Richard Jones is no stranger to a military setting; after all, the professional magician is also a lance corporal in the British Army. But Jones recently blended his two worlds, spending two weeks performing for troops stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. For an Army man, the experience was both moving and meaningful.

“My shows in Afghanistan are probably the most rewarding of my career,” Jones told the Daily Star. “There’s still so much happening out there but people don’t realise because it no longer makes the news back home. I’m not going to lie, it was scary and you were aware of the danger. But the reaction we got made it all worthwhile.”

In order to visit Kabul, the Britain’s Got Talent winner had to do refresher training on the chance that he would be called on to assist in an attack. Multiple terror attacks happened in the Afghan capital during his trip.

“It made me realise just how hard it is for the families back home. It’s probably worse than for those risking their lives out there.”