Watching Toby Keith Reunite a Returning Soldier With His Wife Is Something Straight Out of a Move

Country legend Toby Keith was always outspoken about his support for the United States armed forces. Songs like “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” made that clear. However, he didn’t just sing about his support. He also went out of his way to show his gratitude. For instance, the Oklahoma native took multiple trips to the Middle East to entertain the troops stationed there. During one concert, he also helped reunite a soldier with his wife.

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On September 8, 2012, Keith was performing a concert in Houston, Texas. Before the show, he learned that Major Peter Cruz was coming home after a tour in Afghanistan. Major Cruz’s wife was at the Houston show and had no idea her husband was coming home. So, Keith and his crew helped reunite the happy couple in front of a massive crowd. Watch the series of unforgettable moments unfold below.

First, Toby Keith called Mrs. Cruz to the stage to sing “American Soldier” with him. “Let’s do this song for Major Pete Cruz,” he told the crowd. “I do this song for my father every night. We’re going to do it for my father and your husband, Major Pete Cruz, tonight. Is that okay?” he said, addressing his special guest.

After finishing the song, Keith shared his gratitude with the troops and their families. Then, as they prepared to go into the next song, Major Cruz casually strolled onto the stage, wrapping his wife in a tight hug. The crowd went wild as the couple shared a kiss after months of separation.

Keith ended the show with the couple onstage beside him as he sang “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” giving Major Cruz a moment in the spotlight after months in the sand.

Moments Like This Inspired Toby Keith to Write “American Soldier”

Toby Keith wrote “American Soldier with Chuck Cannon and released it in 2003 as the second single from Shock’n Y’all. It spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

“It’s written for all the times that I get to meet the troops on these USO tours,” Keith said. “Since ‘Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,’ the P.O.W.s and the families and stuff that have come and brought me back my old CD covers and stuff they they had and shown how much support they had, and this is my support for the American fighting men and women.”