A veteran who has given tirelessly to his community gets surprise of a lifetime from Secret Santa
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- Опубліковано 18 гру 2023
- #eastidahonews #secretsanta #surprise
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy helping a local Secret Santa give $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season.
Commander Willie Parris began serving his country when he was drafted into the Army in the 60s. He later joined the Air Force and was honorably discharged from service in 1971. His military service may have officially ended at that time, but he found other ways to serve.
As a resident of Lava Hot Springs, he heads the Portneuf Veterans Group where he preps, cooks, and hosts out of his own pocket a monthly community meal where the proceeds benefit the group. He facilitates a monthly yard sale for the group and is solely responsible for collecting donated items, setting up and hosting this sale monthly during warmer months.
In between sales, he stores the items he collects in anticipation of the next sale. Anytime a community member has needs, whether it be from a death in the family, a medical emergency or some unexpected life event, Willie is the one who will organize a benefit for that person and he usually pays for the meal out of his own pocket. He also makes himself available to provide final military honors for local veterans, often traveling to do so.
Willie has never asked for anything for himself. He drives to Pocatello to get supplies for his meals and around the community in a van that has seen better years and is often in need of repair. Willie has always been someone who selflessly has served his community.
Secret Santa asked if we could track Willie down and surprise him with an early Christmas gift. Check out the video in the player above!
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Love seeing a Vet, who gave and continues to give to this country and his immediate community. Well deserved. Thank you for your past and present service.
Totally agree with you
much respect !
Our service DOESN'T end upon our separation from the military!!! WE STILL SERVE!!!! That's how we are!!! My service was from 1987-1992. Proud to have served!!!!
@derekchristophernordbye7710 thank you for your service!
@@jaclynshorter2509 Thanks.
What a guy....a shining example of unassuming community service. Bless him.
Beautifully said 🙏
My dad is a 100% disabled vet so this makes my heart so happy! Thank you this is fantastic!
Please give him a hug, and a big thanks, from all of us. ❤
Please share mega thanks to your dad and a great big noisy hug. Too.
@@jcspider7259❤❤❤ the best of your father ❤
Much love to you both. ❤️ ❤️
What a selfless human. Really deserve it.
Protect our history by supporting our veterans, remember they gave up their freedom so that we can enjoy it, some never made it back 😢😥😓
“All gave some, some gave all”❤🇺🇸
@@youheartmel true😢😥🌹🕊️🕊️
@youheartmel My dad passed away Sept 29th at 89 years of age. He was a Korean War veteran. He didn't die in war, but he lost his hearing from firing the 105 recoilless rifle he specialized in operating and firing it. He was honorably discharged from the army after he lost his hearing. I never heard him complain once about his hearing loss, because I know he would've sacrificed his life with out complaint too. He loved serving this country and the men he served with. May we never forget that "freedom isn't free" which is engraved on the Korean War monument.
Wiilie is a proud and strong man - one of few words who is the backbone of the country. Thank you Willie for all you do. And thank you Secret Santa❤❤❤❤❤
That good proud man is a true Patriot who we need more of. Thank you Secret Santa for seeing what he needed and making sure he had it.
I agree! Although I believe there are so many more people like him doing good things in every corner of the world than we realize, we only hear about the bad things going on. These Secret Santa videos make my day but reading all of the comments below is what convinces me there is hope because 90% of them are positive and so thankful to see the good in people. Let's keep shining a light on the ones who deserve it and hopefully more and more people will follow suit ♥
Amen we do need more
Glad too see that vets that have served their country get some love.
Well deserved! Great respect sir, and thank you for your service to America. 🇺🇸 (I'm Canadian 🇨🇦, but love my fellow Americans). ❤️ And thank you Secret Santa for changing lives + giving people hope in humanity. ❤️
Another fellow Canadian here wishing you a merry christmas ☺
Love our fellow Canadians!❤️
The feeling is mutual! Merry Christmas, Canada!
