BOERNE, Texas – One by one, military veterans and their families received a hero's welcome Friday at Toyota of Boerne's third annual Turkey For Troops event.
Area beauty queens, players from the San Antonio Talons and volunteers were on hand to thank veterans for their service and to deliver free Thanksgiving turkeys.
Dealership owner Vic Vaughan said there's no better time than the holidays to give back to those who have served.
"We appreciate everything they do for us," he said. "From my family, from our family at Toyota of Boerne, to the military families, it's the least we can do."
But the giving did not stop there. David Burton, his wife, and their three children were given the key to a brand new home in Houston. The mortgage-free home was paid for through a partnership between Toyota of Boerne and the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Alexis Burton said she's excited to celebrate the holidays in a place her family can call their own.
"We were stuck in an apartment…and the kids can't run," she said. "Now they have the room to run and grow and just build."
The Burton's home is the 243rd to be given away by the Military Warriors Support Foundation. CEO and veteran Lt. General Leroy Sisco said soldiers past and present have given so much and it's an honor for his organization to give something back.
"I spent 42 years wearing the uniform. You leave, but you still have an incredible attachment with them," he said. "You want to make sure that you're still involved in trying to help them and in this case we can really help them because we change their lives for generations."