Tim Reid talks about blacks in military

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Actor, director, producer and Norfolk native Tim Reid says his frustration with the lack of black people in the movie "Saving Private Ryan" led him to do a documentary on black veterans.

The Fayetteville Observer reported that Reid spoke Wednesday at Fayetteville State University about his film, titled "Blacks in the Military."

The first 15 minutes were previewed before Reid spoke. That part highlighted the "Red Ball Express," a steady stream of mostly black-driven supply trucks that were the lifeblood to Gen. George Patton's troops following the invasion of Normandy.

Reid pointed out that every soldier he interviewed for that segment has since died, highlighting the importance of recording such stories.

Reid is best known for his role as Venus Flytrap on "WKRP in Cincinnati," which aired from 1978 to 1982.