ODESSA, Texas — On Dec. 5, an Army veteran in Odessa became the victim of a car burglary that left him not only without irreplaceable possessions but also with a $300 repair bill.
Commander Tony Morgan, a veteran who served eight years in the Army and an advocate for fellow veterans, was attending a meeting at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post when the break-in occurred.
“It was around 7:30 p.m. when I walked out to my truck,” Morgan said. “I noticed something didn’t look right. Then I saw glass on the ground, and my window was smashed. When I looked inside, my backpack was gone.”
Inside the backpack were personal documents, important manuals and Morgan’s American Legion hats. One hat in particular—a district commander hat—was deeply sentimental, he said.
“That hat holds memories of my service,” Morgan said. “It also had pins that mean a lot to me because the people who gave them to me are no longer with us.”
Morgan said the financial cost of replacing his window, which totaled $300, pales in comparison to the loss of his personal belongings.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Morgan said. “When we’re at the VFW or American Legion, we expect to feel safe, not have someone take advantage of us.”
Morgan has filed a report with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO), but no leads have been reported so far.
Despite his frustration, Morgan said he simply wants his belongings returned.
“Just please return my property—either at the American Legion or drop it off at the VFW,” he said. “I’m sure there’s a business card inside my notebook. Just call the number, and I’ll come get it. No questions asked.”
Morgan also had a message for others to avoid being in the same situation.
“Take everything out of your car when you park—at night or when you’re shopping. Don’t leave anything visible,” said Morgan.
Anyone with information about the stolen items is urged to contact ECSO.
Let’s show support for a veteran who has done so much for the community by helping him recover what can’t be replaced.