LOMITA, Calif. (CBS 8) - One year after a devastating house fire in Lomita, a San Diego military family continues to get back on their feet. What the flames didn't take, looters did and investigators never did figure out how the fire started. They suspect one of the packing boxes in the backyard ignited, while the Pegram family was moving in.
Tasha Pegram has served in the Navy for 19 years. She's the one who is usually away from home, but when the fire destroyed everything it was her husband, Ondongee, a Merchant Marine who was gone.
"I wasn't here... Wasn't here for you babe,” he said.
Yet it's Tasha who still feels that she's the one who let her high school sweetheart of 20 years down.
Although the Pegrams kept apologizing for their tears, their emotion is understandable.
The Pegrams were able to salvage a few precious belongings from the rubble, but then unbelievably looters broke into the shell of their home and stole those items and memories too.
But now the house is now rebuilt and while the Pegrams don't have enough money left over to complete their landscaping, they're well aware they walked away with what matters most.
Neighbors have also set up a GoFundMe page for the Pegrams. CLICK HERE if you'd like to make a donation to help them with their landscaping.