In conjunction with the USO and Fort Benning MWR, the Fort Benning Exchange’s Lucas Theater hosted free screenings of United Artists’ new release “Dog” with some special guests: star Channing Tatum and director Reid Carolin.
The Hollywood A-lister spoke at three of the showings, which were screened for select audiences: one showing for Gold Star families and Fort Benning command; one for the 75th Ranger Regiment, the unit to which Tatum’s on-screen character belongs; and one for the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade trainees.
“Having a big name like Channing Tatum come to visit the Soldiers and families at Fort Benning was a real morale boost for our community,” said Fort Benning Exchange General Manager Don Sydlik II. “A huge ‘thank you’ to the USO for all their efforts in making this special event happen for our Soldiers and families.”
Though the rumor of a possible Tatum appearance at Fort Benning had been buzzing around post, many in the audience were completely surprised by the star’s presence. Tatum thanked the audiences for their service and sacrifice.
“It was a really, really great event, especially with Channing Tatum taking the time to talk to the audience and the Gold Star families,” said Maj. Crystal Rorebeck, Fort Benning garrison executive officer, who attended one of the screenings where Tatum spoke. “You could see the excitement on everyone’s faces, especially the kids. It was pretty neat.”
Tatum and Carolin were accompanied by 11 Army Rangers who served as support staff on the film. “Dog” is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow Soldier’s funeral on time.
The Fort Benning Exchange theater hosted nine free screenings of “Dog” in total for about 500 members of the Fort Benning community.
The Exchange also partnered with United Artists to bring free screenings to 17 other military installations. Thanks to the Exchange, Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, military families and retirees got to see the movie in advance of its Feb. 18 nationwide release.
“Bringing complimentary showings of first-run movies to our military heroes before the rest of the world gets to see them is one way the Exchange expresses our gratitude for their service,” said Nalan Howard, the Exchange’s motion picture program planner. “These screenings are an opportunity for service members to relax with family and friends.”
Tatum and Reid recently joined “Chief Chat” to engage with the military community about the movie. Click here to watch the interview.
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