Marine vet doing better after devastating fire

HESPERIA • The elderly man who was seriously burned when his Hesperia home was destroyed in a house fire is recovering and may be released from the hospital Tuesday, according to family members.

The devastating blaze that ripped through the family home in the 9800 block of Balsam Road around 10:15 p.m. June 21 destroyed all of the Richard Brasen’s possessions. But one thing did survive virtually untouched: his Marine Corps dress blues.

“Anyone who is or was a Marine can appreciate the fact this uniform belonging to an ex-Marine withstood the fire and is still usable,” said Brasen’s step-daughter, Sandi Taylor, in an e-mail.

Taylor’s mother and Brasen’s wife, Beverly Brasen, was also hospitalized but was released on June 24.

Richard had second and third-degree burns to his body and had to undergo skin graft surgery, according to Taylor.

The couple will not be able to return to the home they shared as it was a total loss. They also face the difficult task of replacing the Marine vet’s hospital bed, prosthetic leg, crutches and wheelchair as well as clothing for both.

To help the couple, the family has set up a fund at Chase Bank. Those who wish to donate to the Brasen Fire Fund can do so by making a deposit into account number 344-3890228.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela may be reached at 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@VVDailyPress.com.

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