{"id":2238,"date":"2015-12-15T10:23:07","date_gmt":"2015-12-15T16:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2238"},"modified":"2015-12-15T10:23:07","modified_gmt":"2015-12-15T16:23:07","slug":"exchange-and-disney-to-bring-star-wars-the-force-awakens-to-troops-deployed-in-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2238","title":{"rendered":"Exchange and Disney to bring \u2018Star Wars: The Force Awakens\u2019 to troops deployed in Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"

DALLAS <\/b>\u2013 Staying true to its mission of bringing troops a slice of home wherever they may serve, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will team with The Walt Disney Studios to bring \u201cStar Wars: The Force Awakens\u201d to deployment locations in the Middle East.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will be able to see the highly anticipated film during its initial run, continuing the Exchange\u2019s longstanding policy of bringing first-run movies to troops deployed overseas.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The film\u2019s first screenings will be held Dec. 20 and 21 in Dubai. Showings in Afghanistan will follow on Dec. 22 and 23. Locations in Kuwait and Iraq will feature the movie Dec. 23-27.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur men and women in uniform represent the best and bravest, and it\u2019s an honor to do something special as a thank you for their service,\u201d said Ken Caldwell, senior vice president of North American sales and distribution for The Walt Disney Studios. \u201cIn July 2013, at the behest of Exchange CEO Tom Shull, Disney became the first Studio to bring first-run films to Army and Air Force base theatres located within the U.S. We are gratified to be able to broaden this outreach with additional Middle East deployment locations for the release of \u2018Star Wars: The Force Awakens.\u2019\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProviding service members with first-class entertainment plays a key role in maintaining the morale of our deployed forces,\u201d said Trinidad Saucedo, the Exchange\u2019s senior vice president of services, food and fuel. \u201cMovies like \u2018Star Wars: The Force Awakens\u2019 offer a much-needed break from the harsh and austere conditions that those serving to protect American freedoms overseas endure in service of their country.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

— 30 —<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.\u00a0 To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at <\/span>http:\/\/www.aafes.com\/about-exchange\/public-affairs\/press-releases.htm<\/span><\/a> or follow us on Twitter at <\/span>https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Media Notes:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or <\/span>hammettc@aafes.com<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t

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