131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Sgt. Brandon Mc Carty

By Army Sgt. Brandon McCarty
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Service members were left in stitches thanks to three comedians from The Comedy Corps, who performed on camp in the New Cantina, Aug. 23.

Dan Smith, PJ Walsh and Mike Merrill excited the audience of Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army troops with their comical insight into everyday life.

The Comedy Corps are all experienced travelers who have done previous military comedy tours. This way, they know what to expect and are willing to go the extra mile to put on good shows.

"These guys are great!" said Army Spc. Richard McDonald, civil affairs, Charlie Company 486. "I appreciate them coming out to boost the morale of troops on camp."

First up on the mic (microphone) was Merrill, whose love of comedy started very young. He began his career in Los Angeles, performing during open-mic night at clubs. Merrill has appeared on BET's "Oh Drama" as well as performed at The Hollywood Laugh Factory and The Hollywood Comedy Store. Merrill has finished his first DVD titled, "The Movement."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to perform for troops stationed around the world," said Merrill. "And I feel good about putting a smile on the troops. Back in the U.S., (deployed service members) are not forgotten."

Walsh, who was second in the set, is currently performing with the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" and has a military background. He enlisted in the Navy a few days after graduating from high school and was tapped to serve as the primary dental care technician for the White House, during the Clinton years. Walsh received laughs with his humor on "little people," body fluids, military battle cries and the ever-changing uniforms.

"Being in the Navy for six years, I feel like I'm surrounded by my kin when I perform for the military men and women who are deployed," said Walsh. "It feels good to give something back, and I will continue to entertain troops as long as they are deployed. I wish them all a safe return home."

A few service members in the audience found out what it was like to be heckled after interrupting Walsh, including Navy Builder Petty Officer 2nd Class Shaun Dwyer. Walsh poked fun at Dwyer's size and asked him if he took his physical fitness test on a Playstation. Many laughed, but were surprised Walsh was gutsy enough to take jabs at the audience.

"You can't win an insult contest with a comedian; they have microphones," said Dwyer, central tool room tech. "It's all in fun, and it breaks up the repetition of the daily grind. We all work hard and we like to relax and unwind. Comedy is a good stress reliever."

Smith headlined the show and is the official spokesman and president of The Comedy Corps. He began his journey into comedy while in college, where he graduated with a degree in business and became a licensed medical writer, but quit to pursue laughter. Smith, having a family background steeped in military service, is on his 16th military tour and has performed in 35 countries to include Bosnia, Kosovo, Korea, Japan, Iceland, Afghanistan and Iraq. Smith cracked on military acronyms, big supermarkets, Michael Vick and where states service members were from. He also impersonated Christopher Walken.

"I love doing my small part and being a piece of the big puzzle that brings happiness, even if it is only for a few hours, to those service members who are defending our great country," said Smith. "I thank you for the sacrifices you have made to keep me safe."

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