Soldiers, families get big boost from 'Big Bounce' stars
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Schofield Barracks soldiers and their families shook hands with movie stars Morgan Freeman and Sara Foster last night before an advance showing of the new Hawai'i-filmed movie, "The Big Bounce."
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
"This is such a thrill," said Daphne Hurgronje, whose husband, Pete Hurgronje is deploying to Iraq. "I've got goose bumps."
Janice Smoot gives actor Morgan Freeman a hug and poses for a picture at Schofield Barracks. Freeman is promoting his new movie, "The Big Bounce."
Behind her, Freeman and Foster posed for pictures with the military families and hugged babies and a few of the troops and spouses, too.
"I got a little hug," Hurgronje said after she took her turn next to Freeman.
"I just think its a great boost for all the soldiers," said Keith McEachern, who leaves this week for a year-long Iraq deployment. "Morgan Freeman coming in — right before we leave."
McEachern and his wife, Glenda, said it was nice to have something to take their minds off Keith's deployment.
"Stress relief," Glenda said.
"I heard a cute chick was coming," said Sgt. Nick Cain, as he stood in line to meet Foster. "And that's all anyone had to say to me."
Freeman and Foster said they came to support the soldiers who were about to step into harm's way.
"Duty to duty," Freeman said. "I don't support this war in any way, but these guys are doing their duty, and my duty is to them."
The reception and movie showing at Schofield Barracks were sponsored by USO and Armed Forces Entertainment. The Warner Bros. movie will be released Jan. 30.
Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
