Recently, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Bobby Hicks returned home to Virginia. After fighting in two major wars, life was supposed to be easy for Hicks and his family of Caps fans. Instead, he was diagnosed with Leukemia and faces an uncertain future. On top of that, his HVAC and water heater gave out (same thing happened to me last year and it’s the worst) just as winter began. The family reached out to the Michael & Son Cares Program.

And that’s where this sad story gets a get a little bit sunnier.

“When the Hick’s family’s story was brought to my attention, I knew we had to help,” said Basim Mansour, proud son and owner of Michael & Son Services. “Here’s a guy who gave so much for his country and asked so little in return; I not only wanted to help them with their home repairs, I wanted to do something really special for Bobby.”

Initially, Mansour wanted to bring Hicks and his family to a Capitals game for a special surprise. Instead, with Hicks unable to leave the hospital due to his intensive treatment, Mansour brought the Capitals to him.

Our team is just like that.

“So I knew you were a hockey fan, and I knew you’d like Mike Green,” Mansour says coyly, as he enters Hicks’ hospital room. “So I went and got you a Mike Green shirt. And it’s signed by him.”

Mansour looks down. There’s no signature.

“Oh, it’s not signed? God.”

And that’s when perfect human being and Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green strolls into the room.

“How are ya?” Green asks smiling.

“Awesome now!” replies an excited Hicks.

Taking time out of his busy schedule, Green signed Hicks’ jersey, hung out at the hospital, and gave him a signed pair of skates.

It was a moment Bobby and his family won’t soon forget. And now one we won’t soon forget either.