Hometown Hero Credit

During World War II, American soldiers gave their today for our tomorrow. Their sacrifice wasn't just brave: it was decisive. Without them, freedom doesn't prevail. But here's another truth worth honoring: their courage mattered because the nation backed it with everything it had.

Individuals. Communities. Industries. Government. Everyone.

That was over 80 years ago. We backed our soldiers then. So why aren't we doing it now?

When America Went All In

Picture 1943. Every family had skin in the game. Victory gardens sprouted in backyards across America. Kids collected scrap metal. Women left their homes to build bombers and battleships. Hollywood stars sold war bonds. Even Mickey Mouse encouraged citizens to pay their taxes to fund the war effort.

The entire nation understood: our soldiers' success meant our survival.

Businesses didn't just wave flags: they retooled entire factories. General Motors stopped making cars and started manufacturing tanks. Ford built B-24 bombers. Coca-Cola figured out how to get their product to troops in the Pacific, because morale mattered as much as munitions.

Communities rallied around Gold Star families. Neighbors looked after military wives and children. Local businesses gave discounts to anyone in uniform. Support wasn't performative: it was personal, practical, and persistent.

The government mobilized the entire economy. Rationing wasn't viewed as sacrifice: it was solidarity. Every sugar shortage, every meatless Monday, every carpooling arrangement was a tangible way civilians could stand with soldiers.

We backed our military because their fight was our fight. Their victory was our survival.

The Disconnect Today

Fast forward to 2026. Defense spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion: a 15% year-over-year increase. We're spending more money on our military than ever before in history.

So if we're putting our money where our mouth is, why does it feel like we've failed our military families?

Because throwing money at the Pentagon isn't the same as backing our soldiers.

Here's what's really happening: Public confidence in the military has eroded due to leadership scandals, politicization, and institutional failures. The military faces a severe recruiting crisis, with an expected 15% drop in 18-year-olds between 2025 and 2029. Young Americans are choosing college and civilian careers over service.

Meanwhile, military families struggle with the same challenges as everyone else: plus deployments, relocations, and unique financial hurdles that come with military life.

We've created a strange reality where we spend more on defense while doing less for the defenders.

The Performative Patriotism Problem

Today's support often feels hollow. We clap during airline boarding announcements. We say "thank you for your service" in grocery store checkout lines. We post flag emojis on social media.

But when a young Marine tries to buy his first home with a VA loan, does he get the same community backing his grandfather received in 1946?

When a military spouse faces another PCS move and needs to navigate a new housing market, does she find the same network of support that communities provided during wartime?

When a veteran struggles with the transition to civilian life, does he encounter the same all-hands-on-deck mentality that welcomed home the Greatest Generation?

The honest answer is no.

Real Support Requires Real Action

Here's what backing our soldiers actually looks like: tangible acts of gratitude that make a measurable difference in military families' lives.

During WWII, communities didn't just thank veterans: they helped them build lives. The GI Bill wasn't just a government program: it was a national commitment. Local banks, businesses, and neighbors all played a role in ensuring returning servicemembers could achieve the American dream they fought to preserve.

Today, we need that same all-in mentality.

That's why programs like The Hometown Hero Credit matter. This non-profit initiative provides a 2% credit up to $21,000 to help military families buy or refinance homes. On a $500,000 home purchase, that’s $10,000 in real dollar. Real assistance.

The credit can be applied to closing fees, buying down interest rates, paying real estate agent fees, or in some cases, pay down debt to help with VA loan qualification.

But here's what makes it different: it's designed to create the community backing that military families deserve. Our real estate agent partners keep 100% of their commission while providing unprecedented value to military clients. Our lender partners participate because they want to serve those who served. Communities benefit because military families get the support they need to establish roots.

It's not charity: it's the kind of comprehensive support system that America used to provide automatically.

The Industrial Strength of Gratitude

During WWII, American industrial might was redirected toward victory. Factories retooled. Supply chains pivoted. Entire industries reorganized around supporting the war effort.

Where's that energy today?

China's shipbuilding capacity is 232 times greater than America's. We've offshored manufacturing while asking our military to defend interests we're no longer equipped to support ourselves. We've created economic dependency on countries that view us as competitors or adversaries.

Backing our soldiers means rebuilding the industrial base they depend on. It means creating supply chains that can't be disrupted by foreign powers. It means ensuring that the country our military defends is capable of supporting itself.

The Recruitment Reality Check

The military faces a demographic time bomb. With fewer eligible young Americans and declining interest in service, we're heading toward a 30% annual shortfall in recruiting targets.

But this isn't just about numbers: it's about national priorities.

During WWII, serving your country was seen as the highest honor. Families were proud to send their sons and daughters into uniform. Communities celebrated military service as essential citizenship.

Today, many families see military service as a last resort rather than a first choice.

We've allowed a culture to develop where military service is viewed as something other people's kids do. That's not backing our soldiers: that's outsourcing our responsibility to them.

Getting Back to Basics

So how do we get back to truly backing our soldiers?

Start with military families in your community. When they're buying homes, ensure they get the support they deserve. When they're starting businesses, become their customers. When they're facing challenges, step up like neighbors used to do.

Support programs that create real value, not just symbolic gestures. The Hometown Hero Credit represents the kind of practical backing that makes a difference: helping military families achieve homeownership with the same community support that previous generations provided.

Demand that our political leaders prioritize military readiness alongside military spending. Money without strategy isn't support: it's waste.

Most importantly, remember that backing our soldiers isn't something we do during wartime: it's something we do because we're Americans.

The Choice We Face

During WWII, Americans understood that half-measures meant total failure. You either backed your soldiers completely, or you lost everything they were fighting to protect.

That same principle applies today.

We can continue with performative patriotism: the tweets, the discounts, the hollow thank-yous. Or we can return to the comprehensive backing that actually honors military sacrifice.

Real support means creating pathways to success, not just expressing gratitude. It means building communities that welcome military families, not just tolerate them. It means ensuring that service to country leads to opportunity in life, not just appreciation in public.

The soldiers who gave their today for our tomorrow deserve nothing less than our everything in return.

That's not just good policy: it's good conscience.

The question isn't whether we can afford to back our soldiers completely. It's whether we can afford not to.

---

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Phone: 760-456-8748
Website: www.OperationTAG.org / www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

Let me ask you something straight up: If you could give your military clients 2-3 times more money in their pocket than "Homes for Heroes" while keeping 100% of your commission, wouldn't you want to know about it?

Of course you would.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Most real estate agents are settling for programs that shortchange both themselves and the military families they serve, compared to BETTER programs that might be available. And frankly, our heroes deserve BETTER.

The Program Everyone Knows (But Shouldn't Be Using)

You've heard of "Homes for Heroes". It's everywhere. Military families get a rebate, and you: the agent: give up 30% of your hard-earned commission to make it happen.

