Soldiers purchase snacks during a free movie night at the post theater on Fort Lee, Va., Sept. 24, 2021. The FMWR-hosted event gave participants the opportunity to take a break from the routine training and work schedule to relax, improve morale and enjoy time together. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andre Taylor)

FORT LEE, Va. – Military members and families enjoyed free movies, courtesy of the Army Family and MWR program, during special presentations at the Lee Theater Sept. 24 and Oct. 1.

The events gave Team Lee members the opportunity to take a break from the daily training and work routine to relax, improve morale, and enjoy time with each other. It’s also a way to get troops out of the barracks so, they too, feel like part of the community, noted Col. Karin L. Watson, Fort Lee garrison commander

She works with FMWR to arrange the events. “Honestly, it has been something we have been trying to get the Soldiers to do because we have the Lee Playhouse,” she said. “It was difficult because of COVID, and so we felt that we were at a point that we could get Soldiers to come out and get that break from the day-to-day grind.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Tamisha A. Love, garrison CSM, said she has worked alongside FMWR with a focus on people first to promote a fun environment.

“We are talking about focusing on our families and our Soldiers,” Love said. “Now, when we talk about our Soldier’s we know there are two different populations. We are talking about the permanent party and … (advanced individual training), and so we have this movie night to get them out of the barracks to be able to enjoy and just promote fun.”

Megan Green, FMWR marketing director at Fort Lee, works with different corporate sponsors who are funding a wide range of recreational events for Soldiers and families.

“In this instance, it allows us to give it to the Soldiers for free,” Green said.

In addition to the Army population, Air Force and Marine trainees were invited. This brought all three branches together for some additional fun to start the weekend, according to Watson.

“I think what’s also really great is reaching out to all the units on the installation,” she said. “I (am) really pleased how, in addition to our Army trainees that are here, I’ve seen our Air Force … and our Marine trainees in the theater. So, that is really great, giving them an opportunity to get out the barracks especially on a Friday night and a long hard week of training to enjoy themselves.”

The Sept. 24 movie was “F9,” the latest installment of the “Fast and Furious” saga, and the Oct. 1 movie was “Godzilla vs Kong.” For more FMWR events, including announcements about future movie nights, visit lee.armymwr.com.