Before his What the Hell World Tour at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., on April 29, Dierks Bentley helped one soldier—Sgt. Steven Mendez—and his family create an unforgettable memory.

As the soldier’s two sons were taking pictures and chatting with Dierks backstage before the concert, Sgt. Mendez, who had been overseas for 10 months, casually walked into the photo opportunity. Sgt. Mendez’s sons were so stunned that it took them a few seconds to regain their composure and embrace their father.

“I can’t begin to imagine the sacrifice of being away from your family for sometimes years,” said Dierks. “I love the fact that country music fans hold our military and their families in such high regard and always jump at the chance to say thank you. It was a really cool moment in the show, and a really special thing for me to be part of.”

Later that evening during the concert, an emotional Dierks invited the Mendez family onstage while he performed “Home,” and he thanked Steven for his service as the crowd chanted “U.S.A.”

Watch the surprise reunion below.