MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Station rolled out the red carpet for some Hollywood stars wishing to spread a little holiday cheer to service members serving overseas during a United Service Organizations tour Dec. 29.
During the two-day visit, television and movie stars Dennis Farina, Sherri Saum, Bill Brochtrup and Kamar De Los Reyes made their way around the Station to meet and greet some of their starstruck fans.
"We saved Iwakuni as our last stop on the USO tour because we wanted to save the best for last and the Marines here have shown their reputation precedes them," said Farina who has been in such box office hits as "Snatch", "Midnight Run" and "Saving Private Ryan".
While visiting Marines and Sailors here, Farina and his Hollywood pals were given a tour of the American Forces Network, where they told those listening over the airwaves what their plans for the day would be.
"After we left AFN we went over to the Crossroads to have a meet and greet session and take pictures and sign autographs with everyone over there," said Saum. Saum has been most recently seen on TV's "One Life To Live" soap opera, which also stars Reyes.
After the visit to the Crossroads the USO tour ventured out to the flight line to meet Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 and learn a few of the purposes the Station serves. The Hollywood stars finished their tour with a stop at the South Side Chow Hall where they would once again take pictures and sign autographs.
"Just being around the Marines here I know America is in very good hands and my heart just goes out to everyone who makes the sacrifice to join the military," said Brochtrup who stars on "NYPD Blue."
The USO guest's warm wishes were not fallen on deaf ears as service members here appreciated the effort made their way.
"We all know how long of a trip it is to come here, and to think they took the time out of their busy schedules just to wish us happy holidays is a very heart warming," said Master Sgt. Eric Krieves. "It's like an extra Christmas gift for me and my family."