Disney Surprises Military Family With the Trip of a Lifetime

U.S. Army Sgt. Lamari Harris was in the deserts of Southwest Asia when her Army leadership delivered the surprise of a lifetime.

As part of The Walt Disney Company’s recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month, Sgt. Harris was given Operation Gratitude’s 4 millionth care package!

Photo: Disney

Inside, she was stunned to find she had been awarded an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World.

Sgt. Harris’s Story

Harris had been deployed for months with the 82nd Airborne Division when she learned that her fellow soldier had nominated her to receive a trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth.

During her six-month deployment, Harris was away from her children, relying on her mother to watch them. After sacrificing so much, Sgt. Harris and her family deserved some vacation time.

Photo: Disney

After returning to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Sgt.  Harris had the opportunity to share the news about the Walt Disney World vacation with her daughter, Kyrie, and 3-year-old twin sons, Santana and Tyre.

Photo: Disney

The family was all smiles.

The Trip of a Lifetime

Months after the big surprise, Sgt. Harris and her family got their Disney vacation this month. It was a great way to make up for lost family time!

Photo: Disney

“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 their visit to Magic Kingdom, Sgt. Harris was honored during a special Flag Retreat ceremony and presented with a shadowboxed flag that had been flown over the park.

“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.”

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting the spirits of Military and First Responder communities. Since its launch in 2003, the organization has delivered more than four million care packages.

Photo: Disney