For a military family buying a $500,000 home with a VA loan, "Homes for Heroes" typically provides around $4,200 in benefits. Not bad, right? (I've included the link to their webpage at the end of the blog)

But here's where it gets interesting: You just gave up 20%-30% of your commission to make that happen. On a $500,000 home with a 3% commission split, that's roughly between $3,750 to $4,500 out of your pocket.

That doesn't sound like a win-win. That sounds like you got played.

Now, please understand…I'm not being negative about the "Homes for Heroes" program. Any program that honors our nation's heroes is a good program. What I'm saying is there is a BETTER program (in my humble opinion) available that gives our heroes MORE MONEY and doesn't take from the real estate agents hard earned commission.

The Program You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren't)

Meet Operation T.A.G. and the Hometown Hero Credit: a non-profit program that's about to make you wonder why you've been doing things the hard way.

Same military family. Same $500,000 home. Same VA loan with zero down payment.

But here's where everything changes:

Hometown Hero Credit provides 2% of the loan amount, up to $21,000. For our $500,000 example, that's $10,000 straight to the military family: more than double what "Homes for Heroes" offers.

And your commission? You keep every single penny.

Zero percent commission sharing. One hundred percent of your money stays with you.

Let me break this down in terms even a rookie agent can understand:

• "Homes for Heroes": Military family gets $4,200, agent lose 20%-30% of their commission
• Hometown Hero Credit: Military family gets $10,000, agent loses $0! Agents keep 100% of their commission.

Which scenario makes you look like a hero to your client? Which one makes better business sense for you?

But Wait: It Gets Even Better

That $10,000 isn't just sitting there looking pretty. Your military clients can use the Hometown Hero Credit to:

• Pay closing costs
• Buy down their interest rate
• Cover real estate agent fees
• In some cases, pay down debt to help with VA loan qualification

The only thing they can't use it for is a down payment: but with a VA loan, they don't need one anyway.

This is real money solving real problems for families who've served our country. And you get to be the agent who made it happen while keeping your full commission.

PLUS…We give you a custom branded landing page, a lead capture autoresponder, NAR approved verbiage for listings, social media marketing, yard signs, national success coaching, plus much, much more 100% FREE!

So Why Isn't Every Agent Using This?

Good question. Here's my theory:

Most agents don't know about it. The big programs spend millions on marketing. We're a non-profit focused on results, not billboards.

Some agents are afraid of change. They're comfortable with the devil they know, even if that devil is taking 30% of their commission.

Others think "if it sounds too good to be true…" But here's the thing: this isn't too good to be true. It's just better than what you're used to.

And some agents simply don't care enough to research better options for their military clients. If that's you, this blog isn't going to change your mind. But your military families deserve an agent who gives a damn.

Your Military Families Are Watching

Here's what really matters: Your military clients trust you to find them the best deal possible. When you use a program that gives them less money while costing you more, you're failing that trust.

They don't know there's a better option because you're supposed to be the expert. They're counting on you to know about programs like Hometown Hero Credit.

When you don't, you're not just leaving money on the table: you're leaving it in someone else's pocket.

It's Time to Step Up

Every day you're not using Operation T.A.G. and their Hometown Hero Credit is another day you're shortchanging military families and yourself. These heroes put their lives on the line for our freedom. The least you can do is put in the effort to find them the best homebuying benefits available.

Stop settling for programs that treat you like a charity case. Stop accepting that you have to lose money to help military families save money.

There's a better way. Use it.

Ready to become an Operation T.A.G. partner? Visit OperationTAG.org or call us at (760) 456-8748 and join the agents who are actually making a difference: for their military families and their own bottom line.

Because at the end of the day, shouldn't helping our heroes be profitable for everyone involved?

---

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of The Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Phone: 760-456-8748
Website: www.OperationTAG.org / www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

NOTE: "Homes for Heroes" Benefit Tool from their website:  https://www.homesforheroes.com/resources/calculators/estimate-your-savings/?\_gl=1\*5ti0b1\*\_up\*MQ..\*\_gs\*MQ..\&gclid=Cj0KCQiApfjKBhC0ARIsAMiR\_Issf5i1e03IYW1GwSLgUFGTDUELu2YJ-ljiWUGkXoYcr2WNcJSAK1YaAngKEALw\_wcB\&gbraid=0AAAAADjX1TSzgJXsu7Sz\_4F\_UN\_6zCtAg

Let me ask you something straight up: If you could give your military clients 2-3 times more money in their pocket while keeping 100% of your commission, wouldn't you want to know about it?

Of course you would. So why aren't you using it?

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Most real estate agents are settling for programs that shortchange both themselves and the military families they serve. And frankly, our heroes deserve better than your leftovers.

The Program Everyone Knows (But Shouldn't Be Using)

You've heard of Homes for Heroes. It's everywhere. Military families get a rebate, and you: the agent: give up 30% of your hard-earned commission to make it happen.

For a military family buying a $500,000 home with a VA loan, Homes for Heroes typically provides around $4,200 in benefits. Not bad, right?

But here's where it gets interesting: You just gave up 30% of your commission to make that happen. On a $500,000 home with a 3% commission split, that's roughly $4,500 out of your pocket.

So let me get this straight: you gave up more money than the military family even received?

That doesn't sound like a win-win. That sounds like you got played.

The Program You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren't)

Meet Operation T.A.G. and the Hometown Hero Credit: a non-profit program that's about to make you wonder why you've been doing things the hard way.

Same military family. Same $500,000 home. Same VA loan with zero down payment.

But here's where everything changes:

Hometown Hero Credit provides 2% of the loan amount, up to $21,000. For our $500,000 example, that's $10,000 straight to the military family: more than double what Homes for Heroes offers.

And your commission? You keep every single penny.

Zero percent commission sharing. One hundred percent of your money stays with you.

Let me break this down in terms even a rookie agent can understand:

• Homes for Heroes: Military family gets $4,200, agent loses $4,500
• Hometown Hero Credit: Military family gets $10,000, agent loses $0

Which scenario makes you look like a hero to your client? Which one makes better business sense for you?

But Wait: It Gets Even Better

That $10,000 isn't just sitting there looking pretty. Your military clients can use the Hometown Hero Credit to:

• Pay closing costs
• Buy down their interest rate
• Cover real estate agent fees
• Pay down debt to help with VA loan qualification

The only thing they can't use it for is a down payment: but with a VA loan, they don't need one anyway.

This is real money solving real problems for families who've served our country. And you get to be the agent who made it happen while keeping your full commission.

So Why Isn't Every Agent Using This?

Good question. Here's my theory:

Most agents don't know about it. The big programs spend millions on marketing. We're a non-profit focused on results, not billboards.

Some agents are afraid of change. They're comfortable with the devil they know, even if that devil is taking 30% of their commission.

Others think "if it sounds too good to be true…" But here's the thing: this isn't too good to be true. It's just better than what you're used to.

