Soldier's Car Destroyed By Hail

It could be a disappointing homecoming this week for a Green Country soldier. His car was destroyed in Sunday's hail storm and his family just learned he was dropped by his insurance company while serving in Kuwait.

News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports Specialist Joe Bray was looking forward to the next month with family, friends and his favorite ride. This weekend's hail storm and surprise declaration from his insurance carrier has put a cloud over his homecoming.

Bray's 2005 Mustang GT has been through hail, literally. There are dents nearly everywhere and the back window is gone.

"When he called I told him and sent him some pictures. He thought it was just a bad joke but unfortunately not," said Bray's mother, Debra Bernstein.

Bray, who is an Army Reservist, just finished a year tour in Kuwait and is on his way back home for a 30 day leave. His family flies the colors proudly in support of the five year-veteran.

"It's helped him a great deal get focused on a career. I've seen a lot of good changes," said Bray's step-father, Marty Bernstein.        

Specialist Bray's family made an unwelcome discovery when they filed an insurance claim on the car. Their insurance carrier, GEICO, told them their coverage was dropped while Bray was overseas.

"I feel responsible, don't get me wrong. I mean, guilt doesn't describe what I feel, I really do," said Debra Bernstein.

Bernstein admits she missed a few payments, but thought since her son was an actively deployed serviceman he was protected from having his insurance dropped.

According to the Employer Support office of the Oklahoma National Guard, car insurance is not one of the protected rights for servicemen and women. The protection only applies to retaining a job and the health insurance that comes with it.

Despite admitting their own mistakes, Specialist Bray's family feels left in the cold.

"It's my baby. He's been gone for over a year and then to come home to this is not right," said Debra Bernstein.

Calls to GEICO were not returned.

After his 30 day vacation, Specialist Bray plans to return to the Middle East, this time as a civilian.