Free Republic

Soldier is back in the U.S. on leave after his Chowchilla house burns.Terry Hitchcock, a soldier stationed in Iraq, is home in Chowchilla on emergency leave to deal with the aftermath of his family's house fire. He hugs his 8-year-old son, Brandon, in the doorway of the burned home under a flag sign yellowed from the fire.Taking emergency leave from Iraq to return to a fire-gutted house in Chowchilla wasn't the happiest homecoming for Army Spec. Terry Hitchcock, but he and his family were thankful to be together Wednesday."I just want to take care of my family and get them...

CHOWCHILLA — Army Spc. Terry Hitchcock will return Tuesday to Iraq, thankful for an outpouring of care and generosity after his family lost everything in a fire.Terry and Mindy Hitchcock didn't know where to begin this week, thanking churches, individuals and organizations who responded without being asked.Their gratitude ranges from Table Mountain Casino for a donation of $50,000, to Chowchilla volunteers who arranged a $7-per-ticket benefit tri-tip lunch."When I finish this deployment, my wife and I will buy a home, build a home; that's what we'll do," the 42-year-old soldier on emergency leave said. "We'll be able to get on...