Actor David Boreanaz joined the USO’s immersive mission tour in Quantico, Va., and Washington last week, where he had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps and meet with service members for an exclusive look at their daily lives. Boreanaz is best known for his role as Jason Hayes on Paramount’s “SEAL Team,” a television show dedicated to working with service members to portray the authenticity of military life on screen. Over the show’s seven seasons, Boreanaz has had the opportunity to meet many service members and hear their experiences, inspiring him to work with the USO to gain more perspectives and a firsthand look at military life. “For me, being on a show like ‘SEAL Team’ really helped me understand the process of operators and special forces and how they operate,” Boreanaz said. One of the ways Boreanaz delves into the mindset and realities of service members is by immersing himself in 50 years of Marine Corps history. Boreanaz visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) in Triangle, Va., on Wednesday to get an exclusive look at the museum’s newest galleries — “Forward Deployed” and “Afghanistan and Iraq” — before they open to the public on Sunday. Museum staff took Boreanaz and the USO on a tour of the new galleries, explaining the significance of each exhibit and artifact, each telling the story of a Marine. Boreanaz called it “very moving, emotional, healing and informative.” “It’s important for him to understand the story of the Marine Corps and their selfless service. The support of people like him is invaluable to those who provide direct support to all service members, while also connecting with civilians at large,” said Keil Gentry, museum director.
Boreanaz has no personal military background, but he said he has always felt connected to the USO’s mission because he grew up listening to his father, Dave Roberts, a broadcaster for the U.S. Armed Forces Network. Boreanaz will continue to visit service members and show his appreciation through the USO and as a personal endeavor. He also works with the Travis Manion Foundation, an organization whose mission is to empower veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character for future generations. “The USO does a great job of allowing people like me, who are fortunate enough to work in the industry, to meet these amazing people and understand their training methods, their passions, what their inspirations are,” Boreanaz said. “The sacrifices and dedication they make to our country is really important, and the USO just shows that.”
