SALEM -- Two Oregon National Guard soldiers now serving in Afghanistan have had their townhome burglarized.
Salem police said the burglars broke into the home on Southeast Sunnyview Road sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.
Disappointed family members and friends can't understand how anyone would take advantage of citizen soldiers while they are away.
"They took a potted plant and busted the window out," said Katia Hawk. Her boyfriend's home was ransacked by burglars. The place has been sitting empty since October, when Matt Sabbe and his roommate, Jesse Perez Brown were deployed to Afghanistan. They work as combat engineers for the Oregon National Guard.
"They do road clearance and make sure all the roads are clear of explosives so the Marines can get through and fight the Taliban," said Hawk.
While Matt and Jesse clean up improvised explosive devices, Hawk was doing her best to clean up their apartment.
The thoughtless thieves stole several shotguns and a guitar, which were all precious family heirlooms. They also took jars of money, a Playstation and all the games that went with it.
"What I'm really concerned about is their identities," said Hawk. "Jesse's safe was broken into and all of his personal identification is gone."
Hawk said news of this crime was the last thing her boyfriend needed to hear. She hoped that someone would contact Salem police with tips that will lead to an arrest.
