Association members and friends,
Please read the heart rending story from retired Marine Matt Blackledge:

Family and friends:

Many have asked via phone and e-mail how you can help us deal with this

family tragedy.  We have also promised you an update on the children.  The

best way you can help is to assist us in caring for the children who lost

their mothers.

As many of you already know, our daughters, Jayme Lowenberg (28) and

Michelle Gonzalez (25), died as a result of a fast moving fire in Jayme's

home in Jamesburg, New Jersey in the early hours of July 3rd. They gave up

their lives saving their three children Alyssa Gonzalez (2), Adam Gonzalez

(10 mos.) and Derek Lowenberg (10 mos.).

The fire occurred shortly after midnight on 3 Jul.  Due to the fast-moving

nature of the fire, Jayme and Michelle could not get from the second floor

to the exits with the children and had to retreat to the attic.  Jayme

lowered Derek to one of the first individuals on the scene from an attic

window; she then fell from the window and died at the scene.  No one knew

Michelle and the other children were in the house.  After the fire was

extinguished, the firefighters discovered them in the house on the stairs to

the attic.  Michelle shielded both her children from the flames by tucking

them under her.  She never regained consciousness and did not survive her

injuries; she died on 7 Jul.  Both sisters were buried together at Franklin

Memorial Park in North Brunswick, New Jersey on 9 Jul.

All 3 children suffered varying degrees of smoke inhalation and burns.  They

were stabilized at a local hospital on 3 Jul are were transported and

admitted to Saint Barnabas Memorial Hospital in Livingston, New Jersey on 4

Jul.  All were placed on ventilators (intubated and sedated) for several

days due to inhalation of hot smoke from the fire.

Derek:  Admitted to Pediatric ICU. Smoke inhalation and 2d degree burns to

his neck.  He was discharged on 13 Jul.

Adam:  Admitted to Pediatric ICU.  Smoke inhalation but no burns.  He was

discharged on 14 Jul.

Alyssa: Admitted to Burn ICU via air medevac due to burns.  Smoke

inhalation, minor burns to right hand, second degree burns to her left ear,

second and third degree burns to her left hand and arm.  She is scheduled

for skin graft surgery on 19 Jul to repair 3d degree burns to a significant

portion of her left forearm, elbow and upper arm.  She is expected to remain

at St. Barnabas until sometime the week of 26 Jul.

Burns are not a significant issue for the boys but both will require follow

up care by pediatricians for some time for any respiratory issues and any

developmental issues that may result from smoke inhalation.

Although Alyssa appears to have suffered less effects from smoke inhalation,

she will require follow up outpatient and home care in coordination with a

burn center in Northern Virginia (To Be Determined) over the next several

months for issues related to her burns, including blood clot concerns.

We have set up a fund in the children's name at USAA Bank to help with

immediate expenses as well as their education.  The following information is

provided for those who wish to contribute: