Barksdale Airmen act as extras in Battle: Los Angeles movie

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Second Bomb Wing, Eighth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen had the opportunity to see themselves on the big screen March 5, during the premiere of "Battle: Los Angeles" at the Boardwalk Regal Theater in Bossier City, La.

Airmen were given the opportunity to play as extras and as Marines. Parts of the movie were filmed in the Shreveport/Bossier City area as well as Barksdale Air Force Base in September 2009.

"A Marine liaison came in and told us how to march and do things as a Marine would," said Staff Sgt. Michael Boutte, 2nd Security Forces Squadron. "It was a little different than the Air Force way, but it wasn't a problem. I saw myself for a few seconds during the beginning of the movie in the scene where we were in the hangar watching the meteor shower on television. It felt great."

In the same scene, Capt. Diana Wolczek-Evans, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Lt. Col. Brent Wardell, 2nd Maintenance Squadron commander, saw themselves as well.

Captain Wolczek-Evans said she did two full days of filming and played a Marine private, her biggest take-away was how much patience it takes to be an extra in a movie.

"I had to wear full battle rattle during long days of filming, but I learned a lot about how much detail it takes to film a movie," she said.

"It was great to see myself in the movie," Colonel Wardell said. "I had a flat top and was in a Marine flight suit. It didn't bother me at all to play as a Marine because my dad's one."

At the end of the premiere, all Airmen stood up and applauded each other before exiting the theater.

Sergeant Boutte said he really enjoyed the movie and all the action it had.

"I think having our Barksdale Airmen in films such as this portrays the Air Force in a good light," said Master Sgt. Mary Davis, 2nd BW Public Affairs superintendent. "It gives us the opportunity to show America what we do."

Master Sgt. Angelique McDonald, Air Force project officer for the "Battle: Los Angeles" movie from Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., agreed.

"The Air Force has a story to tell and movies like this give us an opportunity to show America and the world what the U.S. Air Force can do," Sergeant McDonald said. "We were able to negotiate an Air Force tech. sgt. role in the movie, which was played by Michelle Rodriguez, since the movie crew really wanted to film a protion of it here at Barksdale."

Sergeant McDonald said the movie was a great success. It represents joint force and it depicts that Airmen are combat ready. 

Battle: Los Angeles hits theaters March 11.