20th Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Howard Ketter

CAMP ARIJAN, Kuwait - "We feel priviledged to be here and to meet the people who are working hard on our behalf," said John Cho, who starred as Hikaru Sulu in "Star Trek" the movie.

Service members were excited as the cast of the new J.J. Abrams produced and directed film visited Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for a premiere of the movie, April 11.

Actors Zoe Saldana, Bryan Burk, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine and Eric Bana were also present with director/producer J.J. Abrams.

"It's so easy for people to take for granted, the fact that [service members] are here doing work that makes this possible," said Abrams.

The crew stopped and visited service members in the U.S. Army Central Headquarters building before heading to the theater. They exchanged friendly conversation with Brig. Gen. James T. Walton and several other leaders amongst the headquarters staff. Then they took time out to greet several service members, sign autographs and take photos.

"It struck us that there was an opportunity to not just have it be about the movie, but to have it be about something that's more important than all that stuff," Abrams commented.

Once it was time to show the movie, which is due to release in the U.S. May 8, the stars went to the Zone 1 movie theater for the premiere. Once the showing was over, service members asked questions and commented on the film to the actual cast.

Chief Warrant Officer Earl Hemminger, Regional Computer Emergency Response team, Virginia National guard, asked actor Zachary Quinto, who played Spock in the film, to speak to his daughter Katherine, who is a very big fan.

"Your dad told me to say this was hotness," laughed Quinto as he greeted Katherine via cell phone.

Abrams talked about how he and the writers came up with the concept of the new film and Eric Bana, who portrayed the evil character Nero, talked to service members on how he prepared for his role and shot his parts separate from most of the cast.

After the Q & A service members got opportunities to get photos and autographs with the stars before they headed off to the LSA, Kuwait to continue to promote the movie.

"It's an honor to come here to say hi and shake hands with the people who protect us," said Abrams.

Cho said having the warm reception for this film by the service members was really moving.

"We had fun making the movie and we hope the [service members had] fun watching it."

Associated Images

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