'Rogue' actor visits Kirtland

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  TV drama fans got a treat June 3, when actor Cole Hauser visited Kirtland.

Hauser, the star of DirectTV's "Rogue," took time to meet with members of Team Kirtland as part of his ongoing support for the military and to promote his show with an advanced screening of the first episode of the show's third season.

The actor toured the base, stopping at the 58th Special Operations Wing, Pararescue School and 377th Security Forces Group's Military Working Dog section. After the tour, Hauser joined fans for dinner at the Mountain View Club, where they watched new episode of Hauser's show.

Hauser was pleased to have the opportunity to visit with Airmen and their families and show his appreciation for their service. The visit to Kirtland is one of several visits he has made to see troops at home and abroad, including a trip to Afghanistan in 2014.

"The reason for me to go to Afghanistan or to come here is to be better educated on what is going on, and to talk with not only the young (military members) who are bright and driven and the best in the world in their craft, but to be able to have educated conversations with the media, with people that work in my business and with my children so they can continue to honor people that serve our country," he said.

Hauser said his grandfather, a World War II veteran, gave him an appreciation for those who serve.

"My grandfather was in the United States Marine Corps and he was at Iwo Jima, and right before he passed away he gave me a ring which I still wear today," Hauser said. "We talked about giving back to the military if I wasn't going to be a part of it. I was 12 years old, but that stuck with me: making sure all the soldiers know that there are people out there like myself that are in this business that really do care about them and want to raise their spirits."

These sentiments reached the audience, according to Meaghan McLaughlin, of 377th Forces Support Squadron marketing office, who attended the screening. She thanked the USO, which coordinated the visit.

"To meet a celebrity in real life is a fascinating thing," she said. "We've all seen them on the big screen for so long it's almost surreal to meet them in person. He is such a gracious man. A good story teller and fun to talk to. I am so grateful the USO brought Mr. Hauser to our base. It was such a unique experience."

Season three of "Rogue" is on DirectTV starting June 24.