Close to 10,000 troops will have a chance to see “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” before it hits theaters later this week, Task and Purpose reports.
What’s going on: Troops deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and other locations will receive a free screening of the film starting on Dec. 18, two days before the film’s release, according to Task and Purpose.
- The Air Force and the Army Exchange Service and Walt Disney Studios have partnered up to make it happen, the groups announced Tuesday.
What they’re saying: Exchange Director and CEO Tom Shull said the showing will bring positive feelings to the troops.
- Shull: “Since 2012, the Exchange has forged a partnership with The Walt Disney Studios to bring first-run movies to our Nation’s heroes. Bringing a blockbuster movie like ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ to deployed troops during the holidays is a big morale boost. These service members are away from family and friends during this special time of year—and seeing a big release at the same time it’s being shown back home strengthens their connection with family and friends and eases the tensions of deployment.”
- Ken Caldwell, executive vice president at Disney: “It’s a privilege to do something special for these brave men and women. This is our way of thanking our troops for their service.”
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Flashback: Service members had a chance to see “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in 2017 before it hit theaters, too. The same thing happened before “Rogue One” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” according to Task and Purpose.