Actor Wilmer Valderrama said he was reminded of his purpose as an entertainer in 2007 while visiting injured American soldiers who were recovering from their wounds at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
At the time, the 44-year-old was fulfilling his duties as a United Service Organizations (USO) Global Ambassador.
Valderrama gained notoriety portraying the character Fez in the sitcom “That ‘70s Show” and subsequently in the procedural ”NCIS” as Special Agent Nick Torres.
“Our service brothers and sisters have experienced combat,” he said. “And here I was, walking through those rooms and just talking to them. It made me realize how incredibly brave and unbelievable our men and women are. Even as they’re wounded, they’re so proud to have been serving.”
One wounded solder in particular captured Valderrama’s heart because his unit had reportedly been hit hard and he was likely the only survivor.
“These soldiers are so proud to put that uniform back on,” Valderrama said. “I was not taken aback by that, but my heart was taken by that. These individuals who wear the uniform take an oath, and it’s to this country. The idea is that they would pay the ultimate sacrifice because they’re proud to have our flag continue waving at the end of the day. I was so taken by that. I was so humbled by that.”
The USO provides support to U.S. Armed Forces troops and their families in a private, nonprofit manner.
Valderrama’s involvement with the USO indicates he’s grateful, according to Goldman McCormick Public Relations firm co-founder Mark Goldman.
“Wilmer sharing a deeply personal experience with a veteran and explaining how it had a lasting impact on his life conveys authenticity,” Goldman told The Epoch Times. “It’s very positive for his image.”
In his 60 USO tours and engagements, Valderrama visited Afghanistan, Iraq, Greenland, and Bahrain as well as Poland, South Korea, and Djibouti.
Gary Frayter, a celebrity brand, podcast, and social media consultant, is amazed by Valderrama’s patriotism.
“What Wilmer is trying to accomplish is incredible,” Frayter told The Epoch Times. “He’s showing true altruism and love for the country that he benefits so much from. It paints Wilmer in an amazing light for those that love this country but to a large sector of this nation, it paints him as a freedom loving American, also known as a Republican.”
Valderrama did not respond to requests for comment.
He was born in Miami then lived in Venezuela from 3 to 13 years old before relocating to Los Angeles with his family and becoming an actor.
Valderrama dated actress Lindsey Lohan and singer Demi Lovato. He’s currently engaged to model Amanda Pacheco with whom he has a daughter.
Frayter praised Valderrama for using his prominence to spotlight the plight of American troops.
“They need all of the support they can get because things can turn intense quickly,” Frayter said. “Celebrities can reach a wider amount of people and our troops need all the support possible. Without our troops, you cease to have a country and your freedom will get taken away with just a snap of a finger.”
Valderrama also feels humbled by the pride U.S. soldiers have in the American flag, their uniforms, and the oath they take to love their country.
“It’s those moments that made me realize, ‘How can I serve my country?’” he said. “‘How can I help those who reassure the freedom for us out here?’”
Celebrities don’t need to wear a uniform to serve their country and make an impact, Frayter said.
“By visiting wounded soldiers in military hospitals and trauma centers, celebrities can offer support and encouragement to injured soldiers and by participating in entertainment events specifically for troops,” he said.
