This Veterans Day, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) invites six members of the Armed Forces to guest co-hosts an evening of gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the USA.
TCM is dedicating a whole night of programing in oder to pay tribute to those who have served with a day of films programmed and hosted by veterans from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. For the second year in a row, six veterans will join TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz to discuss their experiences in the military as well as the films they have selected based on how meaningful they are to them. Programming begins at 12:45pm (EST) and airs all day on November 11.
TCM’s veteran guest programmers include Lieutenant Colonel Lynelle White of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. The officer's film choice is the movie adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry successful Broadway play, A Raisin in the Sun. The 1961 film features a riviting performance by the always appealing Sidney Poitier. This first selection airs at 12:45pm (EST). And here's a little interesting fact to think about during White's time on the air. She was a pilot who acquired more than 2,200 flying hours during her service and then became a writer on the television show, Army Wives. Obviously, if this this officer is brave enough to face the horrors of Hollywood, she can face anything. Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel White.
Next up is John Pruitt, a retired Captain of the U.S. Coast Guard. His choice is the 1979 sleeper hit, Breaking Away. During his military career, Pruitt served as Social Aide to The President of the United States under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He also earned three Meritorious Service Medals and four Coast Guard Commendation Medals. This man is no slacker when it comes to serving his country. Thank you, Captain Pruitt.
Master Sergeant Dan Deitz of the U.S. Army ( latter a 32 year veteran of the Salem, OR Police Department) has made in excellent choice with The Guns of Navarone. This all star cast of 1961 shows WWII secret forces at their best with an ingenious plan to sabotage a powerful massive German gun emplacement that commands a key sea channel. Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn lead with un-daunting fortitude, despite their contentious past in order to complete their near impossible mission. Thank you, Master Sergeant Deitz.
Sean Adams, Corporal of the U.S. Marines, travels from Maysville, GA to present another great WWII film, The Longest Day. The exciting 1962 epic (with a cast of dozens of Hollywoods greatest stars of the day) airs 8:00pm (EST). Here's an Interesting Fact: Adams wants to open a muscle car garage and help other wounded veterans with similar passions. Thank you, Corporal, Adams
Sumo referee, James Taku Leung, Sergeant in the U.S. Marines Corp, has chosen the The D.I. Stone-faced, gravely voiced Jack Webb (of Dragnet fame) stars in and directs the military drama that seems to have been an inspiration for An Officer and a Gentleman. One of the toughest Drill Instructors pushes a Private to become into becoming a Marine. The film is a very entertaining movie despite its predictable ending (you can probably guess what that is). Thank you, Sergeant Leung.
And finally, Brenda Garcia, a Lieutenant Commander of the U.S. Navy, discusses the qualities of 1972's, Man of La Mancha. By the way, as a Photographer’s Mate, Garcia has been on Air Force One more times than she can count. She documented events for the National Archives and Presidential Libraries of Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Now, that's a woman who surely has a lot of tales to tell.
Be sure to tune into TCM this veteran's day and see the films that have inspired some of our greatest Americans while they celebrate all who have served.