Free Viewing of 12 Strong For Veterans in Orange County

"12 Strong" is a new film that tells the story of the first Special Forces team to go to Afgahnistan after the attacks on 9/11. The film stars actorChris Hemsworth (Thor) and is backed behind Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

The movie is set to be released this Friday, January 19th.

Next week Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Veterans Service Agency Director Christian Farrell will be hosting a free viewing of "12 Strong" for Veterans.

In a press release Neuhaus states "The 9/11 terrorist attacks forever changed our lives and movies such as 12 Strong are important because they portray the challenges and adversity that our service members faced overseas during combat" he added "They also help us understand our veterans’ needs when they return home from the battlefield."

Before the movie starts Orange County Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services Alan Mack, a  U.S. Army veteran, will speak with the veterans and guests. In 2001, Mack was one of the first pilots to fly into Afgahnistan during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mack says in the press release "“I’m proud to share my experiences with this group of veterans and listen to some of theirs. I remember the sense of urgency that we all felt during Operation Enduring Freedom and the importance of the mission. I was honored to serve with the Special Forces during the war in Afghanistan and was glad to reconnect with some of these heroes this week.”

If you're a veteran and would like to reserve a spot for the viewing email Veterans Service Agency Director Christian Farrell at cfarrell@orangecountygov.com.

The film will be shown next Wednesday, January 24th, at 4pm at the Monroe Cinema (34 Millpond Parkway).