Band of Brothers founder honored with Home Depot’s Operation Surprise in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria veteran and founder of “Band of Brothers” is getting a surprise yard makeover from home depot.

Crews are transforming the front yard of local veteran Steve Baird and his wife.

“This is their third day here and just been doing great work. I'm so happy to be here helping and just helping along with the process,” says Luke Winter, U.S. Navy veteran.

The couple have touched the lives of hundreds of local vets in the last decade.

“I was living in Fresno, and I got arrested out here, and,Steve came and got me, went to the courthouse, and really just changed my life, you know? And I've been here for two and a half years now. I've got two and a half years clean. And Steve is a man I’ve come to love and admire,” says Winter. 

Someone nominated the couple for the home depot foundation’s “Operation Surprise,” as a way to thank them for their community support.

“Another fellow veteran, Ray Robledo put Steve and Jen’s name in to get nominated for this,” says Winter.

The program seeks to improve the homes of veterans so they'll be safer, more comfortable and more affordable. And most importantly, to preserve that element of surprise, to honor those who have served.

“To the whole community, you know, you have been so amazing for for helping Band of Brothers and and us get off our feet you know many years ago and it's been unwavering and with that we've been able to do our part and try to help as many veterans and families as we possibly can,” says Steven Baird, Band of Brothers founder.

Baird is one of over 65,000 vets that have received a yard makeover.

“Steve and Jen. They know they're loved. And I can't think of a more remarkable couple that deserves this,” says Winter.