@@alexandersupertramp7353 thank you! Merry Christmas to you + America! 🎄
Ditto 🇨🇦 Love the quiet but profound dedication of this vet and his impressive Sam Elliott moustache.
🌹👏👏👏👏👏🌹
If we had more people like that gentleman in the world. We would have less war and more celebrations.❤
I live a free life in the UK due to service veterans. Thank you sir for your service.
He has got a hard shell but a great heart. He is like a one-man Red Cross; just amazing!! Happy he got a new vehicle and the dough to use however he chooses.
Thanks for helping this kind man, Secret Santa!!
You know he's not going to use that check for himself 🤣 What a great selfless man!
What a deserving recipient who gives so generously of his time and efforts. Thank you Secret Santa!
Wow, I just met a true American Hero. So glad he was honored. Nice work Secret Santa, and East Idaho news!
And the first thing he thinks of when he sees the check is how it can be used for others. 😢 what a sweet, loving, deserving man. ❤
He immediately stated where the $4000 was going to be used. What a good human being and so deserving!
What a good ol' guy. He does so much for others, probably not used to getting something for himself. Bless you sir. Thank you Secret Santa for all your generosity. Thanks to Nate and Helpers too! Merry Christmas to all. 🎄🎄
From one Veteran to another, Thank You Brother. The true definition of selfless service that never ends. If every community had a few people like Willie our Veterans would be a lot better off.
man of few words! but actions speak louder than words! and this goes for secret santa too! thank you!
Willie rocks! Waging a local war on hunger is one of the most patriotic deeds a citizen can perform.
If there is anyone who deserves this kindness, it’s a vet helping other vets out and his community. Thank you sir for your service and thank you for helping and supporting the other vets.
What a wonderful and humble gentleman. Thank you for your service, Sir! Merry Christmas from a fellow veteran in the UK x
How do you not love this man? Very deserving. Respect and honor to our Veterans and those still serving. Merry Christmas !
"We'll keep doing our part." What a great heart this veteran has! Thank you Secret Santa.🙏💫💚
👽👽👽From this disabled vet (former Pocatelloan) in the SW North Dakota Badlands...thank you for your service, sir. And bless you for taking care of your community⛄🎅🎄🌞
Nate, "I'd love to shake your hand." The respect Willy deserves.
Service. Doesn't get any simpler than this vet. Service to your country. Service to your community.
A true patriot with a heart of gold. It's wonderful to see such a humble and caring person get some help
"Merry Christmas everybody we'll keep doing our part."
He said it all. 👍
Thanks Secret Santa and EIN Team. ❤
Glad to see a vet getting the recognition they so much deserve.
I totally agree! ❤
Exactly Punk 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Instead of illegal immigrants
@@brianbickle7395 I can't disagree with that. Vets should come first.
MY Man, In Our House We Love and Honor Veterans. It couldn't have gone to a better Man
Thank You Secret Santa and whoever nominated Willy 😊🎄☃️👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯💯😍😍😍
This has to be my very favorite. I love quiet brave Vets they are our National Treasure. Prayers to your Idaho Secret Santa for all the joy and generosity he brings to the deserving people in need.
I think he would go stir crazy if he didn't fill his time doing meaningful tasks. He sure is a treasure.
A man of few words but certainly has a heart of gold. Id love to give Willie a big huge hug right now!! Willie, the commitment you've made for our wonderful country means so much 🙏 Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸 You truly are appreciated for all of your sacrifices. 🎅 Happy Holidays Willie!🎄. Also, thank you to Nate and his entire crew! 🙏 You guys are amazing!!
I was thinking the same thing❤
@@Keepnthefaith 💗
What a precious humble vet. Thank you for your service to our country.
Willie is one of a kind, we need more like them!
Another absolutely deserving, wonderful community-minded Vet! Thank you Secret Santa for not letting these people go unrecognized.
