Mystery woman behind $50 Costco gift cards reunites with grateful veteran

The kind-hearted mystery woman who surprised a pair of war veterans with $50 Costco gift cards after overhearing their conversation has stepped forward — and she comes from a military family of her own.

Erin Reiser, who lives in Sag Harbor, told the Riverhead News-Review that both of her grandfathers served in the Korean War, working in intelligence.

“I was just moved by the two gentlemen bonding over some horrific experiences,” she said. “Politics aside, I don’t feel that we do enough for our veterans. If they can get a meal because I had $100 to spare … I wish I had more money and covered their whole Costco order. I just think it’s a forgotten fraternity.”

One of the veterans was John Christina, the historian for Southold’s Griswold-Terry-Glover American Legion Post 803, who had been looking for the good Samaritan since their chance encounter Oct. 6.

He was left so stunned by her generosity that he never asked her name. Mr. Christina later told the Riverhead News-Review he wanted to find her to properly express his appreciation.

He also reached out to Costco management, providing the receipt from her gift card purchase and asking for help finding her. With Ms. Reiser’s approval, Costco shared her contact information with the News-Review.

Ms. Reiser initially hesitated about being publicly identified until discussing it with her husband. She ultimately hoped sharing her story might encourage others to do something for veterans.

She and Mr. Christina agreed to return to Costco, where they reunited Thursday, Nov. 5, just ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

“I didn’t do this just for myself; I did it for all vets,” Mr. Christina said of his search. “That’s what really hit home. We’re all the same, all went through the same thing — we have a bond.”

Mr. Christina had picked up a slice of pizza at the food court when he spotted another veteran wearing a military hat. They struck up a conversation and asked about each other’s years of service.

“Within 20 seconds, they were talking like they were best friends. It was a beautiful thing to see,” Ms. Reiser recalled. “I love when I see gentleman or ladies wearing a military hat. It’s a symbol, like when motorcyclists do the nod to each other – it’s the brotherhood that brings them all together.”

Her gesture at Costco was not the first time she had quietly picked up the tab for veterans. On a trip to Florida, she paid for several veterans’ meals at a restaurant, she said.

During their reunion interview, the conversation returned to Mr. Christina’s work as a company clerk. He had trained at Fort Ord, Calif., and handled paperwork in the office. The other veteran saw action in Vietnam.

“They’re the same. Just because the war stories are slightly different — you were in a war, fighting for our freedom — don’t downplay that, please,” Ms. Reiser told him.

The conversation also turned toward the lasting effects of military service and how veterans from different generations discuss their experiences.

Mr. Christina said he has post-traumatic stress disorder and sometimes wakes in the middle of the night with nightmares from the war. His dog, Lady, licks his face to wake him.

“PTSD is finally being accepted and this happens to our military when they come back,” Ms. Reiser said. “You wouldn’t wish what they see on anyone. At least this generation is talking about it more.”

Helping fellow veterans already occupies much of Mr. Christina’s time. He is involved with the Warrior Ranch Foundation and visits schools to teach children about the American flag and military service.

He said reaching younger generations matters, particularly as veterans organizations struggle to keep younger members involved. During a school visit last year, he found himself in a hallway as classes were being let out.

“I started chanting, ‘USA, USA,’” he recalled, and the children joined in. “You have to get the kids involved so they remember. When I get the letters from the grammar school … I don’t throw them away. I save them, and it means a lot.”

On Veterans Day, Mr. Christina will go to a school in Northport to speak to some children.

Before he and Ms. Reiser parted ways Thursday, Mr. Christina presented her with a gift of his own: a copy of his book, “Collection of Life Stories,” recounting his life and military service through stories and photographs.

With Veterans Day approaching, he hopes people remember how much a few words can mean to someone who served.

“If you went up to him and said, ‘Thank you for your service,’ it means a lot,” he said.