Troops in Afghanistan Surprised With ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Special Screenings
Many of us having been breathing a sigh of relief for avoiding Avengers: Endgame spoilers before seeing the movie. But for many U.S. troops stationed overseas in Afghanistan this isn’t the case. They had already accepted that they had a much longer wait ahead of them. That is until The Walt Disney Company surprised the Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan with special screenings of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame this week! Disney then has plans to move on to Kandahar for additional showings.
Military Inspiration From Social Media For Troops In Afghanistan
Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger was inspired by a social media post from Kat Lancaster, a Disney fan whose husband, Air Force Major Joshua-Lee Lancaster, is currently deployed. Iger and Disney reached out to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, and a plan was put into action to bring Avengers: Endgame to the biggest American bases in the region.
Hey Bob, any chance you could get Endgame to the troops deployed overseas sooner than later? I know Al Udeid and Bagram both have theaters and our folks in uniform could use a morale boost!
— Military Meowsketeer (@KatAtDisney) April 27, 2019
I'm proud to report, for all who have inquired, that @Avengers Endgame is being brought to almost 40 US military installations in Europe & the Middle East. Thousands of US service men & women will be seeing (and enjoying) the film in the next few weeks!
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 5, 2019
“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 Iger. “I’m grateful to Kat Lancaster for the great suggestion, and to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for helping us make this happen.”
Servicemen and women assembled for multiple showings of the film, which arrived at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan under the highest security. The disk that contained the film could only be unlocked with a special code that was guarded by Army & Air Force Exchange Service employees and Disney’s senior vice president of North American theatrical distribution, Ken Caldwell.
History of Partnership Between The Walt Disney Company and The Armed Forces
Disney has a history of partnering with Army & Air Force Exchange Service to bring films from Marvel and Star Wars to bases in Afghanistan, Iraq and other U.S. Central Command locations, in some cases, even ahead of their official releases in the U.S. This is one of the many ways that The Walt Disney Company supports our troops. Supporting them both while they are serving and after they have transitioned out of the armed forces. It is also part of a commitment to military families and veterans that includes the Heroes Work Here program. This program has led to the hiring of more than 10,000 veterans. This is since the 2012 launch of this company wide initiative.
Ready to experience Disney for yourself?
There are still fantastic 2019 packages available. Fill out our form below for your FREE, no-obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels!
Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I also create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! Also, did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at mickeytravelssarah@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook!