Photo By Sgt. Brandon McCarty | Chalermkait Pukkanasut, a member of the band Elizabeth, rocks out on the keyboard...... read more read more
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By Army Sgt. Brandon McCarty
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Service members had plenty of laughs at the New Cantina July 21, as comedians Dustin Chafin and Gary Bell performed their stand-up routines. The entertainment is part of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation program that the military provides to deployed troops.
Both comedians had the crowd in stitches, with their off-the-cuff and sometimes "colorful" or "blue" material.
"When (Camp Lemonier) brings in comedy acts, it changes the whole pace of the deployment," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Marcus Martin, Camp Lemonier work center supervisor. "Morale goes way up and you walk away smiling."
Dustin Chafin, a mainstay comic in New York City, who has written for the Chris Rock Show, Dennis Miller, Chappelle Show and Blue Collar T.V., has wanted to perform in front of troops for awhile.
"This was a great experience," said Chafin. "It's my way of bringing a little bit of America to the deployed troops."
Gary Bell, a veteran comic who has performed for the military in the Middle East, Korea and Japan, enjoys spending time with "America's finest," he said.
"I have five kids," said Bell. "As I see it, these troops are keeping me and my children safe and defending the freedoms that (Americans) enjoy on a day-to-day basis. I am honored to perform for them."
The troops in attendance reciprocated their thanks.
"The show was outstanding," said Army Pfc. Casey Bordash, and infantryman in the honor guard. "(Chafin) is one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen perform."
After the comedy acts, the band Elizabeth, the New Cantina musical act for the month of July, rocked out with such cover tunes as "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses, "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
"They are a great band," said Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller, public affairs videographer. "Elizabeth plays to the crowd and it's great seeing everyone getting fired up."
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2007 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 11498 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Web Views: | 400 |
| Downloads: | 356 |
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