DUNEDIN, Fla. (WFLA) -- One local company is going above and beyond to give their appreciation to veterans in Tampa Bay.
Normally, when you see a veteran or speak to one, you thank them for their service. Employees at Achieva Credit Union are taking that a step further and are writing personal, heartfelt letters to those who made a difference to this country, by serving it.
"We thought it was special because who wouldn't want to get a handwritten letter from a perfect stranger who respects and loves you and what you've done for our country," said Tasha Cohen-Glynn, PR/Marketing Manager for Achieva.
"It's such an honor for us to be able to be a small part of this. It's truly, truly moving," said Lucia Austin, VP of Member Service Center.
Achieva Credit Union partners with the Honor Flight Program to help give thanks to the men and women behind our nation's flag.
"For veterans to get these letters, it's really a one-on-one message. I remember receiving letters like this when I was deployed overseas, and it's an awesome experience, I don't know how to better describe it," said Stephan Gonzalez.
Stephan Gonzalez works at Achieva and served in the U.S. Army for 13 years. He said getting letters like these brings acknowledgement to the soldiers' sacrifices.
"It's an experience where you're reading this letter and whether it's from an adult or a child, telling you that they're proud of what you've done, everything you've sacrificed," he said.
Letter after letter are messages filled with gratitude.
"It's such a selfless thing, right, to join the different branches of our military and give, well, everything. So, all the messages are full of love, appreciation, and thankfulness," Austin said.
These letters are a memento they can keep with them, that honors them and reminds them they are the reason this country is called: Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.
"I want to say thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for doing something for me and you didn't even know me. Risking your life and you didn't even know us, I appreciate, and I respect you, God bless you and your families," Cohen-Glynn said.
Around 50-75 veterans will be on board of the Honor Flight that is heading to Washington D.C. on June 10. They will receive these special letters while in the air during a "Mail Call."
