Deployed Troops In The Middle East Get Early Screenings Of 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'

10,000 U.S. troops currently deployed to the Middle East are getting the chance to see Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker before everybody else. Walt Disney Studios is partnering with the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) to host free screenings of the highly-anticipated film during its initial run starting December 18th to troops currently stationed in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and United Arab Emirates, as well as those other undisclosed locations across Southwest Asia.

AAFES Director and CEO Tom Shull said:

Since 2012, the Exchange has forged a partnership with The Walt Disney Studios to bring first-run movies to our Nation’s heroes. Bringing a blockbuster movie like ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ to deployed troops during the holidays is a big morale boost. These service members are away from family and friends during this special time of year—and seeing a big release at the same time it’s being shown back home strengthens their connection with family and friends and eases the tensions of deployment.

The free Rise of Skywalker screenings will be available to troops beginning December 18th and running through January 5th. This isn’t the first time Disney and AAFES have partnered up to bring movies to deployed troops during the holidays. In 2017, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” screened in the Middle East. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” played in 2016, and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” played in 2015.

“It’s a privilege to do something special for these brave men and women,” says Ken Caldwell, Executive Vice President and General Sales Manager for North American Sales and Distribution at The Walt Disney Studios. “This is our way of thanking our troops for their service.”

Do you know any deployed Soldiers or Airmen in the Middle East that will be able to take advantage of these free screenings? Let us know in the comments below!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens worldwide December 20th.

H/T: Exchange Newsroom