Matthew Modine: A Hollywood Icon Whose Heart Belongs to America’s Veterans
How The VA Claims Lawyer helped bring a powerful voice to Veterans Day 2025
Veterans Day is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who served. In 2025, it became something even more powerful when award-winning actor and long-time veterans’ advocate Matthew Modine attended an unforgettable series of events in Columbus, Ohio.
Through keynote speeches, museum collaborations, Marine Corps celebrations, and national media interviews, Modine used his platform to shine a spotlight on veterans’ stories, sacrifices, and the need for continued advocacy - exactly what we work toward every day at The VA Claims Lawyer.
This year’s Veterans Day programming also marked a milestone partnership: Matthew Modine’s acclaimed photographic exhibition, Full Metal Jacket Diary, is now on display at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) through March 2026. And we could not be more proud to have played a role in bringing Matthew to this important moment.
A Legacy of Service Through Art: Full Metal Jacket Diary at NVMM
Matthew Modine’s connection to military culture began with his iconic role as Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. But his respect for military service extends far beyond the screen.
His NVMM exhibition, Full Metal Jacket Diary, showcases:
Rare behind-the-scenes photographs
Personal memorabilia from the film
Intimate reflections on the emotional weight of portraying service members
The exhibit draws thousands of visitors - veterans, families, film lovers, and students - creating a powerful bridge between cinematic history and lived military experience.
Modine has called the exhibit a “tribute to the men and women who serve and to the transformative power of storytelling.”
The VA Claims Lawyer Helped Bring Matthew Modine to Veterans Day 2025
We were honored to work directly with Matthew and help coordinate his attendance at NVMM’s official Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2025.
As the keynote speaker, Matthew delivered one of the most heartfelt, emotional, and spontaneous speeches the museum has ever hosted. Many attendees were brought to tears.
A Media Tour Reaching Millions of Veterans and Families Nationwide
During the week leading up to Veterans Day, Matthew completed a full slate of interviews organized in part through The VA Claims Lawyer’s collaboration with NVMM. These appearances helped elevate veterans’ voices and share the message of service, community, and support.
🎙 Friday, Nov. 7 – Veteran Made
Appearance on the “Veteran Made” podcast with host Carey Kight.
📺 Monday, Nov. 10
WBNS-TV (CBS) with Stacia Naquin
Experience Columbus – Instagram interview segments and features timed for the upcoming Stranger Things season one finale.
Greg Sabo Productions – multiple Instagram posts highlighting Modine and the vintage filming equipment featured in his exhibit.
NBC4 Columbus Living – interview with Crystal Mazza, joined by Col. Butler.
Nexstar Media Group – national interview with Jennifer Bullock distributed to 160 affiliate stations across the U.S.
🎖 Monday Night – Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Modine attended the 4th District Command Recruiter Division Marine Corps Ball.
Matthew gave out challenge coins, spoke with Marines and spouses from five states, and brought an electric energy to the room. The Marines adored having him as their surprise VIP guest.
📺 Tuesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Interviews
WSYX-TV interviews with Cameron Fontana for both Columbus and Cincinnati audiences.
One of the first things Matthew did at the podium was thank Al Giordano and Len, an advocate at The VA Claims Lawyer, recognizing them publicly for getting him to Columbus and supporting his involvement.
Watch Matthew’s keynote here (begins at the 33:00 mark):
https://www.youtube.com/live/OG0bg6bDi7s
Through these appearances, Matthew championed the mission of supporting veterans - highlighting the very issues The VA Claims Lawyer is dedicated to solving every day: disability claims, survivor benefits, VA appeals, and advocacy for recognition.
Why Matthew Modine’s Support Matters
Matthew is beloved for his roles in Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things, Birdy, and more - but it is his down-to-earth compassion for veterans that resonates most deeply.
Everyone he met - museum staff, Marines, reporters, volunteers, and veterans - shared the same sentiment:
Matthew Modine shows up.
He listens.
He cares.
And he uses his voice to honor those who served.
His partnership with The VA Claims Lawyer is just beginning, and we are honored to continue this work together in service of veterans, their families, and the community.
Looking Ahead: Our Collaboration
Matthew has expressed a strong desire to support future veteran events hosted or coordinated by The VA Claims Lawyer and NVMM. His authenticity, humility, and willingness to travel, speak, and advocate make him an extraordinary ally for our mission to empower veterans.
We look forward to bringing more stories, events, and collaborative opportunities to life - with Matthew Modine standing proudly alongside our veteran community.
If You’re a Veteran or Family Member, We’re Here for You
Honoring veterans requires more than ceremonies - it requires action.
If you need help navigating VA disability benefits, appeals, or survivor benefits, our team is ready to support you.
Contact The VA Claims Lawyer today to protect your rights and secure the benefits you earned through service.
