Every time veterans Dan Stewart and Mike Duncan get together, something unexpected could happen.

When the two met on Tuesday at Perkins in Austin, it was just for lunch, Stewart had thought. Of course, Duncan had something up his sleeve again: the Gold Medallion from Tee It Up for the Troops.

Stewart, of Austin, served three tours in Iraq and suffered a brain injury in 2005 when an improvised explosive device blew up along a roadway near his Humvee.

Duncan, from Red Wing, had been speaking with Tee It Up for the Troops Founder James Ball about the award, and couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Stewart. Tee It Up for the Troops is a nonprofit organization that recognizes soldiers’ efforts through charitable golf tournaments, other events and awards. The Gold Medallion was created for those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, such as making huge sacrifices, as Stewart has.

“I knew of what Dan had done and the service of his to this country, so I wanted to honor an outstanding military person that makes us old veterans proud to be veterans, but also proud to be an American,” Duncan said.

Stewart’s left arm was partially paralyzed from a stroke he suffered during his recovery. Several years ago, he met Duncan. Stewart uses Duncan’s Lend-A-Hand device — a sleeve for a handle that attaches to his arm — to do certain tasks such as pulling weeds from St. Edward’s Church, along with raking and shoveling snow and dirt.

“Mike has actually done quite a lot for me over the years of our friendship,” Stewart said on Tuesday.

Stewart, a little surprised at the situation, stood up, proudly shook Duncan’s hand and examined the fully colored medallion, with all branches of service engraved on it.

“You make me proud to be a veteran,” Duncan told Stewart. “and proud to be a friend.”

Then, after the heartfelt gift and emotional moment, it was just two veterans having lunch.