Navy Offers Army Veteran, Victims of Jet Crash Fraction of Possessions' Worth

An Army veteran whose home was destroyed by a fiery Navy jet crash said he was shocked to learn the U.S. government planned to pay him under $5,000 -- even though officials told him they'd cover "whatever it costs" to replace his family's lost possessions.

Jesus and Shady Valenzuela lost everything on June 4, 2014, when an AV-8B Harrier jet from the Third Marine Aircraft Wing malfunctioned and crashed into the Imperial, California, house they were renting.

In an interview Thursday, Jesus told NBC 7 military personnel were extremely helpful after the incident, telling the family to go shopping for necessities like pajamas and toothbrushes. A military official from Washington D.C. even flew to Imperial to meet with them about the recovery process and how to get everything replaced.

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