And some agents simply don't care enough to research better options for their military clients. If that's you, this blog isn't going to change your mind. But your military families deserve an agent who gives a damn.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let's run through this one more time with crystal clarity:

Military family buying a $500,000 home with VA loan (no down payment):

Homes for Heroes Program:

• Military family benefit: ~$4,200
• Agent commission loss: ~$4,500 (30% of $15,000 commission)
• Agent net benefit: -$300 (you actually LOST money helping your client)

Operation T.A.G./Hometown Hero Credit:

• Military family benefit: $10,000 (2% of $500,000 loan)
• Agent commission loss: $0
• Agent net benefit: +$15,000 (your full commission)

The military family gets $5,800 more. You keep $4,500 more. Everyone wins except the programs that have been taking advantage of both of you.

Your Military Families Are Watching

Here's what really matters: Your military clients trust you to find them the best deal possible. When you use a program that gives them less money while costing you more, you're failing that trust.

They don't know there's a better option because you're supposed to be the expert. They're counting on you to know about programs like Hometown Hero Credit.

When you don't, you're not just leaving money on the table: you're leaving it in someone else's pocket.

It's Time to Step Up

Every day you're not using Hometown Hero Credit is another day you're shortchanging military families and yourself. These heroes put their lives on the line for our freedom. The least you can do is put in the effort to find them the best homebuying benefits available.

Stop settling for programs that treat you like a charity case. Stop accepting that you have to lose money to help military families save money.

There's a better way. Use it.

Ready to become a Hometown Hero Credit partner? Visit HometownHeroCredit.com and join the agents who are actually making a difference: for their military families and their own bottom line.

Because at the end of the day, shouldn't helping our heroes be profitable for everyone involved?

---

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Phone: 760-456-8748
Website: www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

Here we are again. Another week, another opportunity to actually do something meaningful for our military families. But let's be honest: most of you won't.

You'll post a flag emoji on social media. You'll share a meme about supporting troops. Maybe you'll even change your profile picture to something patriotic for a day. Then you'll scroll past the homeless veteran on the corner, ignore the military spouse struggling to find employment after their third move in five years, and pretend your digital virtue signaling actually matters.

It doesn't.

The Performance Is Getting Old

Last week, we talked about how corporate America's hollow gestures aren't enough. But here's the uncomfortable truth: it's not just businesses that are failing our heroes. It's all of us. Every single one of us who thinks a "thank you for your service" and a head nod is sufficient payment for someone willing to die for our freedom.

You want to know what real gratitude looks like? It's messy. It's inconvenient. It costs something. And it sure as hell doesn't fit in a tweet.

T.A.G. Tuesday: Tangible Acts of Gratitude Tuesday: isn't another feel-good social media campaign. It's a direct challenge to everyone who's been coasting on empty words and meaningless gestures. This Tuesday, we're asking you to put your money, time, and actual effort where your mouth is.

Individual Citizens: Stop Being Spectators

Let's start with you, the individual reading this. When was the last time you actually helped a military family? Not with words, but with action?

That veteran at the grocery store struggling to reach something on the top shelf? Help them. The military spouse in your neighborhood who just moved in and doesn't know anyone? Invite them over for dinner. The Gold Star family down the street dealing with unimaginable loss? Show up. Bring food. Offer to watch their kids. Do something that actually matters.

You see, gratitude isn't a feeling you have: it's an action you take. And most of you have been confusing the two for decades.

Here's what real individual gratitude looks like on T.A.G. Tuesday:

• Pay for a military family's groceries
• Offer to babysit for a deployed service member's spouse
• Help a veteran with yard work or home repairs
• Connect a military spouse with job opportunities in your network
• Donate to organizations that provide tangible support (not just awareness)

Stop hiding behind your keyboard. Get uncomfortable. Do something that costs you something.

Businesses: Put Your Profits Where Your Patriotism Is

Corporate America, you're not off the hook either. Your 5% military discounts and flag-draped marketing campaigns are insulting. You make millions while offering table scraps to the people who secured your right to operate freely.

Real business gratitude looks different. It looks like:

• Hiring military spouses with remote work opportunities
• Providing meaningful career advancement for veterans
• Creating internship programs specifically for transitioning service members
• Offering substantial financial support, not token gestures

At Hometown Hero Credit, we don't just talk about supporting military families: we put our mission where our mouth is. Our non-profit program provides a 2% credit up to $21,000 that can be applied to pay closing fees, buy down interest rates, pay real estate agent fees, or help with VA loan qualification for home purchases or refinancing. It's calculated on the loan amount, not the sales price, and since VA loans generally don't require a down payment, this credit creates real financial relief for our heroes.

That's what tangible support looks like. Not a coupon. Not a discount. Real money that changes lives.

Communities: Stop Waiting for Someone Else

Local communities, you're failing too. You put up veteran memorials and feel good about yourselves, but what are you doing for the living veterans in your town?

Your T.A.G. Tuesday challenge:

• Create job placement programs for transitioning veterans
• Establish support networks for military spouses
• Provide free or reduced-cost services for military families
• Advocate for veteran-friendly policies in your local government
• Build community resources that address real needs, not just symbolic gestures

The Real Challenge: Change Lives, Not Algorithms

This isn't about going viral. This isn't about getting likes or shares or comments telling you how wonderful you are. T.A.G. Tuesday is about shutting up and showing up.

The statistics we shared last week haven't changed. Military families are still facing:

• 22 veteran suicides per day
• 24% unemployment rate for military spouses
• Constant relocations disrupting careers and communities
• Housing challenges and predatory lending practices
• Mental health struggles with limited resources
• Financial stress despite their service

Your thoughts and prayers aren't fixing any of this. Your flag emojis aren't housing homeless veterans. Your "support our troops" bumper stickers aren't preventing suicides.

What T.A.G. Tuesday Actually Means

Tangible Acts of Gratitude aren't suggestions: they're requirements for anyone who claims to support our military. If you're not willing to inconvenience yourself, spend your money, or sacrifice your time, then stop pretending you're grateful.

Here's your T.A.G. Tuesday checklist:

Before You Post Anything:

• Have you done something tangible for a military family this week?
• Have you contributed financially to organizations creating real change?
• Have you used your influence to help a veteran or military spouse?
• Have you advocated for policy changes that benefit military families?

If you can't check any of these boxes, then keep your performative patriotism to yourself.

The Bottom Line: Actions Speak Louder Than Hashtags

We're done with the fake gratitude. We're done with the empty gestures. We're done with people who want to feel good about themselves without doing the hard work of actually helping.

T.A.G. Tuesday is your opportunity to prove you mean what you say. To show that your gratitude is more than social media theater. To actually make a difference in the life of someone who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for you.

The question isn't whether our military families deserve better: they obviously do. The question is whether you're finally ready to be better.

This Tuesday, don't just say thank you. Do thank you.

Stop faking your thanks. Start making them real.

