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Actor experiences roles in real-life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Hosted by the 20th Fighter Wing Chaplain Corps, U.S. Marine Corps retired Captain Ken Bevel visited Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, May 1, 2014.

Bevel, a Jacksonville, Florida, native, spent 20 years on active duty to include serving tours in support of the First Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2008, he spent approximately 30 days of leave to act in the feature film "Fireproof." Since then he has gone on to act in the 2011 film "Courageous."

"I was an active duty military officer during a time of war" said Bevel, "so just to be able to take the time to be able to act in a film was awesome. Acting was a little scary initially, but I trusted in God to give me the strength and ability to do what I needed to do."

Once retired from active duty, Bevel continued to pursue his acting career.

"Going from military life to acting was interesting," said Bevel. "The roles I played were similar to military members so some parts of acting were really easy because of the military training and bearing I already had."

While touring Shaw AFB, Bevel took pictures with fans and thanked Airmen while visiting the fire department, 20th Security Forces Squadron to include the military working dog section.

"Visiting Shaw AFB was incredible," said Bevel. "My favorite part was seeing the K-9 demonstration. I've played the role of a firefighter and policeman so it was nice to visit those facilities as well."

Throughout his time on Shaw AFB, he shook Airmen's hands, spoke about the importance of education and military goals.

"Bevel really wanted to visit the base to say thanks to the men and women who are defending on the front lines," said Chaplain (Capt.) Randy Croft, 20th FW chaplain.