Child & Youth Program Assistant

Minions bring movie magic to more than 700 military family members at JBLM. Comcast, the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network teamed up to provide military families with free screenings, snacks, giveaways and an opportunity to enjoy time together Laughter, movie magic and a little Minions mayhem filled the Carey Theater at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) this week as more than 700 service members, veterans and military family members gathered for a series of free screenings of "Minions & Monsters." The Comcast Military Families Free Minions & Monsters Watch Party featured three screenings, along with popcorn, snacks, giveaways and family photo opportunities. Presented by Comcast in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network, the event transformed an ordinary day at JBLM into a celebration of military families and the South Sound community. From the moment guests arrived, volunteers worked to create a welcoming and stress-free experience. Families checked in, picked up refreshments and giveaways, posed for photos, and spent time together before settling into the theater. For military families who regularly navigate deployments, training schedules, relocations and time apart from loved ones, opportunities to simply relax and enjoy time together can be especially meaningful. The watch party gave families a chance to step away from their daily responsibilities, share a few laughs and create new memories close to home. Celebrating JBLM service members and their families. Comcast leaders welcomed attendees and thanked service members, veterans and military spouses for their service and the important roles they play in supporting the country and one another. The event also recognized military children, who often experience frequent moves, separations from family members and the challenge of adjusting to new schools and communities. For these children and their parents, the screenings offered an afternoon centered entirely on fun, connection and appreciation. For one mother, the free event offered an experience that otherwise would have been difficult to arrange. She and her three children walked three blocks from Liberty Housing Main to attend while her husband was deployed. "Thank you for bringing this movie here and letting us in for free," she said. "I don't drive, my husband is deployed, and with three kids, taking the whole family to a movie theater is impossible." Afterward, she asked her children to thank one of the volunteers. The children responded by giving the volunteer a group hug. The Armed Services YMCA played a central role in bringing the event to JBLM. The organization promoted the screenings to local military families, supported registration and helped coordinate guest flow and event logistics. Founded in 1861, the Armed Services YMCA provides programs and services to active-duty junior enlisted service members and their families. Its services are offered at no or low cost and without membership dues, helping military families access resources and community support where they live and serve. Lollipop Theater Network coordinated the movie screenings and worked with Universal Pictures to manage the presentation and theater operations. The nonprofit organization is known for bringing movies and special entertainment experiences to children facing medical challenges and their families. Together, the organizations demonstrated how a shared entertainment experience can strengthen community connections and show military families that their contributions and sacrifices are valued. Comcast volunteers help bring the experience to life. Comcast employees volunteered throughout the day as part of Team UP, the company's employee volunteer program. Volunteers welcomed families, prepared and distributed popcorn and snacks, managed registration, staffed the photo area, helped guests find theater seating and cleaned and reset the venue between screenings. Behind the scenes, Comcast technical employees also helped ensure the theater's connectivity, equipment, and network were ready for the presentations. Representatives from Comcast, the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network worked together throughout the event to keep all three screenings running smoothly. The watch party reflected Comcast's broader commitment to supporting military communities through nonprofit partnerships, employee volunteerism and programs designed to expand digital access and connectivity. By the conclusion of the final screening, hundreds of South Sound military families had enjoyed an afternoon filled with Minions, movies and meaningful time together. The success of the event could be seen in the smiles, laughter and enthusiastic reactions throughout the theater. Children and parents enjoyed a carefree experience, volunteers rallied around a shared mission, and community partners strengthened their collective commitment to serving military families. Most importantly, the watch party offered Comcast and its partners a meaningful way to say thank you to the JBLM community and recognize those who serve the country, both in uniform and at home.