Steve Lemme of Super Troopers visits Cheyenne ‘Meow’ntain

Published June 6, 2017
By Senior Airman Dennis Hoffman
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. -- Steve Lemme, actor and comedian, best known for his role as ‘Mac’ in the movie Super Troopers, visited Airmen of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado, and toured the complex, June 2, 2017.

Lemme, a Colorado Springs native and a graduate of Cheyenne Mountain High School, flew in town for a high school reunion. He decided to reunite with old friends and visit a part of Colorado Springs that was shrouded in mystery for him and his friends growing up, he said.

“We always wondered,” said Lemme. “We could see the mountain (Cheyenne Mountain AFS) from our school and there were so many myths and legends surrounding the mountain that we always wanted to see what it was all about.”

Lemme and company were taken on a tour through the complex and were educated on the complex’s construction, history and saw firsthand how the Airmen of the 721st Mission Support Group maintain vigilance through the inner workings of America’s fortress.

“This is mind-blowing,” Lemme said. “I know we are just getting a look at the tip of the iceberg, but seeing on a basic level how the service members of the mountain keep Americans and allies safe, and the ways in which they are doing it, is really enlightening.”

Throughout the tour, Lemme stopped and interacted with Airmen and service members from all branches. He said the support he and his fellow comedy troop members receive from uniform wearing service members is unforgettable and unwavering.

“It’s crazy. When we first started making movies, essentially we were making them for ourselves – it’s just what made us laugh,” he said. “My dream was to just see a movie of mine in the theatre. A few years after that dream was realized on a larger scale, we started seeing that service members were a major fan base. We didn’t anticipate that.”

After learning that service members were a large demographic supporting his films, Lemme said he started to get fan mail that opened his eyes on the impact he and his comedy group was having on the welfare of the military overseas.

“People in uniform seemed to be affected the most by our movies,” said Lemme. “They told us that the laughter was helpful for their state of mind and their morale.”

“It’s a really beautiful thing knowing we are helping even if it’s in a small way. That’s why it’s important for me to come here to the mountain and gain a deeper appreciation and compassion for what is going on and how the Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors afford our freedoms.”

Lemme said he hopes to return to the Cheyenne Mountain complex in the future, but in the meantime will be working hard to keep the troops laughing.