local
World War II veteran survives Hill Country floods with wife, dog and flag
By Patty Santos, Santiago Esparza at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
A 99-year-old World War II veteran is retelling how he survived the Fourth of July floods. David Stearns went to the highest spot that he and his wife could reach. He used an American flag outside their home for cover. Stearns told KSAT that he was in bed when the storm hit. “I’m lying in bed, an...
Key takeaway “First I thought, ‘Oh, man, now I’ve got to clean the floors again,’ because I just thought it was a little water on the floor,” O’Connor said.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The recent flooding in the Hill Country has brought attention to the resilience of residents in the face of natural disasters. For Alamo Heights residents, the story of David Stearns and his wife Joan O'Connor serves as a reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis. The fact that family, neighbors, and nonprofits worked together to help the couple return home within six months highlights the strong social bonds in the area. As the region continues to recover from the floods, it's worth noting that the Guadalupe River, which was affected by the flooding, is a popular destination for summer visitors. Efforts by volunteer dive teams to restore the river will be crucial in ensuring that the area remains safe and enjoyable for both locals and tourists. The Stearns' story is a testament to the power of community and the determination of residents to rebuild and recover.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 99-year-old World War II veteran is retelling how he survived the Fourth of July floods. David Stearns went to the highest spot that he and his wife could reach. He used an American flag outside their home for cover. Stearns told KSAT that he was in bed when the storm hit. “I’m lying in bed, an...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Patty Santos, Santiago Esparza at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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