Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/422151
For Members 22 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org Left, Today co-anchor and weatherman Al Roker takes a selfie with service members in Afghanistan Oct.1, and right, muscian Kevin Eubanks shares a laugh with a service member. FRED GREAVES/USO X2 T V personality Al Roker had an epiphany after visiting Kabul, Afghanistan, with Matt Lauer in 2009 and seeing for himself the challenges faced by U.S. troops living in a hostile country, far from their families. "I don't think [people] understand what it's like to be in a foreign country where you are surrounded, literally, by an enemy who wants you not just out of there, but dead," he told SAG-AFTRA. During the visit, Roker spotted some country music singers on a USO tour, and he recalled sitting around the television with his family during the Vietnam War, watching Bob Hope entertaining the troops. Roker realized that he could help boost the morale of today's service members that same way. He returned to Afghanistan in early October, this time with four friends, for a USO show at Bagram Airfield. With SAG-AFTRA members Jay Leno, Craig Robinson, Iliza Shlesinger and Kevin Eubanks, Roker entertained the troops — and gained an even deeper respect for what they do, along with a profound sense of gratitude. "You come away from it so very changed," Roker said. "You just realize what this service means, the sacrifices these folks make." That spirit of giving back is something that members of SAG-AFTRA and its predecessor organizations have perpetuated for a long time. Oftentimes, it was because they had personal experiences with life in the armed forces. "Especially in World War II, a number of Hollywood stars were in the military. They knew firsthand what service was and they knew how important the mission of the USO was," Roker said. Among those who served were Bea Arthur, who was a staff sergeant in the Marines; Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (pictured left), who was awarded a Purple Heart for an injury he received during the battle of Hürtgen Forest; Charlton Heston, who worked as a radio operator and aerial gunner in the U.S. Army Air Forces; Gene Autry, who flew a C-109 military transport airplane; and countless others. Heston would go on to be elected as president of Screen Actors Guild in 1965. Zimbalist passed away May 2. Many would return to visit their comrades in arms, both at home and abroad, on USO tours. And it isn't just the union's most high-profile members. Whether it's stuffing care packages or raising money for calling cards so that service members overseas can talk to their loved ones, SAG-AFTRA members have been making a difference. For the fifth year in a row, SAG-AFTRA is proud to partner with the USO to continue that legacy of supporting the troops. Much has been asked of those who serve in America's armed forces, and both they and their families disproportionately bear the burden of sacrifice when hostilities break out and during peace time. The USO has stood by them every step of the way, assisting troops and lifting morale since 1941, and today has more than 160 locations around the world. Consider showing your support by making a holiday donation for the troops. SAG-AFTRA AND THE USO, SERVING TOGETHER Pat Krause, director of public information for USO-Vietnam, interviews Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in 1967 on the What's New at the USO show, which aired five days a week on Armed Forces Radio-Vietnam. To donate and find out more, visit teamuso.org/sagaftra. SAG-AFTRA ARCHIVES CLICK HERE for a look at members working with the USO.