In a celebration of National Veterans and Military Families Month, Disney had the privilege of hosting an extraordinary U.S. Army family at Walt Disney World Resort — one who experienced a truly magical moment. Sgt. Lamari Harris, a single mother of three, received a surprise of a lifetime as the recipient of Operation Gratitude‘s milestone 4 millionth care package. This care package wasn’t just a token of appreciation — it contained the keys to a dream: an all-expenses-paid trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth… Walt Disney World.
Sgt. Harris, who had been deployed for six months with the 82nd Airborne Division in the deserts of Southwest Asia, was shocked and humbled when her fellow soldiers nominated her to receive this once-in-a-lifetime family vacation. In the midst of her deployment, she had relied on the support of her mother, Army veteran Jacquline Rice, and extended family to care for her children, a reminder of the profound sacrifices military families make in service to their country.
The moment Sgt. Harris received the care package was nothing short of a jaw-dropping surprise. It arrived in a dusty corner of the world, where soldiers battle the heat and the demands of deployment in often austere environments. Inside the package she found some snacks, hand sanitizer, a plush Mickey Mouse toy and a letter. The news? She learned that she and her family would be going to Walt Disney World when she returned home, a gift from Operation Gratitude and Disney, to celebrate her service and sacrifice.
Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has been delivering care packages to deployed service members, and reaching the milestone of 4 million packages is a testament to the organization’s dedication to connecting civilians with those who serve. As Executive Director Meg Barron shared, “This special package for Sgt. Harris, made possible by Disney’s generosity, represents the heartfelt gratitude Americans feel for service members and their families.”
For Sgt. Harris, the moment was overwhelming. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Mickey Mouse plush,” she said. “I just kept thinking, ‘This is real, this is really happening.’ It was a moment I will never forget.”
Thanks to Disney’s support, this milestone care package came with an extra sprinkle of magic. When Sgt. Harris returned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, on June 23, 2024, she was eager to share the news with her mother and her children — Kyrie (10) and 3-year-old twins Santana and Tyre. Their reunion was filled with joy, excitement, and the anticipation of what lay ahead: a trip to Walt Disney World for the five of them to make up for lost family time during her deployment.
The Harris family’s magical vacation this month was a chance to build memories, have fun, and finally experience the joy of being together after months apart. “My family is so grateful to Operation Gratitude and Disney for this vacation of a lifetime,” Sgt. Harris said. “From opening that box in Southwest Asia to seeing the castle in person, it’s been nothing short of magical. This trip gave us the chance to make memories I’ll cherish forever.”
“At Disney, we have a legacy of supporting service members and their families for more than 100 years,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said. “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.”
As part of their visit, Disney was honored to thank Sgt. Harris for her selfless service during a special Flag Retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom Park, where she was recognized as the honorary U.S. Armed Forces representative of the day. It was a fitting tribute to a woman who has given so much for our country — and now, through the generosity of Operation Gratitude and Disney, had the chance to experience a little magic in return.
Harris also met with members of the Disney SALUTE veteran employee resource group who were present to help honor her during the Flag Retreat ceremony. Meeting Sgt. Harris was a special moment for U.S. Army veteran Gardimy Fleurius who is a senior recruiter for Disney Casting Services.
“There are many moments during my 13 years working at Disney that are priceless and that I will cherish forever,” Gardimy said. “As a fellow member of the elite 82nd Airborne Division, helping recognize Sgt. Harris for her selfless service during the Flag Retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom Park is one of the top three.”