A newly retired marine recently came home to a beautiful surprise. After spending 21 years serving our country, Jack Bernardo arrived at his house in Suisun City, California, to find it has been completely remodeled.

A newly retired marine recently came home to a great surprise. After spending 21 years serving our country, Jack Bernardo arrived at his house in Suisun City, California, which he purchased this past January. At the time he bought it, the residence was in need of quite a bit of work.

However, his friend and fellow marine Jeremy Epperson stepped up to help while Bernardo was stationed in Japan. Epperson was only asked to keep an eye on the house until his pal returned home but he had other ideas.

Epperson along with helpers from the Jimmy Doolittle Center, contractors and volunteers spent 10 days updating the interior, painting and landscaping. When Bernardo pulled up in his driveway and saw the results of everybody’s hard work, he broke down in tears.

The now retired marine expected to spend a good portion of his savings fixing the place up. As he cried, Bernardo told reporters he didn’t deserve it. Obviously, his friends, fellow community members and the volunteers disagree with him.

Bernardo remarked “Living in base housing and living in places where a lot of people don’t want to live in and to come to this. That’s why I’m overwhelmed.”