I originally posted, the story I wrote was what I had been told by Steve's mom. Since then, we've been trying to piece together what
actually happened.
Apparently, Steve was at a Halloween party at the Roach's home, which is a very short distance from his mom's place on the San Pasqual Reservation. At
about 3 or so in the morning, a sherriff banged on the door and told them they had 20 minutes to evacuate. It turned out to really be 10 minutes.
The Roach's home has a long driveway, and cars have to leave in the order in which they parked. After throwing stuff in their cars, everyone began
leaving. The parents drove off, Jason with his 16 year old sister Ashleigh left. Aliason was still looking for her cats. Steve shoved her into her car
and told her to leave. She drove out, followed by him, he was the last car.
Alliason hit a tree and crashed. The smoke and fire were upon them already. Steve saw her crash and stopped, got her out of her car, shoved her into
his car and took off. But the air was completely black. A curve in road, unseen, caused his car to go into a ravine. They were now on fire. He pulled
her out of his car, shoved her up the ravine, and ran. He tried to shield her body with his body. He was wearing his military uniform.
Here it gets a bit sketchy, but apparently Jason spotted Alliason and got her out to help. He had crashed meanwhile, and thought his sister Ashleigh
had gotten out of the car because he couldn't see her in it. He couldn't find her. They think she died on impact. Another person thought they saw 3
people in his car, and are positive of it, but upon closer inspection couldn't find anybody. Ashleigh was still in the car, but likely had passed from
the impact.
Jason and Alliason couldn't find Steve. Again, facts are hazy again. But at some point, a woman found Steve and took him somewhere (her home?). Steve
instructed her and her husband to hose him off to stop the continued skin burning from the heat. He was air vac'd out to UCSD Burn Unit.
The story is very hazy still. And it could change as people come forward and tellwhat they saw/did. But this is the latest version.
Steve's mom's home and our parents (on the same lot), are okay. We spent 3 days cleaning up burnt debris, fixing burnt items, and trying to de-smoke
the homes.
That was after attending Ashleigh's heartbreaking funeral. It was attended by over 1000 people. I believe their home burned down. Alliason is not
doing well, but hanging in there.
Steve is having his first skin graph operation as I write this. He is strong, and young, and should recover well. His entire face, back of his neck,
and around his neck burned, but he was left with a nice large tuff of hair on top. His ears burned, and his arms (from the uniform short sleeve end
down )to his fingers. About half his fingers are fine. 2nd and 3rd degree burns, depending on the area.
He is depressed about Ashleigh, he feels he should have somehow saved her. No one has told him Alliason's condition.
It has been a terrible ordeal, but the family will pull through it. The important thing is that Steve will survive.
Everywhere his military outfit touched is 100% unburned! It really is flame retardent. He protected his eyes with his hands, so he has his eye lashes
and eye brows still! He thought to protect his neck by keeping his head tilted downward to keep it from burning. He thinks that saved his life.
The devastation in San Diego is horrific. I drove quite a bit of the area, going from Red Cross Centers and evacuation centers for errands. It was
heartbreaking to see so many people now homeless.
The reservation fared badly. Many homes were lost, only possibly 3 with insurance. Over 400 cars on just the San Pasqual Reservation burned. The San
Pasqual Fire Department felt terrible, they feel they didn't do enough. If anyone is a cookie baker, you could drop off some cookies to these heros
and tell them we do appreciate their hard work. I tried to tell them, but it fell on exhausted ears.
Well, that's all I can think of for now. Again, I appreciate all your prayers. I'm convinced that they likely pulled Steve through more quickly to
healing. (I'm not sure, but I guess he had some internal damages, possibly kidneys--don't have details yet).
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CARING.
Suzanne
[Edited on 11-3-2003 by BajaNomad]
[Edited on 11-4-2003 by GeoRock]
Anonymous - 11-3-2003 at 12:03 PM
Big story in the SD Union Trib today. God bless her. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/mon/news/index....
GeoRock - 11-3-2003 at 12:33 PM
Thanks for posting that link. See what I mean about conflicting stories? What happened that night is still being sorted out.
Baja Bernie - 11-3-2003 at 09:15 PM
Georock,
I was with Steve in Iraq and I'll be here to help him in anyway I can. Our thoughts are with him for his survival as they were when he was over
there.
In Iraq it was simple, beef jerky and zip lock bags. Here it is more serious.
Skeet, as usual, hit it on the head---"Baja People Helping People." We are all here, together. I sit staring at this screen and wonder why! But no
matter we will do that which is needed to help this wonderful man.
Bajabus - 11-3-2003 at 10:16 PM
please let us know if there is a place we can send cash to help.........
