MOLINE, Illinois -
Jody Harriman can't believe his eyes inside the iWireless Center.
"I get choked up," he said. "They've meant so much to me."
The longtime Navy reservist and Davenport letter carrier, 48, is on a special mission Friday.
The legendary band, KISS, drafted him to be "Roadie for a Day" at their Moline concert.
"I feel like the luckiest guy in the world right now," he said.
And, he's one of the busiest, too.
The twice-deployed petty officer and lifelong KISS fan is helping to build their elaborate stage.
"Five or six individuals lifting just one section of the stage up there," he continued.
During each stop on its Freedom to Rock tour, KISS is honoring a veteran like Jody.
The band teamed up with Hiring Our Heroes and Vet Tix to recognize the military.
"To see a veteran being able to come out, help us, put in their effort because they put effort in overseas just means a lot to all of us," said Colton Norman, one of dozens on the KISS stage crew.
It's even more special hours before the show.
"KISS has always been a fan-friendly band," Jody said. "They care a lot about the fans."
Jody also gets to share the experience with his son, Nick, 25.
They'll get to meet the band and enjoy a private acoustic performance.
"I know it's a dream come true for him, and it is for me, too," Nick said.
They take part in stage work before the spectacle.
From top to bottom, they're setting up plenty of show-stoppers.
That includes flying, fire and fun.
"It looks like (Gene Simmons) is levitating to that platform up there," Jody said.
After helping to build the stage, Jody will spend time on it during a tribute Friday.
"If I don't drop dead before I get up there, it's going to be an amazing feeling," he said.
For this Davenport veteran, what a day with the KISS Army.
"We're never going to forget it," Jody concluded.