Photo By Spc. Adam Turner | D.B. Sweeney actor in such films as 'The Cutting Edge, Lonesome Dove, and Gardens of...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Phillip Adam Turner
1st Cavalry Division
FORT HOOD, Texas - You may know D.B. Sweeney from his acting roles in numerous big-budget films such as Lonesome Dove, The Cutting Edge, or Gardens of Stone, and even though he has never won an Oscar for these roles, he should be nominated for best "supporting" actor of the troops.
Sweeney, who has teamed with the Armed Services YMCA and 'Hooters,' has been traveling the country visiting Soldiers and their families stationed at numerous military installations, including Fort Hood Texas, Aug. 28, 2008.
"Fort Hood was an important stop for me, this base has been unparalleled in its war-efforts, sacrifices and losses, said Sweeney.
Not just relying on his star power to show his appreciation, Sweeney has been offering a free screening of his most recent DVD release, 'Two Tickets to Paradise,' which he wrote, produced, and starred in. Free dinner for the troops was provided by Hooters.
"I am very patriotic," said Sweeney. "I've been disappointed by the way Hollywood and the media have portrayed Soldiers and their efforts on the frontlines; this trip has just been my way of saying thank you to a job well done."
Sweeney spent most of his trip to Fort Hood visiting with Soldiers and signing autographs for fans. However, Sweeney did take plenty of time to learn about the elements of the Army that call Fort Hood home.
One of the first places on his list to visit, 'no questions asked,' was the Warrior Transition Unit, located at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. The unit is made up of Soldiers who are transitioning back to either active duty or civilian life after sustaining various injuries in the line of duty.
"My visit with those guys [WTU] was second to none, how inspirational," Sweeney said. "It was all very powerful and moving, those men and women embody everything the word inspirational means."
Following his tour of the WTU, Sweeney visited the 1st Cav. Div. Headquarters building where he would get a behind the scenes look into the daily operations of a division that has more than 18,000 Soldiers assigned to it's command; where he was also surprised with an impromptu performance from the 1st Cavalry Division Honor Guard.
Following his tour Sweeney visited the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment where he would get a chance to swap riding stories (Sweeney did all his own riding in Lonesome Dove) with the detachment's soldiers.
"I love Lonesome Dove, it's been my favorite movie my whole life, so it was neat to meet one of the stars and get to show him some of the things that we do on a daily basis, and how hard we work to be the best, said Mart, Texas native Sgt. Adam Byrd, a farrier—someone who shoes horses—with the 1st Cav. Div. Horse Detachment.
Sweeney saw plenty to raise an eyebrow at during his Horse Detachment visit. He learned how the Soldiers make their own saddles, boots, ammunition, and groom, shoe, and care for all their horses and mules at the detachment.
"The Horse Detachment was first rate, very professional," said Sweeney. "I have just been so impressed all day with the class and professionalism exhibited by all I have encountered."
Following the screening of his movie when Sweeney had every chance and reason to leave and get some much deserved sleep, he stayed and shared a few words and signed autographs with every single participant at the event.
"Everyone who wears the uniform deserves to be thanked, my dad was Navy, my uncle was a pilot during World War II, and I have many friends who serve or have served, it should not be a job or a task to show support too, especially for those who have disproportionately bared the burden of freedom to keep us safe," Sweeney added.
| Date Taken: | 08.28.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2008 19:01 |
| Story ID: | 23143 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 103 |
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