GeoRock - 11-4-2003 at 12:51 PM
Thank you all for such a touching outpour of caring and prayers. I am happy to report that Steve's first skin graph operation was quite successful,
they believe.
Several folks have contacted me requesting the info on how to contribute to Steve's financial burden that has been caused by the burning.
I don't know if it is appropriate to put the info in here or not, and hope I don't get blasted for it. But here it is, a trust fund set up by his
mother:
Washington Mutual FA
Trust Fund for Steven Lovett
150 North Center City Parkway
Escondido, CA 92025
Account # 3116701968
bank (760) 741-2001
Thanks to everyone for all your help. You are truly Baja buddies!
[Edited on 11-4-2003 by GeoRock]
elgatoloco - 11-4-2003 at 09:05 PM
GeoRock
Thank you for posting the information on how to get assistance to your nephew thru this terrific challenge.
I think it is chickenchit that the navy is making him pay for the replacement of his uniforms. It's not like it was an irresponsible act, on his part,
that caused him to lose them!
Just my opinion
Bajabus - 11-5-2003 at 08:01 AM
I get back to the states on the 13th, A check will be on it's way shortly thereafter.
EGL it's worse than chickenchit but I have been trying to stay calm lately so I am not going to rip into it
GeoRock - 11-5-2003 at 12:33 PM
Thanks guys!
I guess the one in charge of his unit tried to the Navy to replace them, but they refused. Surprised a lot of people.
But I'll say this. It's a good thing he was wearing them, or he would have been burnt far worst. That uniform likely saved his life by truly being
fire retardent.
Bajabus - 11-5-2003 at 12:59 PM
I bet a coupla letters to the editors would change the Navy tune real fast.
I live a spits throw from Bremerton....(Navy Town)
Debra - 11-5-2003 at 03:50 PM
and the Hubby is the head dude on a large progect on the USS Lincoln (he knows the CO) I ask him to have a chat. And I think I just write myself a
letter to the editor of our Bremerton paper. THAT IS BS BIG-TIME, MAKE HIM PAY???????
Suzanne, I need more info. about Steve
Where is he assigned? What rank is he? Where exactly was he while in Iraq?
[Edited on 11-5-2003 by Debra]
Not to divert the topic, but....
Stephanie Jackter - 11-6-2003 at 12:29 PM
I just saw a report on the news that most children's jammies are no longer fire retardant. Another set of laws that were changed so that producers
could make more money at the expense of consumers. Beware, unless you buy something with a tag that expressly says it is fire retardant, it is not.
and in the case of fire in your home, your child is at great risk.
Compliments to the Navy for helping to save his life with the well made uniform. It's still pretty rich that they want him to pay. Ironies abound in
this world. - Stephanie
Steph
Debra - 11-6-2003 at 05:55 PM
You bring up a good point about the jammies,,,, however, I remember when they first came out when my kids were little we were advised not to wash them
in detergent or the retardent would go down the drain with the dirt, (how many Moms dry-cleaned the kids jammies? Not I for sure, I wonder if things
have changed and there is now a way to keep the fabric fire retardent and clean? I can't imagine the United Forces sending out the uniforms for
dry-cleaning. Anybody know what advances have happened in the last 30yrs.?
GeoRock - 11-7-2003 at 05:54 PM
Update on Steve:
He has had several skin graph operations, all appear successful.
ARNOLD SWARZENEGGER visited Steve, but sadly he was asleep as he had just come out of surgery. He did leave him an autographed picture. I sure wish
I had been there!!!!
Some high ranking Navy official visited him, don't know who it was.
Rumor has it that some co-workers are either trying to get the Navy to pay for his uniforms, or they are raising funds to help him get new ones.
Don't know which, details sketchy right now. His mom is so traumatized that she doesn't always 'hear' what visitors tell her.
Can't believe I missed Arnie. Darn!
Bajabus - 11-19-2003 at 07:56 AM
I just wanted to bump this thread to the forefront so we dont forget to help this guy out. I mailed my check for $50 in today and I urge everyone to
send in something. Every little bit helps, even just a dollar.
Here is the address so you don't have to go searching:
Washington Mutual FA
Trust Fund for Steven Lovett
150 North Center City Parkway
Escondido, CA 92025
Account # 3116701968
bank (760) 741-2001
If we ever find ourselves or a loved one in trouble lets hope someone like steve is close by.
Anonymous - 11-19-2003 at 11:48 AM
Got a PayPal address set up for this fine gentleman yet?
Santa had an extra envelope.....
Bedman - 11-19-2003 at 09:00 PM
and suggested I address it to Steve.
Just our small way of saying "Thanks"
Bedman