Robert Downey Jr. salutes troops at WPAFB

  • Published
  • By Marie Vanover
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Approximately 900 people from across Wright-Patterson Air Force Base packed the base theater for a special free screening of "The Judge," staring actor Robert Downey Jr. Oct. 5.

   Before the movie, the crowd burst into cheers as Downey made a surprise special appearance and spoke to the crowd of military, civilians and dependents about how much their service was appreciated.

   The event was made possible by the Motion Pictures Program Office of the Army/Air Force Exchange Service, headquartered in Dallas.
  
   According to Jon Walters, program manager, the program started in 2001 when AAFES sponsored free movie showings for military members serving overseas. The program has evolved to show support not only to those military members deployed but their family members left back home. The showing on Oct. 5 was the 232nd AAFES has sponsored.

   Col. John Devillier, 88th Air Base Wing commander, presented Downey with a commander's coin and thanked Downey.

   After speaking to the crowd, Downey made his way through the press line. He stated that his appearance at the base was a way of "reminding myself that there are people out there   who put their lives on the line so I can go out and make   movies -- their sacrifice allows that freedom."