There’s a reason “Disney magic” is a household term. Recently, everyone’s favorite mouse gave one U.S. Army family an incredible gift, and we’re confident — some new core memories.
Disney’s Senior Manager, Communications, Disney Experiences (and U.S. Navy Captain, Retired!) Cappy Surette, shared on the Disney Parks Blog:
“As we continue to recognize National Veterans and Military Families Month, we were honored to host a special U.S. Army family who visited Walt Disney World Resort for the first time as the recipient of Operation Gratitude’s 4 millionth care package that contained some magic inside— an all-expense paid vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth!
“To say that U.S. Army Sgt. Lamari Harris, a single mother of 3 children, received the surprise of a lifetime when she was presented with this special care package by her Army leadership in the deserts of Southwest Asia would be an understatement.
“The Operation Gratitude care package contained a Mickey Mouse plush and the news that her service was being recognized with a trip to Walt Disney World once she returned home.
“Harris had been deployed for months in the region with the 82nd Airborne Division and reported her shock when she learned her fellow soldiers had nominated her to receive this family trip to Walt Disney World.
“During her 6-month deployment, Harris relied on her mother and Army veteran Jacquline Rice and extended family to watch her children, highlighting the sacrifices some military families make in support of their service to country.
“Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting the spirits of Military and First Responder communities. Since March 2003, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than four million care packages to deployed service members, bridging the gap between civilians and those who serve.
“Disney was honored to provide the trip to help Operation Gratitude mark their milestone 4 millionth care package and make it extra magical as part of the company’s enduring admiration for U.S. military service.
‘”At Operation Gratitude, we are deeply honored to reach this incredible milestone of four million Care Packages sent to our nation’s heroes. This special package for Sgt. Harris, made possible by Disney’s generosity, represents the heartfelt gratitude Americans feel for service members and their families,’ said Meg Barron, Executive Director of Operation Gratitude. ‘We hope this magical experience has created unforgettable memories for Sgt. Harris and her children, and we thank The Walt Disney Company for joining us in showing appreciation to those who serve.’
A Homecoming to Remember
“Upon returning home to Fort Liberty, North Carolina on June 23, 2024, Sgt. Harris was thrilled to share the news about the Walt Disney World vacation with daughter, Kyrie (10), and her 3-year-old twin sons, Santana and Tyre making their family reunion extra special.
The Disney Vacation of a Lifetime
“Sgt. Harris and her family enjoyed their Walt Disney World stay this month during National Veterans and Military Families Month and made up for lost family time during their well-deserved vacation.
“’My family is so grateful to Operation Gratitude and Disney for this vacation of a lifetime,’ said Sgt. Harris. ‘From the moment I opened the box in Southwest Asia to seeing the castle for the first time months later, the whole experience was magical. This opportunity to build these family memories following my service overseas will be something we never forget.’
“During the family’s visit, we were honored to thank Sgt. Harris for her selfless service during a special Flag Retreat ceremony in Magic Kingdom Park where she was recognized as our honorary U.S. Armed Forces representative of the day.
“’At Disney, we have a legacy of supporting service members and their families for more than 100 years,” said Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro. “Our purpose has always been to create happiness and give families a way to connect and have fun together, and it’s a special honor to make magic for the heroes who serve our nation.”’
Disney has done incredible work for military families and the veteran community. In addition to charitable giving and the Disney Institute for Veterans, one of their most successful initiatives is their “Heroes Work Here.” According to their website, “In March 2012, The Walt Disney Company announced Heroes Work Here, a company-wide initiative to hire, train, and support U.S. military veterans and military spouses while elevating awareness of their significant contributions as civilian employees. Disney also announced a commitment to provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans by 2015 and to support military families alongside them. In less than a year, the company surpassed this goal. Today, the company proudly salutes the thousands of U.S. military who work in all sectors of the company, recognizing their sacrifices while also continuing to support individuals who are transitioning to the civilian workforce at Disney and beyond. Disney also launched its participation with the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership in 2023, connecting people to employers committed to hiring and retaining military spouses.”
Learn more about the incredible work Disney is doing here.