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’s longstanding policy of bringing first-run movies to troops deployed overseas.
The film’s 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.
“Our men and women in uniform represent the best and bravest, and it’s an honor to do something special as a thank you for their service,” said Ken Caldwell, senior vice president of North American sales and distribution for The Walt Disney Studios. “In 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 ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’”
“Providing service members with first-class entertainment plays a key role in maintaining the morale of our deployed forces,” said Trinidad Saucedo, the Exchange’s senior vice president of services, food and fuel. “Movies like ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ 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.”
