DALLAS – Thanks to a tweet from a military spouse of a deployed Airman, service members far from home are joining a record number of moviegoers who have seen “Avengers: Endgame” as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and The Walt Disney Studios provide special screenings of the film in Afghanistan.
Kat Lancaster, wife of Maj. Joshua-Lee Lancaster, who is currently deployed, sent a tweet on April 27 to Bob Iger, The Disney Company Chairman and CEO, asking for the movie to be shown downrange. That same day, Iger tweeted back that the movie will be screened in Afghanistan, thanking Kat for the suggestion.
“I saw a tweet from Mr. Iger about the movie and felt compelled to speak up and ask if he could get it to the troops sooner than later,” said Lancaster. “I didn’t think it would get any traction, took a nap and when I woke up my phone was lit up like the 4th of July. This gesture exceeded any expectations I had. I’ve been a lifelong Disney fan and will continue to be knowing that they support our military families near and far.”
“Avengers: Endgame,” which set an opening weekend box office record of $1.2 billion, was deployed to Bagram on May 1 and 2, and will be deployed to Kandahar on May 3 and 4, continuing the Exchange’s longstanding commitment to bring first-run movies to troops deployed overseas.
“We’re thrilled to be able to do something special for our troops in Afghanistan, to boost morale and show our gratitude for their service,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “I’m grateful to Kat Lancaster for the great suggestion, and to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for helping us make this happen.”
The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to downrange screenings as they provided first run “Star Wars” screenings to the troops in 2015, ’16 and ’17.
“Providing the brave men and women serving downrange with first-class entertainment offers a much-needed break from the often austere conditions they are serving in,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “Thanks to our partnership with Disney, we are able to provide our Warfighters with this all-important morale booster.”
Facebook Friendly Version: “Avengers: Endgame,” which set an opening weekend box office record of $1.2 billion, screened for troops in Bagram on May 1 and 2 and will screen at Kandahar on May 3 and 4, continuing the Exchange’s longstanding commitment of bringing first-run movies to troops deployed overseas. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-Yr.
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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