When a Struggling Veteran Can’t Afford Groceries, a Kind Customer Steps In: ‘It’s Our Turn to Help

“We all face difficult times in life, and during those moments, the love and support of those around us become crucial in helping us get back on our feet. This truth is even more significant for our brave servicemen and women who selflessly serve their country without expecting anything in return.

Unfortunately, many veterans find themselves struggling when they return from duty. Unless they’ve served for a certain duration, the benefits they receive are often insufficient for a decent living, and some are uncertain about where to turn when transitioning to civilian life.

Larry Robeson can attest to these challenges. Larry, a Vietnam veteran, found himself in dire straits, unable to afford even the most basic necessities and uncertain about his next steps.

As fate would have it, Larry crossed paths with the Fox 5 Surprise Squad in a Las Vegas grocery store, where they were covering the costs of people’s groceries. Despite his financial hardships, Larry had taken his friend Stephanie, a disabled fellow veteran, to the store. Stephanie mentioned that she was buying food for herself and her dogs but was down to her last $50 with no clear plan afterward.

Dave Hall, the reporter leading the Surprise Squad, happily informed Stephanie that he and his team would cover her grocery expenses, and Stephanie was thrilled by the generous offer.

While assisting Stephanie, Dave noticed Larry, quietly standing behind her. Larry, a friend of Stephanie’s husband, had founded the Bones for Blankets club years ago. The club’s mission was to provide blankets to homeless veterans who found themselves on the streets after their military service. Larry established this initiative after three fellow veterans tragically froze to death. His goal was to ensure that no more veterans would suffer a similar fate.

Larry explained that Stephanie’s husband, who was a truck driver often away from home, relied on him for companionship and assistance in coping with the challenges stemming from her disability.

Larry expressed, “No veteran should be going through what she’s going through,” to the Surprise Squad.

However, Dave Hall was determined that Larry would not leave the store without the Surprise Squad team covering his grocery expenses. While Larry had initially intended to buy dish soap and candy, Dave informed him, “You served us. It’s our turn to serve you now.”

Larry was given the opportunity to shop for whatever he wanted in the store, resulting in a total bill of $278. After Dave and the others settled the bill, Larry was left wiping tears from his eyes.

“This is just overwhelming. I’ve been taking care of myself since I was 13,” Larry expressed.

You can watch Larry’s heartwarming experience with the Surprise Squad in the video below.”