James V. Sorrentino, of Carson City, Nev., received the hefty lump sum in the form of an oversized check from members of Western Nevada College’s Veterans Resource Center on Friday, nearly two months after two men forced their way into his home looking for a safe on May 25. (Courtesy: Western Nevada College Veterans Resource Center)
A 100-year-old veteran is "overwhelmed" and paying it forward after fellow service members presented him with a check for $1,000 to take the sting out of a home invasion two months ago, he told FoxNews.com.
James V. Sorrentino, of Carson City, Nev., received the hefty lump sum in the form of an oversized check from members of Western Nevada College’s Veterans Resource Center on Friday, nearly two months after two men forced their way into his home looking for a safe on May 25.
“I was overwhelmed,” Sorrentino told FoxNews.com of the group’s kindness. “But I really don’t need it, so I’ll donate it to charity.”
Sorrentino, a World War II Army Air Corps and Air Force veteran, said he hadn’t decided exactly where he’ll donate the money, which was raised by the veterans group during a benefit poker run in June.
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“I’m just grateful,” he continued. “[It] shows the spirit of the group.”
Timothy Galluzi said the group was “more than thrilled” to come to Sorrentino’s aid after learning of the incident.
“Our efforts are in keeping with our motto of ‘veterans helping veterans,’” Galluzi wrote in an email. “The smile on his face made the months of hard work for this event well worth it.”
After ransacking Sorrentino’s home, which does not contain a safe, the suspects fled with a wristwatch, pocketknife and a wallet containing about $30.
One of the suspects, Jordan Burkhart, has pleaded guilty to a felony robbery charge against a person over 60. The 24-year-old Wellington man now faces up to 35 years in prison when he’s sentenced next month.
The other suspect, 27-year-old Robert Hernandez of Carson City, tried to plead guilty to the same charge but his plea wasn't accepted, KRNV-TV reports. He’s expected to appear at another hearing this week.
Galluzi, meanwhile, told FoxNews.com that Sorrentino was “definitely surprised” when he saw the oversized check on Friday.
“It was a community effort and it got brought to my attention and once I told my guys up here what happened, we definitely wanted to get involved,” Galluzi told FoxNews.com. “That huge smile on his face made it all worthwhile.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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