In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with actor and philanthropist Phillip Keene best known as 'Buzz Watson' the tech savvy member of LAPD's exclusive squad on TNT's hit drama franchise "The Closer" and spin-off "Major Crimes" about his work with Project Wingman USA a COVID-19 charitable initiative mobilizing volunteers from the travel industry to support frontline health care heroes with pop-up lounges in hospitals. First launched with great success in the UK Project Wingman creates an area in hospitals where staff can come in before, during or after shifts to decompress, switch off and be looked after by uniformed aircrew for the duration of their break. Project Wingman crew volunteers provide snacks and refreshments as well as much needed sympathetic support having a shared experience of working in a highly disciplined, regulated and stressful environment. The lounges are located in a secluded, non-patient facing environment and the hospitals provide the volunteers with personal protective equipment such as facemasks and gloves. Keene a licensed pilot and once Pan Am flight attendant jumped on board when approached about the crucial need for Project Wingman programs and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic to help support the hospital frontline workers including doctors, nurses and staff working to save coronavirus patients. We talked to Phillip about his philanthropic work, LGBTQ representation in Hollywood and his spin on our LGBTQ issues.
Phillip's love for his past career with Pan Am never faded and he has amassed one of the largest collections of the airline's iconic memorabilia. Since he began collecting in 1996 his collection has grown to over 3,500 pieces and includes matchboxes, posters, uniforms and tableware. Keene lives in California with long-time husband of 27 years James Duff creator of TNT's "Major Crimes” and "The Closer" and they are currently developing a new comedy series.
For More Info: projectwingmanusa.com
