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'iCarly' cast rocks JB MDL

  • Published
  • By Airman Ryan Throneberry
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Hundreds of servicemembers and their excited children waited outside the Timmerman Center here Jan. 11 in anticipation of the "iCarly" cast and an exclusive screening of their newest episode.

More than 700 tickets were passed out on a first come, first serve basis and given to unit leadership throughout Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to distribute to their servicemembers and families. Everyone who showed up to the screening was able to get a seat.

The community members were handed popcorn and glow sticks as they filed into the center for the screening of "iMeet the First Lady," which features an appearance by Michelle Obama.

The joint base was the final stop of a three-part military installation tour intended to display gratitude to children in military families.

"This is kind of our way of giving back and saying thanks to servicemembers and their families," said Nathan Kress, who plays Freddie Benson on the show. "We also want to thank them for their support. It takes a lot of courage and strength to grow up in a military family."

The iCarly disc jockey got the children pumped up by encouraging some "random dancing," a theme from the show. DJ J Boogie also led the crowd in some group participation games while they waited for the cast to come on stage.

The children let out an ecstatic cheer at the sight of the cast, leaving parents' ears ringing. One by one the cast introduced themselves and explained the reason for their visit here.
"When I first heard we were going to do an episode that was dedicated to families of servicemembers, I was very excited," said Jennette McCurdy, who plays Sam Puckett.

The airing of the show began as the stars walked off the stage. The episode focused on the relationship between Carly, played by Miranda Cosgrove, and her father, a deployed Air Force colonel. Carly is disappointed when her father can't return for his birthday, but receives comfort from friends when they help her contact him over a webcast. The First Lady takes notice of this and joins them for a webcast at the end of the episode.

"My favorite part of the episode is the part with the first lady," said Paris, 9, daughter of Tech. Sgt. William Lloyd, 87th Air Base Wing knowledge operations manager. "I think its important to have good friends."

The cast finished the show off with a question and answer session. Children sent in questions prior to the event. One of the questions asked was if the cast had any special talents.
McCurdy responded by grabbing the microphone and started free-style rapping her thanks to the JB MDL community for letting them visit.

A few lucky children were able to get their photo taken with the cast after the event concluded.

"It's crazy that they thank us, but we are definitely the ones who should be thanking them," said McCurdy.