---

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

📞 (760) 456-8748
🌐 www.HometownHeroCredit.com
📝 www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

Twenty-five years. That's how long we've been saying "Thank you for your service" to the men and women who've defended our freedoms. Quarter of a century of gratitude that sounds nice, feels good to say, and costs absolutely nothing.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: Our heroes are still struggling. They're still facing financial hardship, mental health crises, and bureaucratic nightmares that a free appetizer at Applebee's simply can't fix.

It's time we stop patting ourselves on the back for hollow gestures and start addressing the real, tangible challenges facing military families. Because gratitude without action isn't gratitude at all: it's just noise.

The Reality Behind the Salute

When we plaster smiling soldiers on websites and wave American flags at corporate events, we're creating a comfortable distance from the harsh realities our military families actually face. Let's pull back the curtain on what's really happening:

Financial Strain That Never Ends
Military families earn less than their civilian counterparts, despite carrying responsibilities most of us can't imagine. The average military family moves every 2-3 years, each relocation costing thousands in moving expenses, temporary lodging, and the hidden costs of starting over. Many families drain their savings just to maintain stability for their children.

The Spouse Employment Crisis
Military spouses face a 24% unemployment rate: six times the national average. Every PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move means starting over professionally. Licenses don't transfer between states. Career momentum gets destroyed with each relocation. Families often survive on a single income while battling the rising cost of living.

Mental Health in the Shadows
The statistics are staggering and heartbreaking. Veteran suicide rates remain 1.5 times higher than civilian rates. In 2021, 6,392 veterans died by suicide. That's more than 17 every single day. PTSD, depression, and anxiety don't disappear when the uniform comes off. Yet accessing mental health care through the VA can take months.

The VA Bureaucracy Maze
Speaking of the VA: our heroes often spend more time fighting paperwork than they did fighting for our country. Disability claims take an average of 152 days to process. Appeals can take years. Families mortgage their futures waiting for benefits they've earned through blood, sweat, and sacrifice.

Hidden Homeownership Costs
Even with VA loan benefits, military families face unique homebuying challenges. Frequent moves make building equity difficult. Some face pressure to buy quickly upon arrival at a new base, often overpaying in competitive markets. Closing costs, moving expenses, and the need to maintain homes during deployments create financial burdens most homebuyers never consider.

When Gratitude Becomes Virtue Signaling

Let's be honest about what we're actually doing when we offer military discounts and call it support:

The 10% Discount Delusion
A 10% discount on a $15 meal saves $1.50. For a family facing thousands in moving costs, this is insulting. It's a marketing strategy disguised as patriotism, designed to make businesses feel good while doing the absolute minimum.

Flag-Wrapped Marketing
Companies slap American flags on their logos every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, then go back to business as usual. They use military imagery to sell products while their actual support for veterans remains non-existent.

The "Free Cookie" Mentality
Whether it's a free dessert, a commemorative coin, or a "Hero Parking" spot, these gestures cost businesses almost nothing while generating positive PR. They're designed to make us feel like we're doing something meaningful when we're really doing nothing at all.

What Real Gratitude Actually Looks Like

True gratitude isn't about words: it's about action. It's about creating tangible solutions that address real problems. Here's what meaningful support actually involves:

Financial Impact That Matters
Real support means providing substantial financial assistance that actually moves the needle. Not pocket change, but meaningful amounts that can help families achieve stability and build wealth.

Addressing Root Causes
Instead of treating symptoms, we need to attack the underlying issues. This means creating programs that help with the unique challenges military families face: frequent relocations, spouse employment gaps, and the transition to civilian life.

Long-Term Commitment
Real gratitude doesn't end when the photo op is over. It means creating sustainable programs that serve military families for years, not just during military appreciation months.

Operation T.A.G.: Turning Gratitude Into Action

This is exactly why we created Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude) and the Hometown Hero Credit program. We're a 501(c)(3) non-profit that puts mission over profit, action over words.

Our 2% credit up to $21,000 isn't a marketing gimmick: it's a substantial financial benefit that can genuinely impact a military family's homebuying journey. This credit can be applied to pay closing fees, buy down the interest rate, pay real estate agent fees, or in some cases, pay down debt to help with VA loan qualification. The 2% credit is calculated on the loan amount, not the sales price, and since VA loans generally don't require a down payment, this credit goes directly toward making homeownership more affordable.

Here's the difference: We're not trying to profit from military families. We're trying to serve them. Every dollar we provide comes from our non-profit mission to create tangible change, not from shareholder profits.

The Challenge to Corporate America

It's time for businesses to step up or step aside. If you're going to claim you support the troops, prove it with your balance sheet, not your marketing budget.

Real Questions Every Company Should Ask:

• How much money are you actually investing in veteran support versus how much you spend advertising that support?
• Are your programs designed to help military families or help your brand image?
• Can you measure the tangible impact your support has on individual military families?

The Non-Profit Model
We chose to operate as a non-profit because we believe gratitude shouldn't generate profit. When companies prioritize shareholder returns over veteran support, they're missing the point entirely. True service means sacrifice: including the sacrifice of potential profits to serve those who've sacrificed for us.

Beyond Thank You: A Call to Action

"Thank you for your service" was never supposed to be the end of the conversation: it was supposed to be the beginning. After 25 years of saying thanks, it's time to start showing thanks.

Military families don't need our pity, and they don't need our hollow gestures. They need our action. They need programs that address their real challenges with real solutions. They need organizations that prioritize impact over image.

The next time you want to thank a service member, don't just say it: do something about it. Support organizations that create tangible benefits. Demand accountability from companies that claim to support veterans. And remember that true gratitude is measured not by what we say, but by what we're willing to sacrifice to serve those who've sacrificed for us.

Because a free cookie won't fix PTSD. A discount won't solve the spouse employment crisis. And a flag on your logo won't help a military family buy their first home.

But real action? Real programs? Real commitment to making a difference?

That might actually be worthy of the heroes we claim to honor.

---

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit, a program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), and 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Phone: (760) 456-8748
Website: www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

Happy New Year 2026! If you're a real estate agent looking to make this your most impactful year yet, you're in the right place. While most agent programs come with complicated commission splits and confusing payout structures, there's a better way to serve military families and grow your business simultaneously.

Why 2026 Is Different for Military Real Estate

The military real estate market is exploding. Gen Z veterans are buying homes 38% more than last year, and with VA loan limits hitting new highs, military families finally have the purchasing power to compete in today's market. But here's what most agents miss: traditional military real estate programs often require you to split commissions or work through complicated referral networks.

What if there was a program that paid YOU to help military families without touching your commission? That's exactly what Hometown Hero Credit offers.

The "No Commission, No Games" Approach

Unlike other military real estate programs that operate through agent networks requiring commission splits, Hometown Hero Credit works differently. When you connect a military family with our non-profit program, they receive a 2% credit up to $21,000 on their loan amount – and your commission stays exactly where it should: with you.

