Montel Williams Visits Troops in Iraq

Daytime television talk show host Montel Williams shakes hands with one of those attending a in this file photo from May, 4, 2004, press conference at the New York State Capitol in Albany, N.Y. Williams, joined U.S. troops in Iraq for a two-part holiday edition of his syndicated talk show. Williams, 50, visited the North Arabian Gulf and spent time with sailors aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower earlier this month. (AP Photo/Jim McKnight-File) (Jim Mcknight - AP)

LOS ANGELES -- Montel Williams joined U.S. troops in Iraq for a two-part holiday edition of his syndicated talk show.

Williams, 50, visited the North Arabian Gulf and spent time with sailors aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower earlier this month.

"During a season when it is all too easy to become immersed in our own hectic schedules, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the military men and women who are away from their families protecting our freedom," he said in a statement.

"It is our hope that this program serves as a reminder, to all of us, of their sacrifices and their importance."

The shows will air Thursday and Friday.

Williams joined the Marine Corps in 1974, and later graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He worked as a special-duty intelligence officer before beginning "The Montel Williams Show" in 1991.

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