Summary (tl;dr)

A U.S. Navy sailor, Connor Nelson, returned to his Lemoore, California apartment after a 10-month deployment to find it burglarized and his car stolen, leading his family to launch an online fundraiser.

Essential Background

Connor Nelson, a U.S. Navy sailor, had been deployed for nearly ten months aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, serving in the Middle East and spending 250 consecutive days at sea. His return to the United States was anticipated as a moment of relief and reconnection after a lengthy and challenging deployment.

The Full Story

Upon arriving back at his apartment in Lemoore, California, Nelson discovered his parking space empty and his front door unlocked. Inside, he found that thieves had ransacked and vandalized his home, stealing numerous valuable possessions including his television, laptop, shoes, snowboard, golf clubs, and fishing equipment. His 1997 Toyota 4Runner was also missing. The exact timing of the burglary is unknown due to his long absence, but his landlord indicated the car might have been gone for two or three months prior to his return. In response to the extensive losses, Nelson's father traveled from Minnesota to assist him, and the family has initiated an online fundraiser which has already raised over $20,000 to help replace the stolen items. Local police are currently investigating the incident.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by service members who are deployed for extended periods, leaving their homes susceptible to crime. The overwhelming public response to the fundraiser demonstrates widespread sympathy and a desire to support those who serve, particularly when they face hardship upon returning home. It also underscores the emotional impact such events have on returning veterans, transforming an anticipated joyful homecoming into a stressful and disheartening experience.

Geographic Location

• Lemoore, Kings County, California, United States (apartment burglary and car theft)