Vietnam veteran seeks community support after fire destroys home in Atascosa County wildfire

SAN ANTONIO — A Vietnam veteran has been without a place to call home for the past two weeks ever since the Duke Fire ravaged parts of Bexar and Atascosa counties.

Luis Narvaez is hopeful the community will help him recover during his desperate time of need.

“It’s just something that you see and you think it’s a nightmare but it’s not, it really happened,” Narvaez said as he stood outside a wasteland of debris. “I lost everything that I ever had in my life.”

The 200-acre Duke Fire ripped through Bexar and Atascosa counties on March 4, destroying more than two dozen structures, including six homes. 

Narvaez built the home himself off the 1000 block of Duke Road 25 years ago. But now what remains is widespread destruction and memories turned into ash. 

While he’s grateful his sister and daughter got out of the home alive, Narvaez says he’ll forever miss those sentimental items like pictures of his loved ones that were lost in the flames.

But Narvaez is keeping strong. That drive fueled from his days serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. He earned a string of awards for his service, although those physical memories of recognition are now missing. 

“In ’68-’69, the worst part of the war there, the Tet Offensive, I was right in the middle of it. My medals and everything that I had, they’re all gone,” he said.

The American Red Cross has been able to assist Narvaez by supplying basic necessities as he figures out what’s next. But he’s been unsuccessful so far in receiving any help from the federal government.

“I put my life for my country and what are they doing? Help me,” Narvaez said.

A GoFundMe has been established to support Narvaez and family. To learn more go here.