Johnny Kelly was at the airport early Tuesday morning, ready to leave for training in Texas before his first mission in Afghanistan. 

His cellphone rang, and it was a long-time friend with some very bad news.

"I was shocked, devastated. I couldn't believe it," Kelly said.

The voice on the other end of the phone was Chester County Sheriff's Deputy Dwayne Robinson, who had grown up with Kelly. He was calling to ask if he needed anything, and offer his sympathy. 

Kelly's house had just burned down, and Robinson was there, standing outside what was left of the home.

"I told him, ‘Your house is gone. It's all gone,’" Robinson said. "He said, 'You're joking, man. Where are you at?' ‘I'm at your house,’” Robinson told the soldier. "I wouldn't joke with you about something like that."

Kelly was about to leave for 30 days for training Fort Bliss, Texas. He was to be in Afghanistan until at least next May.

Now, he does not know when he will be joining the rest of the 178th Engineering Battalion that left on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I've got to stay strong, keep my head up, and do the right thing," Kelly said.

Fire investigators said the fire appears to have started near the kitchen of the home. It looks accidental, but there's no exact cause yet.

The house is a total loss.  The windows that are not shattered are blackened, siding is peeled away from the walls, and the few remains of the roof rest on the floors of the house.

"There's nothing in there, it's all gone," Kelly said.

Fortunately, Kelly's girlfriend was with him at the airport, and his five children, ages seven to 16, were at their grandparents' home in Chester. The house was empty.

Hearing about the tragedy, Kelly's fellow soldiers moved quickly. They are collecting money, clothes, and other supplies for the family.

If you'd like to help, call members of the York County Family Readiness Group Anne Cash, at 803-417-8600, or Wanda Bennett, at 803-519-6292. 

A bank account has also been set up at the Founders Federal Credit Union under 178th Engr. Deployment Fire Victim.

Supplies are being collected at the Armory at 126 Museum Road in Rock Hill, which is the home base for the 178th Engineering Battalion of the Army National Guard.

Sgt. Brad Moss is among the soldiers leaving for Texas. He said the military community is rallying around the family.

"He lost everything. I would hate to come home myself and know that everything's gone," Moss said.

Kelly now finds himself struggling with what's next. One moment he was headed off to serve his country, now he's thinking first about serving his family.

But he's eager to deploy with his fellow soldiers.

"I know I need to take care of my family first, and once I do that and my mind's free of that, I'm ready to go," he said.

It's not clear when Kelly will meet up with the rest of the 178th for training in Texas. Fortunately, he has insurance to cover the loss of his home.