Veteran Actor Dan Lauria has assembled a cast of well-known actors who read, in quiet settings, letters written by Veterans, some from war zones, some from unfamiliar places, many written during the lonely hours. Their words take on weight and new meaning.
Lauria, himself a combat Marine Veteran, presents a series of short videos of accomplished actors including himself, Kim Brockington (Joker and Godfather of Harlem), James Pickens (Greys Anatomy and 42), Reno Wilson (Transformer and Mike & Molly), Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad and Beverly Hills Cop), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds/Godfather Part III), Sam McMurray (Jenny's Wedding, Elementary, NCIS, and Friends), and Lou Diamond Phillips (Courage Under Fire, La Bamba, and Blue Bloods), reading letters written by Veterans from WWII and Vietnam.
These letters, written to sweethearts, wives, families, friends, and war buddies about their experiences are intimate and honest. The actors read them with reverence and respect, a tribute, on Veterans Day, to the Vets who wrote them.
Help celebrate the 35th anniversary of the National Veterans Foundation by watching Marine Veteran and star of Wonder Years TV show Dan Lauria and seven other famous actors read actual letters written by military Veterans.
These poignant letters come to life with their familiar voices.
Lauria, a Vietnam Veteran, serves on the National Veterans Foundation’s Honorary Board. He created the project to raise awareness and support for the National Veterans Foundation’s mission to meet the crisis and information needs of all veterans and their families.
Joe Mantegna, of Criminal Minds and Godfather Part III, reads a letter by Veteran Army CW3 Jim White.
Jonathan Banks, of Breaking Bad and Beverly Hills Cops, reads a letter from Veteran Army COL Donald Sandstrom.
Kim Brockington, of Joker, reads a letter from Veteran Veteran Air Force Capt Joan Arrington.
Lou Diamond Phillips, of Courage Under Fire, La Bamba, and Blue Bloods, reads a letter from Veteran Army SP4 Rick Gallavan.
Reno Wilson, of Transformers, reads a letter from Veteran Marine SSgt Dave Culmer.
Sam McMurray, of Jenny's Wedding, Elementary/NCIS, and Friends reads a letter from Veteran Army CPT Shad Meshad.
James Pickens, of 42 and Greys Anatomy, reads a letter from Veteran Army SP5 Mike Maxwell.
Dan Lauria, of Wonder Years and Independence Day reads a letter from Veteran Army SGT Rick Seaman.
Get a Glimpse of the Veteran Heroes Who Wrote the Letters
Our letters from Veterans are from:
- Veteran Army COL Donald Sandstrom
- Veteran Air Force Capt Joan Arrington
- Veteran Army SGT Rick Seaman
- Veteran Army CW3 Jim White
- Veteran Army CPT Shad Meshad
- Veteran Army SP4 Rick Gallavan
- Veteran Army SP5 Mike Maxwell
- Veteran Marine SSgt Dave Culmer
Thank you for your service!
Celebrity Readers
We are honored to have the following celebrities take part in our Celebrity READS of Veteran's Letters.
Dan Lauria, of Wonder Years and Independence Day reads a letter from Veteran Army SGT Rick Seaman.
James Pickens, of 42 and Greys Anatomy, reads a letter from Veteran Army SP5 Mike Maxwell.
Joe Mantegna, of Criminal Minds and Godfather Part III, reads a letter by Veteran Army CW3 Jim White.
Jonathan Banks, of Breaking Bad and Beverly Hills Cops, reads a letter from Veteran Army COL Donald Sandstrom.
Kim Brockington, of Joker, reads a letter from Veteran Air Force Capt Joan Arrington.
Lou Diamond Phillips, of Courage Under Fire, La Bamba, and Blue Bloods, reads a letter from Veteran Army SP4 Rick Gallavan.
Reno Wilson, of Transformers, reads a letter from Veteran Marine SSgt Dave Culmer.
Sam McMurray, of Jenny's Wedding, Elementary/NCIS, and Friends reads a letter from Veteran Army CPT Shad Meshad.
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