SOLDIER’S WELCOME — Kleberg County resident Monica Pena, who lost her entire home and belongings in a fire in May, was so happy to see the return of her son Wyatt Pena, who is currently on leave from his second tour in Iraq. The family had a joyful reunion on Monday. Pictured from left, front row, are Juanito and Xavier Gonzalez, cousins; back row, Joshua and Jacob Gonzalez, cousins; Eliza Gonzalez, aunt; Wyatt, Monica, and Enedina Pena, paternal aunt. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) Monica Pena, a victim of a recent fire in Riviera, which left her family without a home, was overjoyed Monday when her son, Wyatt, came home for a two-week leave from his second tour in Iraq.

Wyatt, 24, is a 2004 graduate of H.M. King High and enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2005. This was his first time back in Kingsville since the fire claimed his family home.

“A lot has changed, but I’m glad to be home either way,” he said. “I plan on spending a lot of time with my family and I’m grateful for how people in the area have been so helpful.”

The family has found a temporary home in Kingsville and is planning on returning to Riviera in the coming months.

A 32 by 32 foot structure was donated from Coastal Bend Fellowship immediately after the fire and was moved to Riviera on Thursday.

The family is planning on adding on a bathroom and kitchen to the structure as soon as possible.

Pena said she is continuingly overwhelmed by the amount of assistance she has received from the community.

“Everyone has been so wonderful to my family and I am so appreciative for everything,” she said.

She said that materials including cabinets and lumber from old Navy housing units, which are currently being demolished, were donated to her family.

Officials from the Brown Villa public housing units, which are also being demolished, donated storm windows to Pena for their new home.

“The list of people and organizations that have helped us is endless,” Pena said. “I am so proud to live in Kleberg County among the generous people who have shown nothing but support.”

Family and friends will do the construction of the bathroom and kitchen, and Pena said someone has offered to do the plumbing for free once the structure is complete.

“Right now we are in the process of looking for lumber or anyone who can get us a good deal on lumber so that we can get building as soon as possible,” Pena said.

Anyone wishing to contact Pena can reach her at (361) 522- 4034.

Pena appeared before the Kleberg County Commissioner’s Court last month and asked the court to consider action on the issue of fire department response in rural areas.

At the meeting, Pct. 3 Commissioner Roy Cantu took the primary action and called for a committee of county commissioners to be assembled as soon as possible so that they can further discuss the issue and implement ideas effectively.

Pena said she plans to follow up on the issue soon to see if any progress has been made. Vet Tech