Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Benoit | Sarah Tiana, a comedienne with the Comics on Duty World Tour, entertained Task Force...... read more read more
Spc. Erin Robicheaux
256th Brigade Combat Team PAO
CAMP TIGERLAND, Iraq " For a couple of hours, laughter rang out in the midst of the combat zone in Baghdad.
The Comics on Duty World Tour brought four comedians to the Tiger Den Dining Facility at Camp Tigerland Aug. 12. Dave Mishevitz, Sarah Tiana, John Bizarre, and Danny Bevins formed the side-splitting team who kept the Task Force Baghdad Soldiers rolling with laughter. The comics touched on subjects such as the funnier side of military life in a combat zone, politics, relationships, and random acts of everyday life.
John Bizarre, an Air Force brat and brother of a Marine, has appeared "The Tonight Show," "The Drew Carey Show," "The District," and now he adds a Middle Eastern tour to his resume.
Bizarre said he jumped at the chance to perform for the U.S. Armed Forces. So far, his travels include Japan, Afghanistan, South Korea, and the Persian Gulf. He said he is always amazed at the attitudes of the Soldiers he encounters.
"Everyone is so strong and what is surprising is the consistency of the bravery and dedication of the Soldiers," he said. "No matter where I go, the attitudes are great and I'm amazed at how much the troops do and they do it without complaining."
Bizarre said one of the most rewarding aspects of the tour is having the opportunity to meet America's heroes after each show.
"I always look them in the eye, shake their hand, and make sure I see their name. And it makes me feel so good each time to see that they are in the moment," stated Bizarre.
During this particular show he offered a present to any Soldier in the audience with a birthday approaching.
Pfc. Justin Morrison from Alexandria La., with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, quickly raised his hand and told the comic that his 18th birthday was the very next day.
After making sure his hands were good and dry, Bizarre cupped them together, and after a little 'tuning," proceeded to transform his hands into a musical instrument of flatulence, as he squeezed out the tune, "Happy Birthday to You." He even managed to hit all of the high notes.
Morrison said it was one of the most unique birthday experiences he ever had, and he was glad he took the time to come out and enjoy the show.
"These guys were hilarious," he said. "I was surprised at how much they really knew about our lives out here."
Richard J. Davis, of Davis Entertainment Group and executive producer of the Comics on Duty World Tour, said his motivation for this project, as well as the comics" motivation, is strictly the individual Soldier.
"As far as money, we do this for next to nothing, and we try to get to as many bases as possible," said Davis. "It's about reaching as many troops as we can in the time that we're here."
In the nine days the comics were in the area, they performed 17 shows.
Davis said the comics are true Americans whose goals are to get out there and show support to the Soldiers.
"Just being funny doesn't necessarily make them qualified, there are so many more elements. I look for comics who will provide a lot of interaction with the Soldiers, which is as beneficial as the laughter," he said.
Davis said he began the tour to brighten the attitudes and bring brighter outlooks to the Soldiers in the field.
"When you have the opportunity to positively affect something, even if it's only 14 Soldiers at a time, that effect ripples on, and makes their time here, even if for a moment, a little more enjoyable," he said.
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 08.19.2005 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 2794 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 20 |
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