A Monroe veteran got a special surprise today for his 86th birthday.

John Gore, who is a huge fan of News 12 reporter Blaise Gomez, got a huge smile today when Gomez showed up at his birthday party.

Gore’s friends asked Gomez to pay him a visit at McDonald's on Route 17M in Monroe where he was celebrating with loved ones.

They say he visits the fast food chain every day after going to Mass, and they thought the visit would make his day. "I was very surprised to see you today! And you're more beautiful in real life than on television,” said Gore when Gomez sat down to talk with him.