I love the way he was so humble I think he was very taken back with such generosity. He’s so used to giving not receiving and I’m so happy that this was done with this wonderful veteran who’s doing so much for his community. This vehicle is going to come in real handy.
He impressed me so much with his calm and unassuming demeanor. No fanfare, just a solid, decent man doing his best for his community. 💞💞💞👏👏👏👏
Thank you for your continued service to your community sir🤝❤️🇺🇲💚🎅
Amazing man. He oozes honor and integrity.
Feels like he will keep driving his beatup old van and donate the new vehicle to a person he feels needs it. Beautiful man.
3 hours after your comment I penned a similar one that he might keep his old car. 9 others agreed with you Roberto.
I was going to say the same thing!
Thank you for your service sir 🇺🇸 A well deserved gift from Secret Santa! 🎁 Merry Christmas
Wow that is so great to see a veteran get honored with a gift! Thank you Secret Santa!! You rock!
Why aren"t people clicking like and subscribe to this program that showcases the best of humankind? This is not just a local community actìon. I live on the other side of the country and enjoy this daily!
❤❤❤❤ This man is such a giver not only of his time and money but he gave his life for his country and still is!! This one had me in tears! 🇺🇲
God Bless our Veterans and active Service Men and Women!! They are the very reason we live in a great Country. Thank you so much, Secret Santa, for such a wonderful gift to a very deserving honorable man❣️❣️❣️
So happy to see that someone who served our country is being recognized.
🎅🎄 Thank you Willie Parris for your service to our country as well as the community. You give hope and compassion to so many. You have the heart ❤️ of Santa. Thank you SS for making this happen. God Bless 🙌
Thank you for your service, Willie. Secret Santa thanks for all you do.
This was a nice one! He seems like a grumpy old bear but that's just because he's more comfortable giving than receiving. A grumpy old bear with a heart the size of Idaho and beyond. 💘
How much do you want to bet he sells the car to fund the veteran stuff and just gets his beat up old van repaired..100% genuine human right there..
Love our Vets! What a good man still serving his country and his community.
Finally, we meet a man whose reputation speaks for him.
This is so far, the best Secret Santa of the year. A man that has never quit serving the military and the veterans of the United States. God bless him and all of our military that is or has served this Country.
No it's not! There were many more tragic Secret Santa giveaways than this one.
@@AudiophileTubes As far as I'm concerned it is. If you disagree so be it!
What a deserving, humble man 💖
You can tell he's used to giving and not receiving, but This touched him deeply ❣️
Thanks Secret Santa, EIN, Nate and Crew 💕🤗
God bless this gentleman and all involved in the Secret Santa videos 🙌🙏💞💖💞
Thank you Mr. Paris, for your service to our country 🇺🇸! And thank you for the continued support to our Veterans, you all deserve more than can be repaid.
Thank you Secret Santa 🎅🏼, Nate 🧑🎄 and EIN crew, for giving to this gentleman who has served his community and our country ‼️🇺🇸
I’m a vet, and so happy to see one recognized.
Love the no nonsense attitude. Reminds me of my father, who was also a vet. Great job Santa!! Such a perfect receiptiant!
Just imagine where America would be if it had more Wills and more citizens willing to help our vets. America first!
He didn't even hesitate to say that first check was going to help the veterans. That's the sign of a truly unselfish man who puts others before himself.
Thank God for people like him who served our country and is still serving those who need it.
What a great man! Thank you Secret Santa! You’re amazing!! ❤️❤️❤️
Great Gift. 🎁
That puts a smile in my heart.
What a humble servant.
Veteran of such giving & dedication! Well deserved gifts! Thank you Secret Santa & May God Bless all !
These older guys are the best. This guy is a big old sweetheart. Bless him.
"I'll tell you what." And "I sure do appreciate it" are two of the greatest compliments that man's generation gives lol.😂
What a cool guy!! To do what he is doing at his age is beyond commendable. Thank you Sir for your service to Our Country!! 🇺🇸
Thankyou Secret Santa …your the best . Love from me in the UK 🇬🇧 🎄 🎅 🎄 xxx
I don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but you Willie, have inspired me to volunteer to help the Vets for Christmas. God Bless you and Thank you for your service.
