DENVER — An Army veteran and his wife received an unexpected surprise on Veteran's Day that, in turn, will allow them to help more of their loved ones.
On Thursday, Jacob and Marlisa Cline learned the 30-year mortgage on their recently purchased home had been paid off by their lender, Veterans United Home Loans.
The couple was flown out to Los Angeles last week under false pretenses by the lender group so they could receive the news from Jimmy Kimmel during a show taping.
"Veterans United has paid your loan off in full," Kimmel said to the couple shortly after inviting them onstage.
Over the past three years, the Clines had been staying with relatives while saving for a home of their own.
"We currently live with Jacob's parents and his brother, so there's five adults and our two kids here," Marlisa Cline said.
Jacob Cline was active duty in the Army for four years and served in the National Guard for two. He now works as nurse.
In late October, the family closed on a home in Aurora not expecting the surprise that would come a few weeks later.
"We can afford to help out our family. They've been taking care of us for such a long time. Just to be able to pay it forward to them is amazing," Marlisa Cline said.
Veterans United Home Loans plans to surprise a total of 11 families this year by paying off their mortgages.
"Don't lose hope," Jacob Cline said. "Because the world can surprise you."
