Originally Published by Warner Media.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is paying tribute to those who 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 selected that have been meaningful to them. Programming begins at 12:45pm EST on Nov. 11 and airs throughout the day.
TCM’s veteran guest programmers include:
Lynelle White
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserves
Lives in Los Angeles, CA
Film Choice: A Raisin in the Sun (1961) airing 12:45pm EST
Interesting Fact: White was a pilot who acquired more than 2,200 flying hours during her service and then became a writer on Army Wives.
John Pruitt
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
Lives in Los Angeles, CA
Film Choice: Breaking Away (1979) airing 3:15pm EST
Interesting Fact: During his military career, Pruitt served as Social Aide to The President of the United States under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and earned three Meritorious Service Medals and four Coast Guard Commendation Medals.
Dan Deitz
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army
Lives in Keizer, OR
Film Choice: The Guns of Navarone (1961) airing 5:15pm EST
Interesting Fact: Deitz went on to serve on the Salem Police Department for 32 years, retiring in 2010.
Sean Adams
Corporal, U.S. Marines
Lives in Maysville, GA
Film Choice: The Longest Day (1962) airing 8:00pm EST
Interesting Fact: Adams wants to open a muscle car garage and help other wounded veterans with similar passions.
James Taku Leung
Sergeant, U.S. Marines
Lives in Los Angeles, CA
Film Choice: The D.I. (1957) airing 11:15pm EST
Interesting Fact: Leung also referees sumo matches and hosts sumo shows around the world.
Brenda Garcia
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Lives in Los Angeles, CA
Film Choice: Man of La Mancha (1972) airing 1:15am EST
Interesting Fact: Garcia has been on Air Force One more times than she can count as the Photographer’s Mate who documented events for the National Archives and Presidential Libraries of Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.