No laughing matter: Comedian Robin Williams' longstanding contribution to U.S. war propaganda
Propaganda alert
compiled by Cem Ertür
13 August 2014
The late actor and comedian Robin Williams has consistently devoted his fame, talent and charm to U.S. Army's propaganda events for the genocidal wars on Afghanistan and Iraq.
According to the United Service Organizations (USO):
“
[Robin] Williams went on six USO tours from 2002 to 2013, including
five overseas. He visited [U.S.] troops in 12 foreign countries, making
three stops to both Iraq and Afghanistan. [...] The
USO’s Entertainment team estimates [Robin] Williams performed
for or visited with more than 89,000 [U.S. Army] service members during
his 12-plus years of volunteering.” [1]
According to U.S. Defense Minister Chuck Hagel:
“The
entire [U.S.] Department of Defense community mourns the loss of Robin
Williams. Robin was a gifted actor and comedian, but he was also a true
friend and supporter of our troops. From entertaining thousands of
service men and women in war zones, to his philanthropy that helped
veterans struggling with hidden wounds of war, he was a loyal and
compassionate advocate for all who serve this nation in
uniform.” [2]
Standing next to a RQ-1B Predator drone, actor Robin Williams entertains the 776th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron crew during his visit to
an overseas U.S. Air Force base used in the war on Afghanistan, 19 October 2002
Actor Robin Williams poses with the 776th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron crew during his visit to visit to an overseas U.S. Air Force base
used in the war on Afghanistan, 19 October 2002
Actor Robin Williams gets a briefing on the equipment of 438th Air Expeditionary Group during his visit to an overseas U.S. Air Force base
used in the war on Afghanistan, 19 October 2002
Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers, USCENTCOM commander John Abizaid, U.S. 4th Infantry Division commander Ray
Odierno, 173rd Airborne Brigade commander William Mayville, wrestler Kurt Angle, model Leeann Tweeden and racing driver Mike Wallace
pose during a United Service Organizations (USO) show, U.S. Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, 17 December 2003
Actor Robin Williams entertains the crew aboard USS Enterprise aircraft carrier which has been deployed for the war on Iraq, 19 December
2003
Actor Robin Williams greets U.S. troops prior to his show at a U.S. military base in Ramadi, Iraq, 19 December 2007
Actor Robin Williams performs in a United Service Organizations (USO) show at the U.S. military base Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq,
13 December 2010. The show, hosted by Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah Mullen, also featured
performances by comedians Lewis Black and Kathleen Madigan, country singer Kix Brooks, country songwriter Bob DiPiero and racing
cyclist Lance Armstrong.
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Notes:
[1] ‘He Brought Them Light’: How Robin Williams Turned his USO Tours into Personal Experiences for Troops
United Service Organizations (USO) website, 12 August 2014
[2] Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on the Passing of Robin Williams
U.S. Department of Defense website, 11 August 2014
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From the archives:
Flashback to 2001: Hollywood stars salute Afghanistan's 'enduring freedom'
by Cem Ertür, Global Research, 25 December 2012
Britain’s sports stars at the service of war propaganda
by Cem Ertür, Indybay, 11 November 2011
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