Photo By Spc. Allison Churchill | Brooklyn, N.Y., native Sgt. Ben Downing, communications non-commissioned officer,...... read more read more
By Sgt. Allison Churchill
41st Fires Brigade
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Nearly 300 Soldiers and civilians packed into the pavilion on Forward Operating Base Delta, Dec. 6, for an evening of comedy.
The comic, Sgt. Ben Downing, 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 42nd Infantry Division, New York National Guard, has been building his stand-up comedy career since leaving active duty in 2000 and hopes to use his skills to entertain his comrades throughout Iraq.
During his show, Downing made light of life on FOB Delta. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native and the rest of his battalion have been in country for less than a month, but his take on several facts of life earned loud laughter and applause.
"Being able to find common ground – that's the art of stand-up comedy," said Downing, a communications non-commissioned officer.
His first attempt at stand-up wasn't so successful, Downing said. While stationed in South Korea, Downing participated in a talent show.
"I got booed off the stage," he admits. "Looking back, I was horrible."
As he was in the process of leaving active duty, several buddies encouraged Downing to try again. His girlfriend at the time knew people in the comedy business and helped him get a two-minute spot at a club.
"It wasn't that bad," said Downing. He kept going, and started getting to know other comics.
He eventually became friends with a group of comics that included D.L. Hughley, Tracey Morgan and Dave Chappell, earning opening spots on their shows and spots on Comic View in 2003 and 2004.
He also earned a small part in the movie "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith. Downing joked about his very small part and the difference between "rich thinking" and "broke thinking" during his FOB Delta performance.
After building up to performing almost nightly, when his battalion mobilized to deploy at Fort Sill, Okla., he put together a show – partly to keep his skills fresh and partly to give his battle buddies something to do.
"They need comedy," said Downing.
Downing said he plans to capture one of his shows in theater and send it to networks in the U.S., so he can share his "skewed sense of humor" and life as a Soldier with a larger audience.
He noted that his command has been supportive of his comedy efforts
"There's no other comic who's been a Soldier in Iraq before," said Downing. "As long as I do my job well, they let me do this."
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2008 08:22 |
| Story ID: | 27312 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 120 |
| Downloads: | 97 |
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