Here's how it works:

• You refer eligible military families to Hometown Hero Credit
• They receive up to $21,000 in closing cost assistance
• You keep 100% of your commission
• Everyone wins

Who Qualifies for the $21,000 Credit

Your military clients can use this benefit if they're:

• Active duty service members
• Veterans with qualifying discharge
• Gold Star families
• Surviving spouses of fallen heroes

The credit applies to both purchases and refinances, giving you twice as many opportunities to help clients and grow your business.

Five Ways This Credit Makes Your Job Easier

1. Eliminates Closing Cost Barriers

Military families often struggle with closing costs even when they qualify for VA loans. The Hometown Hero Credit covers these expenses, removing the biggest obstacle to homeownership.

2. Increases Buying Power

With up to $21,000 in additional funds, your military clients can:

• Buy down interest rates for lower monthly payments
• Cover real estate agent fees
• Pay additional closing costs
• In some cases, pay down debt to improve VA loan qualification

3. Creates Competitive Advantage

While other agents offer standard VA loan benefits, you're offering an additional $21,000. Which agent do you think military families will choose?

4. Builds Referral Network

Military families talk. When you help one family save $21,000, word spreads quickly through military communities, generating organic referrals.

5. Simplifies Marketing

Instead of complex explanations about VA loans, you have one powerful message: "I can help you save up to $21,000 on your home purchase or refinance."

How to Get Started Today

Getting connected with Hometown Hero Credit takes less than five minutes:

1. Visit HometownHeroCredit.com
2. Complete the partner application
3. Receive your marketing materials and referral process
4. Start connecting military families with life-changing benefits

No fees, no commission splits, no complicated contracts. Just a simple partnership that helps military families while growing your business.

Important Credit Details

The 2% credit is calculated on the loan amount, not the sales price. Since VA loans typically don't require down payments, this calculation method often provides the maximum benefit to military families.

The credit cannot be used for:

• Down payments
• Non-loan related expenses
• Cash back at closing

The credit can be used for:

• Closing fees and costs
• Interest rate buy-downs
• Real estate agent fees
• Debt payoff to improve loan qualification

Beyond Individual Transactions: Mission 2026

This isn't just about individual deals. Through Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Acts of Gratitude), Hometown Hero Credit has already distributed over $1,000,000 to military families nationwide. Our mission for 2026? Double that to $2,000,000.

As a real estate agent, you're not just earning commissions – you're part of a national movement showing military families that their service matters beyond a simple "thank you."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this affect my MRP certification requirements?
A: No. Your existing Military Relocation Professional credentials remain valuable. Hometown Hero Credit simply adds another benefit layer for your military clients.

Q: Can I use this with other military real estate programs?
A: Yes. The Hometown Hero Credit stacks with other legitimate programs, potentially increasing your client's total benefits.

Q: What if my client doesn't qualify for the full $21,000?
A: The credit scales with loan amount. Even smaller loans often qualify for substantial savings.

Q: How quickly can clients access these funds?
A: Credits are applied at closing, making the process seamless for both you and your clients.

Start 2026 Strong

This New Year represents a fresh opportunity to revolutionize how you serve military clients. While other agents compete on traditional benefits, you'll stand out by offering tangible, immediate value that changes lives.

The military families in your market deserve agents who understand their unique needs and can deliver real solutions. With Hometown Hero Credit, you become that agent – without sacrificing your commission or jumping through complicated program hoops.

Ready to make 2026 your most successful year while serving those who served? The path forward is simple: connect with Hometown Hero Credit today and start offering military families the $21,000 benefit they deserve.

Remember, this isn't just business – it's mission. Every family you help through this program receives life-changing assistance while you build a sustainable, profitable business serving those who sacrificed for our freedom.

The best part? You're not starting this journey alone. You're joining a nationwide network of agents, lenders, and military advocates committed to turning gratitude into action, one family at a time.

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Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Phone: (760) 456-8748
Website: www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

As we stand on the threshold of 2026, with confetti waiting to fall and resolutions being written, I want to challenge every single person reading this to make this year different. Not just for yourself, but for the military families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Here's the truth: saying "thank you for your service" isn't enough anymore. It never really was.

We've Made a Difference, But It's Just the Beginning

Over the past few years, through Operation TAG, Hometown Hero Credit, and Red, White & Secure Reverse Mortgage, we've given away over $1,000,000 to military families across the country. That's right: one million dollars in real, tangible support that has helped veterans, active-duty service members, and their families achieve homeownership, reduce debt, and build financial stability.

But here's what keeps me up at night: there are still hundreds of thousands of military families struggling with housing costs, unable to qualify for loans, or simply unaware of the benefits they've earned through their service. Our Hometown Hero Credit: a 2% credit up to $21,000 that can be applied to closing costs, interest rate buydowns, or real estate agent fees: has helped countless families, but we're just scratching the surface.

That's why I'm announcing our Mission 2026 goal: $2,000,000 in direct support to military families. We're doubling down, and we need your help to get there.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Gratitude

Walk into any restaurant, grocery store, or public space, and you'll hear it: "Thank you for your service." It's become as automatic as saying "Have a nice day" to the cashier. We say it, feel good about ourselves for a moment, and move on with our lives.

Meanwhile, that veteran you just thanked might be struggling to afford rent, dealing with PTSD alone, or watching their family stress about money while they transition back to civilian life.

Don't get me wrong: words of gratitude matter. But they're not enough. Not when 22 veterans take their own lives every day. Not when military families face housing instability at higher rates than civilian families. Not when someone who served our country has to choose between groceries and medication.

It's time we all stepped up. Not just companies like ours, not just veteran organizations, but everyone. Whether you're a butcher, baker, candlestick maker, teacher, mechanic, or CEO: 2026 is your year to make a real difference.

Introducing T.A.G. Tuesday: A National Movement

You know about R.E.D. Friday: Remember Everyone Deployed. It's a beautiful tradition that keeps our deployed service members in our thoughts. Now, we're starting something new: T.A.G. Tuesday.

Every Tuesday, we're challenging Americans to give a military family member a Tangible Act of Gratitude. Not just words, but actions. Real, meaningful gestures that make a difference in someone's day, week, or life.

Here's how simple it can be:

Buy a veteran lunch. See someone in military attire at a restaurant? Pick up their tab. It doesn't have to be expensive: even a coffee and sandwich shows you care.

Bring treats to your local recruiting station. Those young men and women working to serve our country would love some homemade cookies or donuts. It's a small gesture that says "we see you."

Visit residents at a VA hospital. Spend an hour playing cards, listening to stories, or just being present. Many of these heroes have few visitors, and your time could be the highlight of their week.

Help with yard work. Know a military family in your neighborhood? Offer to mow their lawn, shovel snow, or help with home repairs.

Donate to organizations that directly support military families. Whether it's our Hometown Hero Credit program or other reputable nonprofits, your dollars go directly to those who need it most.

Mentor a transitioning veteran. If you're in business, offer job advice, networking opportunities, or simply guidance on civilian career paths.

