He dedicated his life to veteran support—then the ‘Surprise Squad’ returned the kindness

Veteran support remains critical, as many who served our country come home facing tough challenges and limited resources.

Although their service deserves deep gratitude, many veterans struggle to get help. Transitioning to civilian life can be hard—from finding housing and healthcare to securing stable jobs.

However, communities can step up in meaningful ways. Through local programs, volunteer efforts, and small acts of kindness, people can provide the support veterans deserve.

This story, from 2018, is still just as powerful and inspiring today—a reminder that helping those who are served is always important.

On a sunny day, the Fox 5 Surprise Squad visited an Albertsons store to spread kindness.

The team, led by reporter Dave Hall, surprised shoppers by paying for groceries, creating moments of joy and relief.

Each gesture turned an ordinary task into a heartwarming experience, reminding everyone of the power of small acts of compassion.

The Fox 5 Surprise Squad continued paying for groceries, relieving needy strangers.

As the kindness spread, store employees pointed out regular customers who were quietly struggling.

The emotional moments touched many, including a cashier who was moved to tears.

Later, reporter Dave met Stephanie, a disabled veteran using a wheelchair.

She shared that she was buying food for herself and her two dogs, doing her best to get by.

Stephanie also said she was struggling financially, with just $50 left.

After hearing her story, reporter Dave quickly stepped in to cover the cost of her groceries.

The unexpected help came at a crucial moment, leaving Stephanie grateful and touched by the support.

As Dave wrapped up his conversation with Stephanie, he noticed a man standing behind her.

“You’re her brother, correct?” he asked.

The man, introduced as Larry, explained that he was a friend of Stephanie’s husband.

Like them, Larry was also a veteran and involved in the same club, “Sacred Bone Society.”

He also has a group called “Bones for Blankets” which focuses on providing blankets to homeless veterans.

Larry founded the organization 16 years ago after tragically losing three of his brothers, who froze to death.

This painful experience inspired him to focus on veteran support and the need to share resources with those in need.

Larry, understanding Stephanie’s challenges while her truck-driving husband was away, stepped in to help by driving her wherever needed.

“No vet should be going through what she’s going through,” he said compassionately.

Larry took Stephanie to the grocery store despite his financial struggles, where his cart only contained a bottle of dish soap and a piece of candy—his only affordable items.

When Larry tried to leave with only a few items, Dave stepped in, insisting on helping.

Touched by the gesture, Larry walked with Dave through the aisles as they filled his cart with food and toiletries—much more than he had expected.

Overwhelmed by the kindness, Larry, who had always taken care of himself, was deeply moved by a stranger’s willingness to assist.

Grateful, he offered to repay Dave, but the reporter assured him he had already done enough.

“We try to do good things for good people, Larry, so you deserve this,” Dave told him.

After checking out, Larry admitted it was the most he had ever spent on groceries.

The emotion on his face showed just how much the moment meant to him.

He thanked Dave before heading out, carrying more than just bags—he left with a lasting memory of kindness that would stay with him.

Larry has spent much of his life offering veteran support—first by serving in the military, then by helping others through his volunteer efforts.

Seeing him receive the same care and kindness made the moment even more powerful.

The story of this unexpected act of veteran support struck a chord with many, reminding them that those who dedicate their lives to helping others deserve support.

Larry’s journey, featured in the video below, continues to inspire people across the country: