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JB MDL community sees stars

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Scott Saldukas
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The USO, Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst teamed up to offer an advanced screening of "How to Train Your Dragon 2" for military members, DoD cardholders and their families June 4, 2014, here.

The event allowed military families to view the new movie a week before public release as well as meet and question the two main characters, Jay Baruchel, voice of Hiccup, and America Ferrara, voice of Astrid, as well as Dean DeBlois, writer and director.

"I have always loved movies," Baruchel said. "I hope that everyone who sees this film, especially all of our troops and their families, will love this movie as much as I do. It was incredibly fun to make and is an honor to take this film onto base for troops to see and enjoy."

While a special advanced screening is a great opportunity to the viewers, this one was special for DeBlois as he was able to share his work of art with the men, women and children of the armed forces.

"The movie means a lot to me and nothing brings me more joy than having the opportunity to bring this film to our nation's troops and military families before it opens in theaters," he said. "Of all stops this movie will make around the world, this is the one stop I am looking forward to most."

DeBlois also noted how the series of "How to Train Your Dragon" is actually a nod to the U.S. military and their families since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"At the end of the first movie, Hiccup lost the lower half of his left leg in the battle against the Red Death and received an amputation," DeBlois said.

He explained with the height of the war at the time of writing the first movie, he felt it was important to shine a light on the subject from service members and injuries they sustain during combat.

Even though the director had inspirational ideas about the military for the movies, Baruchel also had ties to military, making the visit here extra special.

"I come from a family of military," he said. "So to have the opportunity to come here is amazing and we thank you so much for the chance to share this movie with you all."

Ferrara echoed Baruchel's thoughts about being able to come out and interact with the military families.

"This is my second USO tour being able to come out and meet with service members," she said. "This time is very special because we have tothe opportunity to bring families out together and escape for two-hours."

Following the screening of the movie, the special guests took the stage to answer questions from the children in the crowd as well as sign autographs.

"We thank you for bringing your talents here and allowing the family members to come out and have a special night," said James Hodges, JB MDL commander.