#FlashbackFriday: That Time a Lifetime TV Series Filmed at the Charleston AFB BX

The Exchange has long been known for its support of military spouses. In April 2008, it played a supporting role of a different sort when the Lifetime TV series “Army Wives” filmed scenes in the Charleston Air Force Base BX.

“Army Wives’ star Catherine Bell during filming at Charleston Air Force Base in April 2008. The Lifetime series shot season two episodes at several locations on the base, including the Exchange. Behind Bell are Tech. Sgt. Erwin Aguilla and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Graham of the 437th Airlift Wing Safety Office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katie Gieratz)

Harry Bring, one of the show’s executive producers, had wanted to shoot on a military installation from the beginning, but wasn’t able to during the first season as the Army and the Department of Defense declined to support due to some of the series’ dramatic content.

By the end of the first season, the DoD agreed to conceptual episode-by-episode approval. After receiving that approval, Bring said he intended to use multiple on-base locations to film the second season of the series, which starred Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell and others as military spouses (Sterling K. Brown of “This is Us” played an Army husband married to a colonel).

“AAFES, the commissary and bowling [alley] are such a part of military life, and shooting on a military installation brings realism to our show,” Bring said.

Tess Stenseth, wife of then-Eastern Area Manager Paul Stenseth, and their daughters were extras during second-season filming of “Army Wives at Charleston Air Force Base. (Exchange Post archives)

Many people on the base were used as extras in the show, including then-Eastern Area Manager Paul Stenseth’s wife, Tess, and their daughters. Filming for the first scene shot at the Exchange began at 4:30 a.m. and ended 12 hours later, but Tess Stenseth and other extras didn’t mind.

“I am a big fan of ‘Army Wives,’ and I’m excited we had the opportunity not only to meet the actors but to be extras in a scene,” Tess Stenseth said at the time. “It’s really interesting to see how a TV show is put together.”

The series’ stars expressed their admiration for military spouses.

“When I meet women who are military wives, I am moved by their strength,” Bell said.

Added Delaney, who played Claudia Joy Holden, the post commander’s wife: “I don’t know how you call do it. The women we represent are unsung heroes at home. They hold everything together.”

“Army Wives” aired for seven seasons, concluding in 2013. Most of the series was filmed in the Charleston, S.C., area. The series is available for streaming on abc.com and Hulu.

Sources: Exchange Post archives, Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Office.