More Than 700 JBLM Military Family Members Enjoy Free Minions & Monsters Screenings

More than 700 service members, veterans and military family members gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for a series of free screenings of Minions & Monsters, turning the Carey Theater into a celebration of family, community and shared experiences.

The Comcast Military Families Free Minions & Monsters Watch Party featured three screenings, along with snacks, giveaways and photo opportunities. Comcast presented the event in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network, with volunteers from each organization helping welcome families.

From the moment guests arrived, volunteers worked to create a fun and stress-free experience. Families checked in, picked up snacks and giveaways, posed for photos, and spent time together before heading into the theater.

For military families at JBLM, opportunities to enjoy uninterrupted time together can be especially meaningful. Deployments, training schedules, relocations, and separations from loved ones are a regular part of military life. The watch party gave families an opportunity to step away from those demands, share a few laughs, and enjoy a movie together in their own community.

“This is my favorite movie ever! Thank you. I get to see them again and with Minion gifts? Best day ever!” attendee Aiden said.

For another mother, the free event offered an experience that otherwise would have been difficult to arrange. She and her three children walked three blocks from Liberty Housing Main to attend while her husband was deployed.

“Thank you for bringing this movie here and letting us in for free,” she said. “I don’t drive, my husband is deployed, and with three kids, taking the whole family to a movie theater is impossible.”

Afterward, she asked her children to thank one of the volunteers. The children responded by giving the volunteer a group hug.

The event also recognized military spouses and children, whose contributions and sacrifices are an important part of the JBLM community. Military children often navigate moves, new schools and extended periods away from a parent or loved one.

The Armed Services YMCA helped coordinate the event, promote the screenings to JBLM families, manage registration and assist with event logistics. The organization supports active-duty junior enlisted service members and their families across all six branches of the U.S. military through programs offered at no or low cost.

Lollipop Theater Network coordinated the screenings and worked with Universal Pictures on the movie presentation and theater operations. Comcast employees also volunteered throughout the day, helping with registration, snacks, photographs, theater seating and cleanup between screenings.

The employees participated through Team UP, Comcast’s volunteer program, which connects employees with nonprofits, schools, military organizations and community events. Comcast technical employees also helped make sure the Carey Theater’s equipment and connectivity were ready for each presentation.

By the end of the final screening, families left with photographs, giveaways and memories from an afternoon centered on fun, connection and appreciation. The Minions may have delivered the laughter, but the larger purpose of the event was to thank JBLM service members and their families and remind them that their service, strength and sacrifices are valued.

Disclaimer: Andy Colley is a senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal in the Pacific Northwest.