Airmen, Guardians honored by cast of heroes

  • Published
  • By Chip Pons

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- Members of the Space and Missile Systems Center and the 61st Air Base Group joined Disney and Marvel Studios during a virtual launch event for their latest series, “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier," here, March 6.

In compliance with Department of Defense and local COVID-19 health and safety precautions, a production team turned the Los Angeles AFB courtyard into a screening stage complete with high-tech filming equipment and a red carpet.

Thirty members, representing both the U.S. Air and Space Force, were given the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the upcoming series during a virtual segment with the shows stars - Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell and Daniel Brühl, as well as speak directly to the President of Marvel Studios himself, Kevin Feige.

“I am a huge fan of these characters, so being a part of this opportunity was second-to-none,” said 2nd Lt. Shelby Higdon, SMC space enterprise consortium project officer. “Seeing the U.S. Air and Space Force be portrayed in the film industry and represented this way is mind-blowing.”

As the next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” has strong ties to the U.S. Air Force, as scenes for the show were filmed in coordination with both Maxwell AFB, Alabama and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia. Additionally, a newly-introduced character to the franchise has ties to the Special Forces and Battlefield Airmen communities.

Attendees also had the amazing opportunity to view the first episode of the soon-to-be released show at the conclusion of the event alongside members from Disney and Marvel Studios.

Lylle Breier, Disney’s senior vice president of global marketing partnerships & special events, expressed her sincere appreciation for the professionalism and support of the men and women of SMC and Los Angeles AFB.

“Partnering with the men and women of the SMC and the 61st ABG for ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ Launch has been incredible,” said Breier. “Their excitement and genuine passion for these characters and this franchise was phenomenal. It was an honor for our team to produce this event at Los Angeles AFB, considering the pivotal role the U.S. Air and Space Force’s support plays in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

The show is set to premier on Disney+ on March 19.