'Celebs' Use Stardom to Promote Army

Military.com email news update ^ | February 13, 2003 | Army News Service

[RetiredArmy]

'Celebs' Use Stardom to Promote Army Army News Service, February 11, 2003

WASHINGTON -- Actor Sean Astin and wrestler Bradshaw are among celebrities who are using their stardom to increase troop morale and keep the military fresh in the minds of Americans.

Astin, who is known for his roles in "Rudy" and the "Lord of the Rings," visited the Pentagon Jan. 30 to record public service announcements thanking troops for their service and re-emphasizing America's trust in its military.

He also narrated an announcement to promote the Criminal Investigation Command, commonly known as CID, and asked interested soldiers to apply to the command if they are interested in becoming a CID Special Agent.

"There's a lot of different people and voices in America, and I don't mind letting my voice be heard," Astin said during an interview conducted at the Pentagon. "I learned from reading about Vietnam that no matter what you think politically about certain deployments, as a good citizen and a patriot it's your duty to appreciate that there are soldiers using their lives on your behalf as a citizen."

Although many may know that Astin has appeared in more than 25 motion pictures, few know that he has served as a civilian aide to the secretary of the Army since 1995. He served under Togo West, Louis Caldera and now the current Secretary of the Army Thomas White.

For protocol purposes Astin, as a civilian aide, is ranked just below a three-star general and is considered to be the secretary of the Army's personal representative in the California region. Part of the basis of a CASA's appointment is his ability to increase the public's understanding of the Army, and Astin said he tells the Army story to anyone who wants to know it.

"I'm in a position where I do whatever I can to support the Army," Astin said. "I've visited installations, and took the time to write 'thank-you' letters to business who had reserve-component soldiers to be mobilized."

In an unofficial capacity, Bradshaw has conducted countless interviews, worn Army apparel on TV and used his weekly program sponsored by World Wrestling Enterprise as a venue to talk about how the war is affecting its troops.

Bradshaw visited the Pentagon Feb. 4 and soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., who are recovering from wounds inflicted while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He was one of three performers who accompanied Sgt. Maj. of the Army Jack Tilley on a USO tour to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kuwait during the Christmas holiday.

"During the USO trip, I told Sergeant Major Tilley that I regret not being a soldier," Bradshaw said. "He told me that, 'everyone has to find his own role and do what he can to support troops.'"

Both in and out of the ring, Bradshaw said his niche is telling Americans what life is like for soldiers on enemy territory.

"Video games have gotten so realistic now a lot of times people believe that soldiers are in some type of high-tech video game over there. That's not the case, we're putting men and women in the way of bullets.

"Despite the fact the Army does everything outstandingly well to take care of these soldiers, they're still out in the desert, away from families, and I don't care if they're staying in the Hilton, it's no place they want to be."

In the future, Bradshaw said he wants to film public service announcements also.

Astin's announcements will be seen on Armed Forces Radio and Television Stations.

[RetiredArmy]

Received in my daily email update from Military.com. Nice article. I did not know that Sean Astin was this much of a patriot. Nice to see.

[Core_Conservative]

This is a great article - I find it refreshing to know that there are people that will promote the Military - and care for their needs. Thanks, I needed that today - after reading all the crap the crats have been spuing lately.

[HELLRAISER II]

No doubt, it's good to hear some commonsense coming from the mouths of some of our Hollywood Celebs. I'm so tired of the Sean Penns & Mr. Dumb@ss racist Spike Lee's running their damn Commie Mouths.

[txradioguy]

Refreshing to see that not everyone in Hollyweird has gone crazy.

[eyespysomething]

It is nice to see a young man with the wherewithall to do the right thing.
And at least I know a few movies I can watch now with a clear conscience.

[Charlie OK]

Wow! Thanks Sean Astin! Wish I could be a fly on the wall if he and Mr Viggo ever started discussing this "War for Oil".

[Texas2step]

Samwise Gamgee ping...

[anymouse]

"There's a lot of different people and voices in America, and I don't mind letting my voice be heard," Astin said during an interview conducted at the Pentagon. "I learned from reading about Vietnam that no matter what you think politically about certain deployments, as a good citizen and a patriot it's your duty to appreciate that there are soldiers using their lives on your behalf as a citizen."

A quote to rub in the faces of the leftist pukes protesting this weekend.

[Napoleon Solo]

Rudy...RUdy...RUDy...RUDY

[Liberty Valance]

"Rudy" bump

[HairOfTheDog]

Thank you Sean, for your service! I am sure glad you are with us!

[Pippin]

Hi, HOTD!

That's a great picture of Sean and Elijah (Sam and Frodo). The caption says what I feel like saying to Sean and others like him.

[cubreporter]

Well, you know the old saying: Those who have the least to say speak the loudest...

[Alkhin]

If I weren't in a public library at this moment, I'd be weeping noisily with joy!!

THANK YOU SEAN ASTIN.

I may have to rethink my fandom of Billy Boyd.

I don't think the Scots have quite figured out that they could have broken from Socialist England all along...

[struggle]

i just wanted to make a note about Bradshaw. He's an o.k. wrestler, but he's got a big mouth when it comes to supprting America. He said on the first WWF T.V. show right after 9/11, "I hope we bomb who ever did this into a big, stinkin' parking lot." The WWF (or WWE) has done a lot of things to support our troops and even though the show is fake, the support isn't.

[RMDupree]

*sigh* Samwise Gamgee swoon!!!

Rosie's gonna lose it with me one of these days! :)

[HairOfTheDog]

If you ever hear or see the public service announcements... I would love a recap of them!

~big fan of Sean Astin....

[Alkhin]

I have also posted this on my blog...

<a href="http://brazoscantina.blogspot.com/>The Brazos de Dios Cantina</a> <p> Thank you Hair for pinging me!!!!!

[rightwingreligiousfanatic]

This is great! Way to go, Sean!

[HighRoadToChina]

One of the greatest speech on freedom I have heard is by Sam Gamgee in The Twin Towers:

"There are things that people hold onto to keep them going," says his faithful servant Sam Gamgee.

"What are we holding onto?" Frodo asks.

"That there is some good in this world, and that's worth fighting for," Sam replies.

God bless Sean Astin for doing the right thing for helping our military. Not like that other beer-brain actor also from LOTR.