Here’s one of those uplifting stories we caught wind of thanks to Veterans United.

During a recent stop on his What the Hell World Tour at the Veterans United Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Dierks Bentley took time to meet with U.S Army Sgt. Legrand Strickland and his wife, Carrie. The weekend event was hosted by Veterans United Home Loans and the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, which will provide Sgt. Strickland with a mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes customized specifically to meet his needs.

Sgt. Strickland was returning from a mission in Zabul, Afghanistan, in 2010 when he was struck by an IED. He was severely injured and lost both legs above the knee, sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, shattered his jaw and suffered lacerations to his kidneys and liver. Sgt. Strickland and his wife have two sons and plan to build their new home in St. Louis.

In addition to the meet-and-greet with Sgt. Strickland, Dierks autographed a Fender acoustic guitar that will be part of an auction this fall to raise money for the R.I.S.E. program. Last year, more than $44,000 was raised during the auction that featured signed guitars by Kenny Chesney, Gwen Stefani, Dierks and more.

“I’m extremely patriotic,” said Dierks earlier this year. “I love this country, and I love the history of this country. I read books on this country. I spend my time on the road traveling physically throughout the country. The soldiers and their families are constantly on my mind. We think about this stuff all the time.”