We all hit rough patches in life. And when we do, what we need most is kindness—especially for those who’ve sacrificed so much for others.
That’s exactly what happened to Larry Robeson, a Vietnam veteran who’s faced more than his share of tough times. Larry was shopping at a Las Vegas grocery store, quietly trying to buy a few basic items. What he didn’t know was that he was about to have a life-changing moment.
Down to Her Last $50
Larry was there with his friend Stephanie, a disabled fellow veteran. She told a local news crew that she was buying food for herself and her dogs—but she was down to her last $50 and wasn’t sure what would come next.
Thankfully, she had unknowingly crossed paths with the Fox 5 Surprise Squad—a local team known for helping people when they least expect it. They told Stephanie that her groceries were fully covered. She was overwhelmed with gratitude.
A Quiet Hero in the Background
That’s when they noticed Larry standing quietly nearby.
As it turns out, Larry had started a group called Bones for Blankets—a project that collects and donates blankets to homeless veterans. He created the group after three fellow vets tragically froze to death. He didn’t want any more of his brothers and sisters in uniform to suffer the same way.
Despite his own struggles, Larry was focused on helping Stephanie. Her husband, also a veteran, is a truck driver and is often on the road, so Larry helps take care of her in his absence.
“No vet should be going through what she’s going through,” Larry said.
“You Served Us. It’s Our Turn.”
Larry wasn’t expecting anything for himself. He was only there to help a friend and maybe pick up some dish soap and candy.
But the Surprise Squad team wasn’t about to let him leave empty-handed.
“You served us,” said reporter Dave Hall. “It’s our turn to serve you now.”
With that, Larry was invited to shop freely—picking up whatever he needed. His total came to $278, all covered by the team. Larry was stunned and deeply moved.
“This is just overwhelming,” he said, wiping tears from his eyes. “I’ve been taking care of myself since I was 13.”
A Moment to Remember
Larry’s story is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can mean everything—especially for those who’ve given so much and asked for so little. It also shows us that even heroes need help sometimes.
Watch the full moment unfold below—and be prepared to get emotional. 💙🇺🇸

Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.