Learn About the Program
Discover how Hometown Hero Credit works and the assistance that may be available.
Hometown Hero Credit™
The Flagship Homeownership Program of Operation T.A.G.™
Homeownership Assistance for America’s Military Families
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star surviving spouses may receive a 2% credit of up to $21,000 toward eligible homeownership costs through Hometown Hero Credit™.
No Repayment • No Second Mortgage • No Rate Increase Because of the Credit
Learn How It Works →Connect With a Licensed Lending PartnerHometown Hero Credit Program 760-456-8748
Operation T.A.G. is not a lender. Mortgage loans, rates, terms, eligibility determinations and lending services are provided by appropriately licensed lending partners. Program restrictions apply.
501(c)(3) Non-Profit
More Than “Thank You for Your Service”
Gratitude Should Be Something We Do.
America’s military families have sacrificed in ways most of us will never fully understand. Operation T.A.G. was created around a simple belief: saying “Thank you for your service” matters—but gratitude should also result in meaningful action. Hometown Hero Credit™ turns that belief into tangible homeownership assistance for eligible military families.
2%
Credit toward eligible homeownership costs
Up to $21,000
In available assistance
$0 Repayment
The credit does not have to be repaid
No Second Mortgage
No additional lien created by the credit
How Hometown Hero Credit Works
A Tangible Benefit for Military Homebuyers
Hometown Hero Credit™ is designed to help reduce eligible homeownership costs for qualifying military families.
Connect With a Licensed Lending Partner
Operation T.A.G. does not originate loans or quote mortgage rates or terms. When you’re ready to explore your options, we’ll connect you with an appropriately licensed lending professional.
Your Lending Partner Reviews Your Options
The licensed lending professional handles mortgage eligibility, rates, terms, loan options and the application process.
Receive Your Hometown Hero Credit
Eligible borrowers may receive a 2% credit of up to $21,000 toward eligible homeownership costs.
Who We Serve
Built for Those Who Serve
Hometown Hero Credit™ is designed to serve eligible veterans with an honorable discharge, active-duty service members, reservists and qualifying Gold Star surviving spouses.
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Veterans
Veterans with an honorable discharge.
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Active-Duty Service Members
Those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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Reservists
Reserve and National Guard members.
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Gold Star Surviving Spouses
Qualifying Gold Star surviving spouses.
Eligibility requirements and program restrictions apply. A licensed lending professional can provide information about mortgage eligibility and available financing options.
A Separate California Benefit
California Veterans: Explore CalVet Home Loan Opportunities
Rates as low as 5.500% (5.875% APR)*
PRMG, a lending partner of Operation T.A.G., is an authorized CalVet lender. California veterans may have access to special home financing opportunities through the CalVet/VA Home Loan Program.
Operation T.A.G. does not provide mortgage rates or terms. Our role is to make veterans aware of programs and benefits that may be available and connect interested veterans with appropriately licensed lending professionals who can provide current information.
*Rate information updated October 2026. Rates shown are for illustrative purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and are not a commitment to lend. The sample rate shown for the CalVet/VA Home Loan Program assumes a $200,000 sales price, a 10% down payment, VA funding fee financed, one-year disaster insurance premium included, and a purchase or no-cash-out refinance of a primary residence in California. Available in California only and limited to available funds. Rates, terms, fees and program availability vary by borrower, property, loan type and county, and are subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. CalVet loan programs are administered by the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Operation T.A.G.™ is a nonprofit organization, not a lender. Mortgage rates, terms, eligibility, and lending services are provided by appropriately licensed lending partners. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Free Digital Copy
Get Mission Homeownership →Before You Buy a Home, Know What You’ve Earned.
Mission Homeownership is a comprehensive homeownership guide created specifically for military families. It helps veterans and service members better understand the VA home loan process, prepare for homeownership, ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
From Gratitude to Action
Who Is Behind Hometown Hero Credit?
Operation T.A.G.™ — Tangible Act of Gratitude — was founded by Brett Stacy and co-founded with his son, Scott Stacy, around one simple idea: Military families deserve more than “Thank you for your service.”
Through Hometown Hero Credit™ and its partnerships, Operation T.A.G. works to transform gratitude into meaningful assistance, education, advocacy and resources for America’s military families.
Our programs and partnerships have helped return more than $1.7 million in tangible financial assistance to military families.
Meet Operation T.A.G. →Questions, Answered Plainly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hometown Hero Credit?+
Hometown Hero Credit™ is a program designed to help eligible military families reduce eligible homeownership costs. Eligible borrowers may receive a credit equal to 2% of the loan amount, up to $21,000, subject to eligible costs, lending guidelines and program restrictions.
Who qualifies for Hometown Hero Credit?+
The program is designed for eligible veterans with an honorable discharge, active-duty service members, reservists and qualifying Gold Star surviving spouses. Applicants must also meet applicable mortgage and program requirements.
How much assistance is available?+
Eligible homebuyers may receive a credit equal to 2% of the loan amount, up to a maximum of $21,000. The amount depends on the loan, eligible expenses and applicable lending guidelines.
Does Hometown Hero Credit have to be repaid?+
No. Hometown Hero Credit is not a loan and does not require repayment. It is assistance provided through the lending partner and is not a cash payment to the homebuyer.
Is Hometown Hero Credit a second mortgage?+
No. The credit does not create a second mortgage, additional lien or separate monthly payment.
Will receiving the credit increase my interest rate?+
The credit itself does not increase a borrower’s interest rate. Mortgage rates, terms and loan options are determined by the appropriately licensed lending partner based on the borrower’s application and applicable guidelines.
Can Hometown Hero Credit be used with a VA loan?+
The credit may be available with a VA loan and other eligible loan types, subject to the lending partner’s requirements, eligible expenses and program availability. A licensed lending professional can explain current options.
Is Operation T.A.G. a lender?+
No. Operation T.A.G. is not a lender. It does not originate loans, quote mortgage rates or terms, or make mortgage eligibility determinations.
Who provides the mortgage?+
Mortgage loans and lending services are provided by appropriately licensed lending partners. The lending partner handles mortgage eligibility, rates, terms, loan options and the application process.
Is Hometown Hero Credit available nationwide?+
Program availability can vary by area, county, property, loan type and lending guidelines. Products are not available in all areas, so ask a licensed lending partner about current availability.
What is the CalVet Home Loan Program?+
CalVet is a California veterans home financing program administered by the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Operation T.A.G. provides information and guidance, and helps make veterans aware of possible options. We connect interested veterans with appropriately licensed, vetted & approved lending professionals. Operation T.A.G. does not provide CalVet rates or terms.
How do I get more information?+
Send a message through the contact page or call the Hometown Hero Credit Program at 760-456-8748 or the CalVet Program at 760-760-5040. Operation T.A.G. can share program information and connect interested families with an appropriately licensed lending partner.
Are there programs that help veterans with closing costs?+
Yes. Hometown Hero Credit™ provides eligible military families a 2% credit of up to $21,000 toward eligible homeownership costs.
What home-buying assistance is available to veterans?+
Veterans may have access to VA benefits, state programs, and programs like Hometown Hero Credit™, which can help reduce eligible homeownership costs.
Can military families receive help with homeownership costs?+
Yes. Eligible military families may receive a 2% credit of up to $21,000 through Hometown Hero Credit™. Program requirements and restrictions apply.