President Obama surprised troops in Afghanistan with a visit on Sunday, and he brought country superstar Brad Paisley along with him.

Paisley played for the troops, revealing his part in the surprise on Twitter:

“I’m here on a single mission,” the President said according to USA Today. “And that is to thank you for your extraordinary service.” American troops are preparing to pull out of the country by year’s end.

Paisley also met with soldiers and posed for at least one photo. Reaction to and pictures from his performance are beginning to show up on Twitter:

The ‘River Bank’ singer’s next scheduled show is May 30 in Maryland Heights, Mo. He’ll play the Taste of Country Music Festival on June 14 in Hunter, N.Y.

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