George Lopez Visits Nellis Airmen and Families Published Aug. 6, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Richard Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The base exchange here held an autograph session Saturday with one of America's most famous Latino comedic actors. George Lopez, who was in town headlining a show at the Las Vegas Hilton, hosted the meet and greet to honor the base's Airmen and their families. "I'm really connected to the military although I did not serve myself," Mr. Lopez said. "I'm always making myself very accessible to people who are in the military." He added that he appreciates the sacrifices military members make every day. The actor frequently stops at military installations as he tours the country performing his comedy shows. His visit here was his first time seeing Nellis. Mr. Lopez said he was impressed with the base and its people. In addition to meeting military members stationed in the United States, Mr. Lopez also interacts with military men and women deployed overseas. The comedian gets countless e-mails from Airmen and other military members serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Lopez's CDs and DVDs are well-liked by many of those men and women. "My CDs and DVDs are really popular over there," said Mr. Lopez. "You see that it means a lot to them, to give them a sense of home away from home." Members of the base community flocked to the BX to meet the actor and get his signature. The crowd of approximately 570 fans far exceeded the event organizers' estimate of 250 people. A line formed that extended from the electronics department, through the furniture department and all the way through the center aisle near the store's entrance. A line of approximately 100 people had formed by the time the BX opened at 9 a.m., three hours prior to the autograph signing at noon. Perhaps the most dedicated fans of the day were 2nd Lt. Felicia Saenz and her family, the very first people in line to meet Mr. Lopez. Lieutenant Saenz's husband, Felix, had arrived at the BX five hours ahead of time to reserve their spot in line. The Saenz family, like the other fans of Mr. Lopez, were thrilled to meet the comedian, get his signature and witness his support for the United States military. For more information on future events like this at the BX, please contact the base exchange at (702) 643-3526.