The definition of humble. We need more of this guys mentality in the world today.
Thank you for your service, sir. Please also share our thanks with all the veterans you come in contact with. God bless them all.
Been waiting for this …lxx
What a humble guy. Thanks SS for his selection.
Wow! Great segment with an authentic everyday American hero. Thank you, Secret Santa 🎅, and 🫡 a salute to our veterans.
He needs more volunteers 🙋♀️ folks in Idaho!!
What a selfless man, bless you secret Santa !
You did it again…Secret Santa! Thanks guys. A truly deserving gentleman.
i love when he gets the check he says instantly - that will go towards veterans - not a second of personal thought or gain for himself, just instant giving, love to see it!
Thank you Willie Paris for all you have done and continue to do
This vet is the epitome of humility and conmitment. Well deserved!
aw he reminds me of my grampa. may not have an exuberant reaction, but they feel that kindness shown to them down deep. he even kind of works his jaw when emotional the same way grampa did xD thank you as always, secret santa!
What a Selfless Man! Blessings to All!
He is such a blessing to the veterans in that area. The first thing he thinks of when he gets the check is the veterans. Thank you for your service. God bless
Wow a beautiful man. He reminds me a bit of Sam Elliot.
Thank you Secret Santa for all you do to help make the community a better place to live.❤
One of my favorites! This is a man who helps Secret Santa all year! What an incredible thing to see one who will pay the gift forward to bless those who have served all of us!
1st thing is the money is going to support others! What a gem! LOVE!
What a beautiful, humble human being. God bless you sir and thank you for your service.
This man is the real Santa all year long & he's always been a man of good service. Tysm Secret Santa, people like this man will always be deserving of all the best life has to offer. He spends his life serving those in need... He makes the world a better place. Thank you Sir & tysm Secret Santa 🫡❤❤❤❤❤
Such a humble gentleman! Well deserved recognition! Thank you Secret Santa and East Idaho News!
Every time I watch I say ok I'm not going to cry, Every time I do. Maybe I should just say ok "your gonna cry". Thank you, Mr. Parris, for your service to the veterans in your community. You are an inspiration. Thank you for your service to our country!
Thank you,sir for all that you’ve done and continue to do. Also thank you to the Secret Santa, Nate and all the elves.
Now this is a typical Veteran❤ My family, full of Veteran's take care of their military family, and the community. Thank You Secret Santa for helping this Veteran❤
Clearly, this gentleman takes serving his country very seriously. God bless...
A big thank you to this man for all he does for Veterans!! 👏👏👏 Merry Christmas Willie! 🌲❤️ Thank you Secret Santa!
He's stunned. What a blessing he is to the community.
What a humble guy, he clearly puts others needs in front of his own. As a veteran myself I thank secret Santa for recognizing this pillar of strength of his community, Merry Christmas!
This is a fantastic video.(Outstanding) Merry Christmas to everyone in East Idaho and around the World.
What a lovely dedicated vet. The first thing he said when Nate gave him the cheque was “this will go a long way helping the vets” NO thoughts of what he might need or repairs to his van, instantly it was for the vets. What a wonderful selfless man, thinking of all the others before himself. So, so happy he was gifted a new car ! This gentleman really deserves it soooooo much ! He was so touched by the gift too, even gave him a few tears. What a special moment for him. Thank you for your unending service to your community and the vets and thank you for your service to your country.
Thank you Secret Santa, you not only helped this gentleman, but many more vets that he will continue to help with the money you gifted him. Thank you Nate, and EIN for all that you do all year through, and especially busy at this time of year.
Merry Christmas to everyone watching around the world, love from Australia ❤🎅🏻🤶🏻🧑🏻🎄🎄🎄🎄✨✨✨🙏🏻❤️