A Detroit mother was overcome with tears after her son returned from US Army service abroad and surprised her in front of thousands at an NBA game . Denise Edwards was sitting courtside to see the Detroit Pistons play the Chicago Bulls when her son Damon Bledsoe , came back from a year 's service in South Korea to give her a hug . Singing legend Gloria Gaynor , who performed her hit song I Will Survive at the game , acknowledged Ms Edwards before saying that the team 's Hoops for Troops initiative had a surprise for her . Her son appeared as fans at The Palace erupted in cheers for the serviceman carrying flowers to give his mother , who struggled to speak as they embraced during the reunion . Private First Class Bledsoe , 19 , had written to the Pistons explaining all of the sacrifices his mother has made for him before he came home on leave . The Pistons beat the Bulls 107-91 on Saturday night . Denise Edwards ( center ) began crying as she hugged her son Damon , who has been serving with the Army in South Korea for the last year . Private First Class Bledsoe ( left ) was escorted by the Detroit Pistons ' center Andre Drummond to surprise his mother with flowers . Ms Edwards had been given courtside seats to see the Pistons and Gloria Gaynor ( standing ) without realizing that her son had come home on leave . The loving mother was recognized for her son 's service before Ms Gaynor said that she had a surprise coming . She had difficulty speaking when she was overcome with emotion at her son 's return from duty . Pvt Bledsoe ( seen with family and Ms Gaynor , second from left ) wrote to the Pistons explaining the sacrifices that his mother makes with him away . The NBA 's Hoops for Troops program also sends basketball players for refurbishment and service projects with veterans . The young solider had been gone for a year before returning home for the surprise at Saturday night 's game . Pvt Bledsoe 's hometown Detroit Pistons won his homecoming game against the Chicago Bulls 107 to 91 .
Denise Edwards was given tickets to see Gloria Gaynor on Saturday night . Her son , Damon Bledsoe , 19 , surprised her with flowers during halftime . Private First Class had been stationed in South Korea for a year . Soldier had written to Pistons about the sacrifices his mother has made .