No laughing matter:Comedian Robin Williams' longstanding contribution to US war propaganda : Indybay

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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No laughing matter:Comedian Robin Williams' longstanding contribution to US war propaganda

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