The Missouri Veteran’s Home Christmas Celebration

Residents of the St. Louis, Missouri Veterans Home recently enjoyed a Christmas celebration with all the trimmings, thanks to the combined efforts of Caliber Home Loans’ Director of Veteran Lending Bryan Bergjans and city real estate professionals.

Bryan explained why the residents of the home were treated to the party:

"This place is … underserved from a community perspective. We really want a connection with the veterans.

"They’re not expecting anything, and the fact that somebody is willing to go out of their way and get them something that they wanted for Christmas … just the experience is priceless."

Organizers of the celebration – including Caliber’s Military & Veteran Lending Strategic Program Coordinator Cristina Bergjans – visited every resident before going shopping with a veterans’ wish list. Each of the 300 residents received several gifts, thanks to the generosity of St. Louis area Realtors and Caliber’s St. Louis staff.

The December 7th party – held on Pearl Harbor Day – also paid tribute to the Veteran’s Home residents who served in WWII, including a special tribute to 100-year old resident Rudy Mykatt.

One of the home’s residents, Jerry Ilges, commented:

"I think it’s awesome that they come in here and think well of us to look after us, especially at this time of the year ... along with the rest of the year."

Local TV station KSDK reporters and film crew dropped in during the celebration and interviewed several participants. Click here to check out the KSDK report.