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380AEW Article

Disney awakens the force at an undisclosed location

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Frank W. Miller III
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
More than thirteen hundred Airmen, Soldiers, and coalition partners had their inner force awoken during a free screening of Disney’s new film, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 21, 2015.  

 

Ken Caldwell, Disney Senior Vice President and General Sales Manager Theatrical Sales and Distribution, North America, personally brought the movie which came as a welcomed surprise to many service members.

 

“Having the movie brought to us here by a Senior Vice President from Disney was an awesome experience I had not expected,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeffery, Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron production superintendent. “It was neat that he handed out as many coins as he did.”

 

Caldwell took time to hand out several collector’s edition military Star Wars coins to men and women in the audience who answered trivia questions ranging from “The initial battle scene in Episode V occurred on what planet?” to “What was the original title for the movie Star Wars?”

 

One winner took time to thank Caldwell for bringing the movie to the deployed location, stating he would now have one more thing to share with his young children the next time he talked to them.

 

“That is what these showings are all about,” said Caldwell. “To be able to give our service members a touch of home and lessen the distance that is between them and their loved ones.”

 

The 380th Force Support Squadron facilitated two showings of the movie to accommodate members on both night and day shifts so as many Airmen as possible were able to attend.

 

Nearly 700 Star Wars fans braved fog and cool weather to be part of the 4:00 a.m. showing at the pavilion located in the heart of the compound, while more than 750 filled every available chair, bench, and table to witness the 7:00 p.m. Disney blockbuster showing.

 

Prior to each showing, a special message from Robert Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company, aired to personally thank the service members for what they do.

 

Between the screenings Lt. Col. Philip, 380th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander, provided a tour for the Disney executive consisting of an up-close look at several aircraft assigned to the 380 AEW.

 

“The favorite part of my visit was the tour of the flightline,” said Caldwell. “It was an amazing experience to see and be so close to the various aircraft and service members that keep them flying.”

 

Before departing the flightline, Caldwell took time to greet the maintenance personnel and coined each of them, thanking them for their service.