Every Profession Has a Role to Play

This isn't just about individuals: it's about entire communities stepping up. Here's how different professions can make T.A.G. Tuesday meaningful:

Restaurant owners: Offer military discounts every Tuesday, or better yet, provide free meals for veterans in need.

Hair stylists and barbers: Free haircuts for job-seeking veterans or military spouses.

Mechanics: Discounted or free car maintenance for military families: reliable transportation is crucial for employment.

Real estate agents: Partner with programs like Hometown Hero Credit to ensure military families get every benefit they deserve when buying homes.

Financial advisors: Offer free financial planning sessions to help military families manage their unique benefits and challenges.

Small business owners: Hire veterans, offer internships, or provide job training opportunities.

The beauty of T.A.G. Tuesday is its simplicity. You don't need to completely restructure your life or business. You just need to commit one Tuesday at a time to making a tangible difference.

Making 2026 the Year of Action

President Trump recently announced the $1,776 "Warrior Dividend" bonus for military service members: a fitting tribute to our nation's founding and a recognition that our service members deserve more than just words. It's a powerful reminder that when we decide to act, we can make real change happen.

This is the energy we need to carry into 2026. The Warrior Dividend was a beautiful gesture, but imagine if every American committed to their own version of tangible gratitude every single week.

Our goal isn't just to hit $2 million in direct support through our programs: though we're absolutely committed to that milestone. Our real goal is to change the culture of how America supports its military families. We want to move from passive appreciation to active support.

The Ripple Effect of Gratitude

When you participate in T.A.G. Tuesday, something beautiful happens. That veteran you bought lunch for tells their family about the kindness of a stranger. That military spouse you helped with groceries feels seen and valued. That Gold Star family you supported feels less alone in their grief.

But it doesn't stop there. Your actions inspire others. Your kids see you living your values. Your friends start participating. Your community becomes stronger, more connected, more grateful.

This is how movements start: not with grand gestures from big organizations, but with ordinary people deciding to do something extraordinary every Tuesday.

Your Mission Starts Now

As we prepare to welcome 2026, I'm asking you to make a commitment. Not a typical New Year's resolution that you'll forget by February, but a genuine pledge to honor those who have served our country with more than words.

Commit to T.A.G. Tuesday. Find your own way to show tangible gratitude every week. Share your acts of gratitude on social media with #TAGTuesday so we can inspire others to join the movement.

If you're a military family reading this, know that you are seen, valued, and deserving of support. Don't hesitate to reach out about our Hometown Hero Credit program: it's designed specifically to help you achieve homeownership with a 2% credit up to $21,000 that can be applied to closing costs, interest rate buydowns, or real estate agent fees.

This is our mission for 2026: to create a nation where gratitude isn't just spoken but lived, where military families feel supported every single day, and where saying "thank you for your service" is just the beginning of how we honor those who have served.

The countdown to midnight is almost over. The question is: what are you going to do with the 365 Tuesdays you've been given in 2026?

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Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Phone: (760) 456-8748
Website: www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

Before Christmas morning, something remarkable happened. Nearly 1.5 million U.S. military service members received an unexpected gift in their bank accounts: a one-time $1,776 "Warrior Dividend" bonus, paid as a housing allowance supplement in honor of our nation's 1776 founding.

President Trump's announcement of this program sent a clear message to our military families: You matter. Your service matters. And this nation sees you.

But here's the thing: while this bonus was absolutely deserved and deeply appreciated, it also highlights something bigger. Something that demands our attention as a country, as real estate professionals, and as Americans who claim to support our troops.

Our service members deserve this bonus and so much more.

What the Warrior Dividend Means

The $1,776 payment wasn't just a number pulled from thin air. It was deliberately chosen to honor the year our country was founded: the same country these men and women have sworn to defend. For eligible active-duty service members in pay grades O-6 and below, plus Reserve members on active-duty orders of at least 31 days, this bonus provided some much-needed financial breathing room during the holiday season.

The funding came from existing Pentagon appropriations: specifically from a $2.9 billion Congressional allocation for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) supplements. It was processed separately from regular payroll, required no action from service members, and arrived tax-free in their accounts.

Think about that for a moment. Nearly 1.5 million military families received this bonus, and it barely made a dent in the housing crisis they face every single day.

The Housing Reality Our Military Faces

Here's what $1,776 gets you in today's housing market: maybe a month's rent in some areas, a small dent in closing costs, or a few mortgage payments. Don't get me wrong: every dollar helps, and this bonus provided real relief for military families during an expensive holiday season.

But let's be honest about the bigger picture.

Military families face unique housing challenges that a one-time bonus can't solve:

Frequent relocations that make building equity nearly impossible. VA loan limitations that many don't fully understand. Deployment income gaps that affect loan qualification. Limited inventory in areas near military bases, driving up prices.

The average military family moves every 2-3 years. They're building someone else's equity while struggling to build their own. They're paying rent in markets inflated by base housing shortages, watching their civilian neighbors accumulate wealth through homeownership while they're stuck in the rental cycle.

That's where the real challenge lies.

Beyond Thank You: The Challenge We Face

The Warrior Dividend represents something beautiful: national recognition and gratitude. But it also represents a challenge to all of us who claim to support our military families.

If we can find $2.6 billion for a one-time bonus (which, again, was absolutely deserved), what can we do for long-term solutions? If we can process payments to 1.5 million service members in a matter of weeks, what systems can we build to help them achieve sustainable homeownership?

The challenge isn't just for policymakers. It's for real estate agents, lenders, and housing advocates. It's for communities near military bases. It's for all of us.

Our service members don't just need thank-you bonuses: they need pathways to financial stability and homeownership that work with their unique circumstances.

Real Solutions for Real Challenges

This is where mission-driven action comes in. While the Warrior Dividend provided immediate relief, sustainable programs provide lasting impact.

The Hometown Hero Credit, a non-profit program, offers military families, veterans, and Gold Star families a 2% credit up to $21,000 on their home purchase or refinance. This credit can be applied to pay closing fees, buy down the interest rate, pay real estate agent fees, or in some cases, pay down debt to help with VA loan qualification.

Here's the key difference: this isn't a one-time bonus. It's a tool that helps military families build wealth through homeownership. The 2% credit is calculated on the loan amount (not the sales price), and since VA loans generally don't require a down payment, this credit directly addresses the barriers military families face most.

Think about the math. On a $350,000 VA loan, that's $7,000 in direct assistance. On a $500,000 loan, it's $10,000. These aren't token amounts: they're game-changing resources that can make the difference between renting for life and building generational wealth.

Operation T.A.G.: Turning Gratitude into Action

The Warrior Dividend was a beautiful gesture. But Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude) represents something different: a systematic approach to supporting military families through one of the most important financial decisions they'll ever make.

Operation T.A.G. isn't about temporary relief. It's about permanent change. It's about creating systems that work for military families, whether they're first-time buyers struggling with closing costs or experienced service members looking to refinance and build equity.

