A group of 400 U.S. servicemen stationed in Ireland received an unexpected surprise while eating lunch at an airport.

Los Angeles-based philanthropist Shlomo Rechnitz was on his way to Israel with his family when he spotted the servicemen eating standard bagged lunches, while other passengers ate at trendy restaurants. Rechnitz went straight to the commander, insisting he pay for all the servicemen to get lunch wherever they wanted.

The commander asked why.

In a video captured of the event, Rechnitz explained exactly what prompted his generosity.

“The reason is that … you guys risk your lives to protect me and my family,” Rechnitz tells the crowd of servicemembers. “If I get to go out and see a whole bunch of Army soldiers and Marines. That’s something that makes me proud. I’m on my way to Israel actually now. I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“I’ll take it off my taxes, don’t worry,” he added.

The servicemen applauded.

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