Soldier's Wish and American Legion members gifted $1,800 in a Walmart gift card and cash to Marine veteran and single dad Peter Lucas, at center, and his three children. (Photo by Henry Howard)

Soldier’s Wish boosts single dad with surprise gift

Peter Lucas thought he and his three toddlers were going to lunch and then touring The American Legion’s national convention in Reno, Nev., on Tuesday.

Instead, the single father and Marine Corps veteran learned about the generosity of Soldier’s Wish and American Legion Family members. After being homeless and living in transitional housing for several months, the family moved into a three-bedroom home in Reno last Saturday.

During a surprise presentation in the exhibit hall, Soldier’s Wish donated a $1,000 Walmart gift card to help Lucas get settled in with his twin 4-year-olds and 2-year-old son. Immediately, Legionnaires passed a hat and collected $800, which was handed to Lucas with well-wishes.

“I am proud to be standing next to him,” Soldier’s Wish Executive Director Mark Ochsenbein said. “He served his country proudly. But sometimes things just don’t go your way. Cpl. Lucas is having a difficult time right now. We’re all veterans. We’re all here to help out.”

Lucas was stunned but grateful as his children played with miniature toy soldiers by his feet. “This is completely shocking,” he said. “I had no idea what was going on. All I can say is thank you to everybody. This is more than I could ever ask for.”

The family had been sleeping on pallets and living out of boxes since moving into their home. Now, Lucas — a new member of the Legion — is inspired by the kindness of the organization.

“I am amazed that people care so much,” he said. “I haven’t been around so many people in so long that genuinely care, so tightly knit as a family. This is going to help us get the house livable.”

Ochsenbein credited the entire Legion Family. “We wouldn’t be here today without the support of everyone — Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and Legion Riders. Thank you for your camaraderie and helping out this great veteran.”

Shane Whitecloud, a Navy veteran, works with the Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center. The center helped Lucas with shelter and then worked with Ochsenbein on the Soldier’s Wish gift.

Members of the Legion Family took turns hugging Lucas and offering support, including Richard Eberly, who works as a DVOP specialist with the state of Nevada. Eberly told Lucas to call him and he would help him find a career.

“I actually joined The American Legion so that I could help veterans,” Eberly said. “It’s something I enjoy doing.”