Photo By Spc. Adam Blazak | Comedian Dane Cook held nothing back during his USO comedy tour in Kuwait and Iraq...... read more read more
By Pfc. Adam Blazak
11th Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq – Finishing up the last leg of their USO comedy tour, comedians Dane Cook, Robert Kelly and Al Del Bene were greeted by a thunderous applause at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center on Forward Operating Base Marez, June 2.
Having this be his first USO tour, Cook wanted to do something different.
"We wanted to go where celebrities don't normally go," he said. "I wanted Soldiers to look forward to this show and know that we care about them. It's just amazing to be part of something this enormous."
Performing nine shows in Kuwait and Iraq over the past week to standing room only crowds, the trio has been shaking hands since they got off the plane.
"I find this experience to be overwhelming," Del Bene said. "It's amazing to see the positive attitudes and strength of Soldiers in the face of adversity."
Kelly, who performed on a USO comedy tour in Iraq before, has seen an improvement since he was last here in 2005.
"When I was first here, it was a little more rugged," he said referring to the VIP tents which he stayed in.
"And the chow halls are great now. I think I sampled almost everything they had," Kelly said as he rubbed his hands against his defined stomach.
Soldiers at the show were treated to 70 minutes of non-stop comedy by the three who stayed after to take photos and sign autographs.
"It's a good break [to see the comedians] after working 12-16 hour days for six months," said Warrant Officer Steven J. Fernandez with Regional Headquarters and Headquarters Troop Battalion, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
"This was such a stress reliever."
"I loved his [Cook's] movies, and he is hilarious in standup shows," said Sgt. Brian D. Sodomin with RHHT Battalion, 3rd ACR. "I definitely would see him again if I get the chance."
Understanding the importance of his work, Cook said he would "certainly do this again."
"It's a morale booster," he concluded. "Making people laugh is my talent, so this is how I'm giving back to my country."
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.03.2008 09:42 |
| Story ID: | 20056 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 739 |
| Downloads: | 592 |
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