PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) – Roosevelt Pullem, an 86-year-old Army veteran, shared the emotional story of how he lost his Altadena home in the Eaton Fire. Fighting tears, he recalled the last moments he saw his house standing before the flames engulfed it, reducing it to rubble. “I just cried. I couldn’t help it,” Pullem said. “I kept thinking to myself: you have the memories. What my daughter always tells me: it is what it is.”
Now staying at the evacuation center at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pullem managed to escape with only the clothes on his back and his 1963 Volkswagen Beetle. The car, a cherished possession, was the only item he could save. The rest of his belongings, accumulated over a lifetime, were lost to the fire.
When the flames approached his home, Pullem had little time to act. “All I could do was grab my car keys and go,” he said. The speed of the fire left no opportunity to save anything else. Despite the devastation, Pullem remains remarkably composed, drawing on a lifetime of resilience to process the loss. About to celebrate his 87th birthday, he acknowledged the difficulty of starting over at his age. “I’m too old to start over again,” he admitted. Yet, his focus remains on the positive aspects of his life. “I’ve experienced the good and the bad and the ugly, but in my lifetime, the good has outweighed the ugly way more than I ever dreamed,” he reflected.
Pullem’s home was more than just a structure; it was a place filled with memories that spanned decades. Family milestones, moments of joy, and everyday life were all tied to the space that is now gone. While the physical loss is profound, Pullem’s ability to focus on the intangible aspects of his life—the memories and experiences—demonstrates his unwavering strength.
At the evacuation center, Pullem has found comfort in the kindness of strangers and the support of the community. Volunteers and local organizations have come together to assist those affected by the fire, offering meals, shelter, and emotional support. Pullem expressed gratitude for the generosity and compassion he has encountered during this challenging time.
The 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, the sole surviving possession from the fire, holds special meaning for Pullem. It serves as a tangible reminder of continuity and resilience, symbolizing a connection to his past amid upheaval. The car is more than just a vehicle; it is a source of comfort and familiarity in a time of uncertainty.
As he reflects on his life, Pullem draws strength from his experiences as an Army veteran and his ability to navigate challenges with grace. His perspective, shaped by decades of overcoming obstacles, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positive and cherishing the good in life. “I’ve lived through so much,” he said. “And the good has always outweighed the bad.”
Pullem’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support during times of crisis. While the future remains uncertain, his gratitude for the life he has lived and the memories he carries serve as a source of inspiration. For Pullem, the road ahead will be shaped by the strength of his character and the connections he continues to build, even in the face of profound loss.