Every real estate agent who partners with Operation T.A.G. becomes part of something bigger than a transaction. They become part of a mission to ensure military families have the same opportunities to build wealth through homeownership as their civilian counterparts.

The Call to Action

The $1,776 Warrior Dividend has been paid. Military families have received their bonuses, and hopefully, they've been able to enjoy the holidays with a little less financial stress.

But what happens next?

This is where you come in: whether you're a real estate agent, lender, or simply someone who wants to support military families beyond posting "thank you for your service" on social media.

For Real Estate Agents: Learn about the resources available to military families. Understand how VA loans work, what the Hometown Hero Credit provides, and how you can become a true advocate for service members in your market. Don't just thank them: serve them with the expertise and tools they deserve.

For Military Families: Don't let the Warrior Dividend be the end of your financial empowerment story. Research your homeownership options. Understand your VA loan benefits. Explore programs like the Hometown Hero Credit that can help you transition from renter to owner.

For Everyone: Support organizations that provide ongoing assistance rather than just one-time bonuses. Advocate for policies that address systemic housing challenges facing military families.

The Bigger Picture

The Warrior Dividend represented national gratitude: and our military families deserved every penny. But it also highlighted the gap between gratitude and action, between saying "thank you" and creating lasting change.

1.5 million military families received $1,776 each. That's meaningful, immediate relief. But imagine if those same 1.5 million families had access to sustainable homeownership programs, financial education resources, and community support systems designed specifically for their unique challenges.

That's not a pipe dream. That's what mission-driven organizations like Operation T.A.G. are building every single day.

The Warrior Dividend was a thank you. Now it's time for the challenge: the challenge to turn that gratitude into systematic, lasting support for the families who serve our country.

Our service members don't need our pity. They don't need token gestures. They need tools, resources, and advocates who understand their unique circumstances and work to level the playing field.

The $1,776 Warrior Dividend was a beautiful start. But it's just that; a start.

The real work begins now.

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Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit, a program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), and 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Phone: (760) 456-8748
Website: www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

As a real estate agent, you've probably said "thank you for your service" more times than you can count. And while those words come from the heart, military families hear them everywhere: at restaurants, stores, airports. What they rarely encounter is someone who transforms that gratitude into something tangible, something that actually moves the needle in their lives.

If you're serious about building a practice that truly serves military families while setting yourself apart in a crowded market, it's time to go beyond words. Here's how to turn your appreciation into action and build a legacy worth talking about.

Why "Thank You" Isn't Enough

Military families face unique challenges in real estate that most agents simply don't understand. PCS moves happen on short notice. Deployments complicate timing. VA loans require specialized knowledge. And despite their service, these families often struggle with the same financial pressures as everyone else: sometimes more so.

When you say "thank you for your service" and then hand them a standard buyer's packet, you're missing the point entirely. Military families don't need your sympathy; they need your expertise, your flexibility, and most importantly, your commitment to making their homeownership journey easier, not harder.

The Game-Changer: Operation T.A.G. and the Hometown Hero Credit

This is where Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude) changes everything. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF, Operation T.A.G. created the Hometown Hero Credit: a 2% credit up to $21,000 that military families can use when buying or refinancing a home.

This isn't a marketing gimmick. It's real money that can be applied to:

• Closing fees
• Buying down interest rates
• Paying real estate agent fees
• Paying down debt to help with VA loan qualification

The credit is calculated on the loan amount (not the sales price), and since VA loans generally don't require a down payment anyway, this benefit hits where military families actually need help: covering the costs that come with homeownership.

Mastering Military-Specific Real Estate

To effectively serve military families, you need to understand their world:

PCS Timing is Everything
When a service member gets PCS orders, the clock starts ticking. Unlike civilian relocations that happen over months, military moves often compress into weeks. You need systems that accommodate tight timelines, remote transactions, and sudden changes.

VA Loan Expertise is Non-Negotiable
If you don't understand VA loans inside and out, you're doing military families a disservice. These loans have specific requirements, benefits, and limitations that affect everything from property selection to closing procedures.

Deployment-Friendly Processes
When one spouse is deployed, you're often working with a family managing major decisions across time zones and irregular schedules. Your communication systems and flexibility become critical success factors.

Building Your Military-Focused Practice

Develop Strategic Partnerships
Work with lenders, title companies, and home inspectors who understand military needs. When you can guarantee your military clients will work with professionals who "get it," you eliminate friction from an already stressful process.

Learn the Landscape
Military families care about proximity to bases, quality of schools for military children, and communities that understand military life. Become the agent who knows which neighborhoods have the best support networks and which areas military families should avoid.

Embrace Technology
Virtual tours, digital signatures, and video conferencing aren't nice-to-haves: they're essential tools for serving clients who might be buying from across the country or while deployed overseas.

The Hometown Hero Credit Difference

When you partner with Hometown Hero Credit, you're not just offering another service: you're providing something that changes the entire equation for military families. That 2% credit up to $21,000 can mean the difference between struggling to cover closing costs and walking into homeownership with confidence.

Here's what sets this apart: it's not a loan. It's not a grant with strings attached. It's a straightforward credit from a non-profit organization dedicated to turning gratitude into action.

Beyond the Transaction: Building Lasting Relationships

Military families move frequently, which means they need agents they can trust in multiple markets. When you serve a military family well, you're not just earning one transaction: you're building a relationship that can span decades and multiple duty stations.

The key is consistency in your commitment. Whether they're buying their first home near their initial duty station or their retirement home after 20 years of service, they should know they can count on you for the same level of dedicated service.

The Legacy Factor

Every military family you help with the Hometown Hero Credit becomes part of something bigger. Since the program's inception, Hometown Hero Credit has provided over $1,000,000 in benefits to military families nationwide. With 86 loan officers and 95 real estate agents already partnering with the program in 2025, the goal for 2026 is to have 150 loan officers and 200 agents honoring military families across the country.

The program is also expanding into 100 Veteran Student Service offices nationwide, creating even more touchpoints to serve those who've served us.

Taking Action: How to Get Involved

Joining the Hometown Hero Credit network means more than adding another tool to your toolkit. It means committing to a different way of doing business: one where gratitude becomes action and service becomes legacy.

The mechanics are straightforward: when you work with qualifying military families, the Hometown Hero Credit provides that 2% credit up to $21,000. Your role is to guide families through the process, coordinate with program partners, and ensure they understand how to maximize this benefit.

This isn't about changing your entire business model. It's about enhancing what you already do with a benefit that genuinely makes a difference in military families' lives.

The Competitive Advantage

In a market where agents often compete on commission rates and promises, offering the Hometown Hero Credit gives you something concrete to discuss. Instead of just talking about your service and expertise, you can point to real dollars that directly benefit your military clients.

This positions you not just as another agent grateful for military service, but as someone who's found a way to translate that gratitude into measurable value. That's a conversation starter that leads to lasting relationships.

