VISTA, Calif. — It's a Valentine's Day to remember for an Army Veteran and wife in Vista. In this Zevely Zone, I helped deliver roses and a romantic getaway.
When the Helpful San Diego Honda Dealers asked me who we could surprise on Valentine's Day one special couple came to mind. Jarrod Hahn, an Army veteran and father of five suffered a brain stem stroke. Last summer we learned the Army Veteran was stuck at home.
"We can't go anywhere," said his wife, Vanessa. Following our story Jarrod and his wife Vanessa were able to buy a mobility van.
With Jarrod learning how to walk again, Vanessa's been taking care of him, the family and holding down a full-time job. They are one of the nicest, most inspirational couples I've ever met, so I decided to put together a little surprise on Valentine's Day for them.
"That would be nice," said Vanessa when I broke the news. They really did not have plans for Valentine's Day. "Not really," said Vanessa. Jarrod added, "No. I was hoping to get a steak."
San Diegans have been inspired by Jarrod's fight, both for our country and his own recovery. When the Helpful San Diego Honda Dealers asked me who we should spoil, I knew just the special couple to surprise.
"We know that you have been through so much the last few years and because it's our job to be helpful we wanted to bring you a special surprise today," said the Helpful Honda representative Carly Harris.
She handed the couple roses with a special surprise.
Vanessa read the letter inside, "Your story of incredible strength and enduring love touched our hearts. Please enjoy a two-night Valentine's Day staycation and one thousand dollars to cover any additional expenses."
Jarrod said, "Thank you."
He fixed Apache helicopters in the Army and wanted the Helpers in Blue to know about his family's special connection with their company.
"Did you know that a Honda was the car we raised five boys in?" said Jarrod. His family drove that Honda Pilot for more than 220,000 miles until trading it in for their mobility van.
"Thank you guys I really appreciate this," said Jarrod who never dreamed his story would attract so much attention. "The price of fame," he laughed.
The Hahns have a total of $2,500 to spend however they please, and this soldier has already planned his initial point of attack. "I still want a steak," laughed Jerrod. Vanessa added, "Yes, steak is on the menu."
Jarrod says the next time we cover his story, he hopes to be walking. If you'd like to visit Hahn's GoFundMe page, click here.