Jeremy Renner, who is nominated for an “Oscar” in the Leading Actor category, stars in "The Hurt Locker" (Summit Entertainment). Photo credit: Courtesy of Summit Entertainment.

Jeremy Renner has changed since starring in The Hurt Locker. He has an Academy Award nomination in the Leading Actor category, but more than that he has a different perspective on the soldiers risking their lives everyday.

Because of his newfound understanding of what military personnel endure, he’s heading out in the fall with the USO to meet the soldiers personally – and to thank them for their service.

And there are scenes that still run his blood cold – even though he was there when those on-screen moments were shot. For instance a sequence involving a suicide bomber that hit way too close to home.

And Renner is using the film as an educational tool for his own family, to help them understand what sort of sacrifice the brave men and women are making.

Make no mistake about it, the actor knows what a lucky man he is to have landed one of the most enviable roles of the season.

Click onto media bars for:

How Jeremy Renner’s views have changed about the military.

Which scene that had the strongest effect on the actor.

How he showed the film to his family educate them about the sacrifice the military makes.

Why the roles was important for Jeremy Renner.

The Hurt Locker is out on DVD in time for fans to revisit the action again prior to the Academy Awards.

The Oscar telecast broadcasts live, March 7th, from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.