Veterans Day with Gratitude, Not Gimmicks
Veterans Day shouldn’t be about
Pizza coupons. Mattress sales. Furnace inspections. More than six-in-10 Veterans say it feels too commercialized.
So this Veterans Day, we’re surprising Veterans with gifts rooted in deep connection and care.
These surprises didn’t come from a script.
They came from real relationships that go far beyond a financial transaction.
The gifts and stories below celebrate how listening, trust and care come together in gratitude.
Bill’s story
Bill Henderson wasn’t expecting anything but a loan. The Army Veteran got a gift that will help him spend more time with his family and keep serving his fellow Veterans in the skies.
David’s story
Army Veteran David Duncan grew up in foster care and sold his beloved truck to buy his father figure’s home. We showed up with something he never saw coming.
Marquis’ story
After years of loss and rebuilding, Marquis Coaston finally had a place to call home. That’s when the surprises started — one for his family, and one for a dream this Navy Veteran never gave up on.
Remi & Bella’s story
Navy Veteran Remi Hart dreamed of giving his daughter a space to call her own. He was in on the surprise to give Bella a big-time bedroom makeover. But the devoted dad and aspiring filmmaker didn’t count on the ones waiting for him.
Laurie & Doug’s story
Navy Veteran Laurie Walter and her husband, Doug, have bought 10 homes with Veterans United in just nine years, building lasting friendships along the way. To celebrate a milestone unlike any other, we sent someone special their way with something unforgettable in tow.
Kyle’s story
Air Force Veteran Kyle Long rebuilt his credit after losing a home and fought to give his kids a new home and a better life. His loan team came through with a pair of surprises – one for his family, and one to help take some weight off his shoulders.
Jennifer’s story
Army Veteran, paramedic, caregiver — Jennifer Jones has spent her life showing up for others. Along the way, she found two new friends who helped her find home and then left her speechless with a surprise she won’t forget.
Eric & Laura’s story
Eric Lang and his wife, Laura, forged such a tight bond with their loan officer that the family drove eight hours to spend a weekend together. After watching their young sons bond, Eric’s loan officer knew exactly how to surprise the family, along with something extra just for Eric and Laura.
Kenny’s story
Kenny Thornton’s road hasn’t been easy – cancer twice, long stretches of hard work and years on the move. Now, in the middle of his latest fight, a bit of breathing room showed up to remind the Navy Veteran that he’s not in it alone.
Nick’s story
As a former Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, Nick Llamas knows what it means to stay on his feet. These days, it’s his kids running full speed through the backyard. That space just got a little more special — for them and for him.
Charli & Juan’s story
After years of renting and eight long months of waiting, Army Veteran Charli Barraza and her husband, Juan, finally closed on the home they had loved for years. They never expected what would happen next, but the math felt just right.
Michael’s story
Michael Diggs spent his Navy days working the flight deck and the years after navigating trauma, loss and the long road to healing. Now, with wild horses beyond the fence and his daughter close by, he’s building a quieter kind of life. A small gesture helped it feel even more like home.
Suisami & Tory’s story
Suisami (Army) and Tory Taylor (Marine Corps) spent years moving in the military, always putting down temporary roots. Hawaii finally gave them a place to stay. A surprise from their loan officer made their home feel permanent in the best possible way.
Frank’s story
Frank Colwell spent years chasing healing across states, surgeries, setbacks and second chances. The Army Veteran finally found peace in a quiet house with mountain views and rescue animals. A few unexpected gestures reminded him how much his journey matters.
Brycen’s story
From the battlefield to fatherhood, Brycen Erdody rebuilt his life — one step, one challenge, one laugh at a time. His surprise? A little help for the home he bought, and a whole lot of love for the dog that helped him heal.
