Retired Army specialist surprised with free house during SF parade

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco was filled with patriotism and honor on Sunday. ABC7 News was on the Embarcadero for the Veteran's Day Parade, where one lucky retired Army specialist had a life-changing moment.

Organizers moved it away from Market Street in an effort to boost attendance.

Veterans, police officers and members of the Military made their way through North Beach and down to Aquatic Park.

This is the 96th year for the parade.

One retired Army specialist had a life-changing moment at the parade. Jonathan Allen got a free house, his mortgage all paid for.

San Francisco-based Wells Fargo donated the home to the nonprofit group Military Warriors Support Foundation.

The nonprofit supports our nation's combat wounded heroes as they transition out of the military and into their new civilian life.

The Allens applied for the home three years ago and went through a financial mentoring program before getting selected to receive the gift.

It was a complete surprise; even his friends kept it a secret.

"It's life-changing honestly. I'm trying to make the transition out of the Military. I'm going to school, wasn't planning to get out of the Military then I got injured," Allen said.

After the surprise, Allen and his wife got to ride through the parade in the Wells Fargo horse-drawn stagecoach.