Hollywood A-lister Chris Pratt traded the glamour of Tinseltown for the dust of a military base in a heartfelt trip to Iraq to visit US troops. The Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World star was joined by fellow actor Luke Hemsworth on the surprise morale-boosting mission.
The visit, organised in conjunction with the USO (United Service Organizations), saw the actors spend time with service members, taking photos, signing autographs, and expressing their gratitude for the soldiers' dedication. Pratt, known for his roles in major action franchises, seemed right at home, engaging warmly with the personnel.
From Screen to Sand: Pratt's Action Hero Connection
The trip held a special significance for Pratt, who currently stars in the Amazon Prime series The Terminal List and previously led the cast of Jack Ryan. His on-screen persona as a tough, capable hero clearly resonates with the very people who inspire those characters.
Luke Hemsworth, best known for his role in Westworld and as the older brother of Chris and Liam Hemsworth, also participated in the visit, adding to the star power deployed to boost spirits.
A Tradition of Entertainment and Gratitude
Such USO tours have a long and storied history, with countless celebrities from Bob Hope to modern-day stars making the journey to entertain troops stationed overseas. These visits are a powerful symbol of appreciation and provide a memorable distraction for service members far from home.
Photos from the visit quickly circulated online, showing a casually dressed Pratt and Hemsworth smiling and interacting with groups of enthusiastic soldiers, a testament to the positive impact of their gesture.
