Beyoncé and Jay Z Surprise Deployed US Troops on NYE: ‘We All Sleep Better at Night Knowing That You Guys Are Protecting Us’

Hip hop power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z took time over the holidays to give U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait a memorable New Year’s Eve.

The pair surprised thousands of service men and women with a screening of their HBO special On the Run, along with a heartfelt message from Beyoncé herself.

“I just want to say a big thank you for everything you do to keep our country safe,” she said in a video message. “We all sleep better at night knowing that you guys are protecting us, and we are filled with gratitude. So we wanted to do something special for you guys.”

The crowd cheered as Beyoncé’s face filled the big screen. She then finished her message.

Although the troops were unable to spend the holiday season with their loved ones back home, they appreciated the entertainment and special recognition as they stood the watch.

“Watching the On the Run concert made me forget I was in Afghanistan for the holidays … thank you,” SSGT Ferguson, who is stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, said in a USO press release.

The Grammy winner also paid tribute to the troops on her website during the holiday season, which read:

Happy Holidays to our troops serving overseas and their families. We appreciate you.

Watch: Jay Z and Beyoncé Surprise U.S. Troops on New Year’s Eve