BenitoLink writer and story contributor, Bob Reid, says his mother is recovering well after an attack by an intruder in her Richmond apartment. In an email, Reid wrote that the community response has been at times overwhelming and the family is doing its best to handle both sympathetic comments and the numerous donations given to his elderly mother.
Betty Reid Soskin, 94, was hit in the face two or three times by an intruder late Monday night, June 27. Soskin is well-known for being the oldest full-time National Park ranger. She gives tours at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond. She received a lot of media attention this past December when she was asked to introduce President Barack Obama on a nationally-broadcast Christmas program. She was presented a special commemorative medal at the event.
In what appeared to be a burglary, Soskin was hit and then managed to crawl into her bathroom and lock the door. She was eventually able to call the police for help.
According to Berkeleyside, a news website for the city of nearby Berkeley, “The burglar made off with Soskin’s iPad, laptop, cell phone, camera and jewelry. But most importantly, he stole the special coin President Obama had given her at a ceremony at Christmas. She kept it in her commemorative coin collection.” It is believed that arrangements are already being made for Soskin to receive another coin from the president.Â
BenitoLink was able to reach Bob Reid via email July 1 and he sent us the following response: “My mother Is doing fairly well in recovering from the attack. She may not do as well fending off the media!
It was her desire to keep it out of the news, but failing that, we are trying to channel people’s energies into raising money to replace the things which were stolen, where possible, address her needs, and to fund the two documentary films of which she is the focus.” Friends and family of Soskin’s originally started the Go Fund Me campaign to cover expenses. The Go Fund Me campaign completed with over $15,000 earned. Reid wrote that the campaign has been hugely successful. “They have raised about $35,000 at this point.”
Bob Reid also communicated on his Facebook page writing, “My mother, Betty Reid Soskin, is still not online and wishes me to thank everyone for the overwhelming support she has received. She is healing! She wants people to know that the City of Richmond is taking good care of her. Her friend, Mayor Tom Butt, has been to visit. She is receiving therapy for the trauma and they are providing a security system for her home. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and PBS host Tavis Smiley have sent beautiful floral arrangements. In addition to replacing the things which were stolen, she has decided to use the funds which have been raised (at this point over $35,000) to renovate her condominium and reclaim the space from the experience of the robbery. She will be replacing her carpet and renewing her living space. She is ever grateful for the love and support she has received from you all!”
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