TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - “The Marine looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘I’ll make sure you get home safe, don’t worry sir,” said Sam Fedele, comedian. “It really hit me at home. I was just doing a show for them in Iraq and he was protecting me from anything that might harm me. To think this is what they do every day is truly amazing. Performing and making them smile is the least I can do.”
Combat Center Marines and sailors were invited to the Leatherneck Comedy Tour, a show sponsored by the Single Marine Program, at the base theater, Aug. 7, 2014.
“We truly appreciate what service members do for us and our country,” said Lovetta Scipio, coordinator, SMP. “Everything taking place here today is for our heroes.”
The service members were welcomed by coolers full of drinks and the smell of barbeque. A free meal was offered to all of the service members attending. After finishing the meals, the attendees entered the theater and were welcomed by music played by Disk Jockey Big Mike. During the performance Big Mike invited service members on stage to dance to a variety of music ranging from country to techno and to pass out T-shirts.
Once the music came to an end, the comedians were introduced.
The two comedians performing for the service members were Sam Fedele and Mark Viera. The laughs roared through the theatre as each comedian told their jokes and shared personal stories.
The comedic act was followed by a “sing and dance” performance by the Purrfect Angelz. The Angelz danced to various genres of music and changed outfits to fit the songs’ themes.
The last performance of the day was by Lit, an American alternative rock band. The attendees rushed to the front of the stage to dance and listen to the music.
After the performances were finished, the comedians, rock stars and dancers came to the seating area to meet the service members attending. The performers also offered to take photos and sign autographs for anyone who was interested.
“Coming out here and meeting these service members is awesome,” said Kevin Baldes, bass player, Lit. “I think it is crazy because we come out here and all they do is thank us but that’s what we are trying to do to them. We are trying to thank them for everything they do. This is our way of trying to give back and say thank you for fighting for our great country.”