Army veteran searches for medals stolen in Northwest Austin car burglary

AUSTIN, Texas - Alex McHale can still see the fingerprints Austin police dusted for after his car was broken into last week. McHale said his car was parked in his apartment complex garage overnight when his security officer notified him about the burglary.

"They had taken not anything of value but they did take some military memorabilia that was very sentimental to me," McHale said.

McHale said he found his car doors left wide open. The thief or thieves left his lucky two-dollar bill in the front console alone but managed to sift through his storage boxes that held the wings he earned, graduating flight school.

"My entire life I wanted to fly for the Army and the culmination of my mom and dad pinning my wings on me it's like literally the most emotional day of my life," said McHale.

His tour medal was also in his Jeep; he received the prized possession after serving in 2013 as an Army pilot in Afghanistan in 2013.

"Overall It was a great experience it taught me a lot about myself,” McHale explained. "It represents a culmination of teamwork…some of the missions we did together, some of the people we helped."

McHale's car burglary is one of many that have happened on the 4000 block of Bull Creek Road.

According to APD’s crime map, at least 15 car burglaries have occurred in that area since this time last year. Disappointed by the break-in, McHale said he just wants his military medals back, no questions asked. Coming from a long line of military men, he planned to pass the memorabilia down to his own children.

"If I have a son or daughter one day and they wanted to become a pilot in the army or military I wanted to give them that," said McHale.

If you have any information regarding McHale's case or recognize his medals, contact the Austin Police Department.