La Mesa resident Megan Stockham could tell you about the benefits and challenges of being a military veteran. Formerly an electronics technician with the U.S. Navy, Stockham became a full-time student at Grossmont College, working as a nanny to earn money supporting her studies, while her husband continues serving in the Navy. On a recent college class field trip to the Salton Sea, Stockham was seriously injured. She was swallowed up to her waist in a collapsing thermally heated mud pit, which caused severe burns to her legs.
La Mesa resident Megan Stockham could tell you about the benefits and challenges of being a military veteran. Formerly an electronics technician with the U.S. Navy, Stockham became a full-time student at Grossmont College, working as a nanny to earn money supporting her studies, while her husband continues serving in the Navy. On a recent college class field trip to the Salton Sea, Stockham was seriously injured. She was swallowed up to her waist in a collapsing thermally heated mud pit, which caused severe burns to her legs.
These accidental injuries required Stockham to be medically transported by helicopter to the UCSD Medical Center Burn Unit, where she remained in its ICU for two weeks. One week later, Megan Stockham was discharged and sent home on April 1.
By one week after that, East County veterans had organized a quick fundraiser to help pay Stockham’s household and family travel bills. On April 8, from noon to 4 p.m., drivers and pedestrians on El Cajon’s Main Street near the El Cajon sign may have been slowed a bit in their own travels. Volunteers from El Cajon American Legion Post 303 were there at mid-street, carrying orange buckets and requesting money donations of any size to help Megan Stockham while she is recovering.
Now using a walker to get around, Stockham will be unable to return to her studies or her job until her injuries are better healed.
Jack Leary (aka “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”) was on hand as disc jockey to sound power the fundraising event with oldies but goodies, ranging from Beach Boys surf music, to tribute songs from the recently deceased country legend Merle Haggard, and classics of rock and roll. The Downtown Café graciously provided set-up space and facilities for use in the four-hour event.
“Write down your song request on a $20 bill, and I’ll get that played for you,” Jumpin’ Jack urged passerby’s. The Legionnaire volunteers handed small flags to donors. The organizers said that every penny raised would go to help Stockham, who appeared briefly at the event to express her gratitude. By the day’s end, more than $1,000 was raised for immediate relief for the family.