Moving Forward

Military families don't need another agent who says thank you. They need an agent who understands their unique challenges, respects their timeline constraints, and offers tangible benefits that make homeownership more achievable.

The Hometown Hero Credit gives you the tools to be that agent. Operation T.A.G. provides the framework to turn your gratitude into action. The question is whether you're ready to move beyond words and build a practice that truly honors military families through tangible service.

When you can tell a military family that their service has earned them up to $21,000 toward their home purchase: and then help make that happen: you're no longer just saying thank you. You're showing it.

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Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Phone: (760) 456-8748
Website: www.OperationTAG.org / www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Blog: www.HometownHeroCredit.blog

As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to 2026, it's time to reflect on what we've accomplished together and share our ambitious vision for the year ahead. The Hometown Hero Credit, our non-profit program under Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), has reached incredible milestones that wouldn't have been possible without our dedicated network of loan officers, real estate agents, and the military families we're honored to serve.

A Million Dollars in Real Impact

Since our inception, the Hometown Hero Credit has delivered over $1,000,000 in direct assistance to military families across the United States. This isn't marketing fluff or theoretical savings – it's real money that has gone directly toward helping our nation's heroes and their families achieve homeownership.

Our 2% credit up to $21,000 has made the difference for countless military families, whether they're first-time homebuyers or looking to refinance their existing homes. This credit can be applied to pay closing fees, buy down the interest rate, pay real estate agent fees, or in some cases, pay down debt to help with VA loan qualification. It's important to note that the credit is calculated on the loan amount, not the sales price, and since VA loans generally don't require a down payment, our families can put this benefit exactly where they need it most.

Building a National Network of Heroes

Throughout 2025, we've been incredibly grateful to partner with 86 loan officers and 95 real estate agents who share our mission of honoring military families. These aren't just business partnerships – they're relationships built on shared values and a common commitment to serving those who have served us.

Every loan officer and real estate agent in our network understands that working with military families isn't just about closing deals. It's about recognizing the sacrifices these families have made and ensuring they receive the respect, support, and financial benefits they've earned through their service.

Our partners have become advocates for military families in their communities, spreading awareness about the Hometown Hero Credit and ensuring that eligible families know about this benefit. When a veteran walks into their office or contacts them about buying a home, our partners make sure they understand exactly how the 2% credit up to $21,000 can help make their homeownership dreams more affordable.

Major Milestones: PRMG Partnership and Nonprofit Status

Two major achievements have defined 2025 for us. First, we're incredibly proud of our milestone partnership with PRMG (Primary Residential Mortgage Group). This collaboration has expanded our reach and strengthened our ability to serve military families nationwide. Working with PRMG has allowed us to tap into their extensive network and expertise while maintaining our core mission of providing tangible acts of gratitude to those who have served.

Second, we've officially secured our nonprofit status, which represents more than just a legal designation – it's a formal recognition of our commitment to service over profit. This status reinforces what we've always believed: that supporting military families isn't about making money; it's about making a difference.

Our nonprofit status also opens new doors for partnerships, grants, and initiatives that will allow us to expand our impact even further. It validates our approach and mission while providing additional accountability and transparency in how we operate.

Looking Forward: Ambitious Goals for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, we're setting ambitious but achievable goals that will significantly expand our nationwide impact. Our target is to grow our network to 150 loan officers and 200 real estate agents across the country. This represents roughly a 75% increase in loan officers and more than double our current number of real estate agent partners.

This expansion isn't just about numbers – it's about ensuring that military families in every state have access to professionals who understand their unique needs and the benefits available to them. We want to create a situation where any military family looking to buy or refinance a home can easily find a qualified professional in their area who is part of our network and committed to maximizing their benefits.

We're also bringing our mission to campus communities. By the end of 2026, our goal is to have the non-profit Hometown Hero Credit available in 100 Veteran Student Service offices across the country – meeting service members, and veteran families where they study, work, and plan their futures. This means on-campus access to our 2% credit up to $21,000 – calculated on the loan amount – to help with closing fees, interest rate buydowns, real estate agent fees, or, in some cases, debt paydown for VA loan qualification. Simple, tangible gratitude, delivered right where it's needed most.

The growth we're planning will require careful vetting and training of new partners. We're not interested in quantity over quality. Every loan officer and real estate agent we bring into our network must demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving military families and a thorough understanding of how the Hometown Hero Credit works.

The Ripple Effect of Gratitude

What excites us most about our growth plans isn't just the direct impact on military families, but the ripple effect it creates. When we help a military family secure homeownership with thousands of dollars in savings, that family becomes more financially stable, which benefits their children, their community, and the local economy.

Every home purchase supported by the Hometown Hero Credit represents a family putting down roots, contributing to their local community, and building wealth for future generations. These aren't just transactions – they're investments in the fabric of communities across America.

Our loan officers and real estate agents often tell us that working with military families through our program has been some of the most rewarding work of their careers. There's something special about being able to offer genuine value and savings to families who have given so much to our country.

Strengthening Our Foundation

As we prepare for this significant expansion in 2026, we're also focusing on strengthening our operational foundation. This means improving our training programs, streamlining our processes, and ensuring that every partner in our network has the tools and knowledge they need to serve military families effectively.

We're investing in technology that will make it easier for military families to connect with our partners and access their benefits. We're also developing new educational resources that will help families understand not just the Hometown Hero Credit, but all the benefits available to them as military service members, veterans, or Gold Star families.

A Community Built on Service

One of the things we're most proud of is the community we've built around the Hometown Hero Credit. Our loan officers and real estate agents regularly share success stories, best practices, and referrals with each other. They understand that we're all working toward the same goal: ensuring that military families receive the recognition and support they deserve.

This collaborative spirit has been crucial to our success in 2025 and will be even more important as we grow in 2026. We're not just building a network of professionals – we're building a community of advocates who are passionate about serving military families.

The Road Ahead

As we enter 2026, we're energized by the opportunities ahead and grateful for everything we've accomplished together. The million dollars we've delivered to military families is just the beginning. With our expanded network of 150 loan officers and 200 real estate agents, we'll be positioned to help even more families access the benefits they've earned through their service.

We're committed to maintaining the high standards of service and genuine gratitude that have defined our program from the beginning. Every military family deserves to be treated with respect, appreciation, and professional expertise when they're making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.

The Hometown Hero Credit will continue to provide that crucial 2% credit up to $21,000, calculated on the loan amount, to help with closing costs, interest rate buydowns, agent fees, and debt paydown for VA loan qualification. And with our growing network of dedicated professionals, more families than ever will have access to this benefit.

Thank you to every loan officer, real estate agent, and military family who has been part of our journey in 2025. Here's to an even more impactful 2026.

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Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

📞 (760) 456-8748
🌐 www.OperationTAG.org / www.HometownHeroCredit.com
📖 www.HometownHeroCredit.blog