Comics bring laughter to combat zone

Photo By Spc. Kelly McDowell | CAMP STRYKER, Iraq: Comic Jeff Capri steps off stage to pick on 2nd Brigade Combat Teams Deputy Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Richard White. five comics visited Camp Striker, Iraq, as part of the Comics on Duty tour. The group visited the camp for one 2 hour show and then joined the Soldiers in the dining facility for dinner Nov. 4. Photo by Pfc. Kelly K. McDowell, 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Airborne Division.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.09.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Spc. George Welcome
2/101st Airborne Division PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq " If laughter is the best medicine, then Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division were given a healthy dose of good humor Nov. 5 as comedians from the Comics on Duty World Tour visited Iraq.

The troupe began its 10-day tour to military bases in the Middle East Oct. 29. The comedians said they felt duty-bound to visit the Soldiers in the desert.

"I just wanted a chance to try and give back to the troops," said Matt Isemann, a licensed physician who gave up a career in medicine to pursue stand-up comedy. "I appreciate what they're doing, putting their lives on the line, so I figured it would be something we could do to bring them some humor."

Although the comedians all had different styles and personalities, they were united by a common thread"a desire to make the troops laugh.

"I am glad to get a chance to make people laugh," said comedian Tom Simmons. "At the end of the show when you are shaking their hands, it's really humbling. I actually feel kind of stupid, them thanking me for coming."

Most of the comics said they were surprised to find the Soldiers were really down to earth and friendly. They were also surprised at how much more built up the camps are than what they expected.

After the two-hour show concluded, the comedians gave away two satellite radios to Soldiers in the audience. In turn, the comedians were given brigade T-Shirts and coins by Lt. Col. Richard White, the brigade's deputy commander, who told them, "You were our best showâ?¦You were our only show."

After all the presentations had been made, the troops filed onto the stage and shook the comedians" hands.

"The show was really entertaining, and the guys were all funny," said Pvt. Matthew Black of the 526th Brigade Support Battalion. "I think the event has boosted people's spirits. I know it did mine."

• Date Taken: 11.09.2005
• Date Posted: 11.09.2005 15:37
• Story ID: 3683
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