Comics

Photo By Staff Sgt. Miles Elder | Soldiers watch and enjoy the Comedy Tour.  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

05.10.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Miles Elder 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBAH, Iraq - Laughter is a key ingredient for the well being and morale of Soldiers away from family, friends and loved ones. The Comics on Duty's World Tour had just the right mix of herbs and spices to provide Soldiers with what they needed " laughter.

Four U.S. comedians entertained Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Warhorse by poking fun at all aspects of life for Coalition Forces serving overseas.

Nothing was sacred to comedians who poked fun at mobilized Reserve component Soldiers, AAFES concessionaires and Army chow. The Comics on Duty's World Tour has entertained U.S. Soldiers serving overseas for 15 years.

"It was hilarious," said Pfc. Julia Stone of Company B, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. "They were able to laugh about the way things are over here and it made me laugh with them."

Comedian Dave Mishevitz opened both the afternoon and evening shows. He was on his fourth tour of the Middle East and said he had been able to build most of his routine on what he sees surrounding him.

"You just start questioning things, noticing things and hearing things," Mishevitz said. "You just naturally pick up on that vibe."

"I'll give them credit for being funny," said Sgt. Rob Ness, an Army Reservist from San Francisco who servers with Company C, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion. . "They were all able to make something funny out of unfunny situations."

Mishevitz, who was featured in the movie "True Love," was joined by fellow comedians Tom Irwin, Jay Larson and Frank G. All of them live in Los Angeles except Frank G who lives in Detroit.

Frank G, who was making his first appearance in Iraq, drew many of the performances" biggest laughs.

"I love being here," Frank G said. "It does our hearts good to be able to visit with you guys. "You appreciate it more than anything."

An American with a mixed heritage of African-American and Mexican, he blended his jabs at the military along with an array of ethnic jokes.

"The truth is funny," Frank G said. "The truth makes people laugh.

"Basically, I'm just saying things you guys can't say. You can say it to a buddy, but I can say it out loud because I'm not a Soldier and I can get away with it."

One of Frank G's targets was an AAFES concessionaire who was selling rugs. He mentioned it several times in his first routine and was presented with a rug at the end of the show.

"It's a good that he had a good sense of humor," Frank G said. "He didn't have a bomb in it or anything and there were no mortars in it.

"That was pretty nice."
Mishevitz, who has also performed in Afghanistan, Greenland and Africa with Comics on Duty, said laughter is more important to him when he's performing for Soldiers. Both Frank G and Mishevitz said they felt a sense of patriotism on their tours overseas. They were thankful for what Soldiers do for them.

"I'm a guy who couldn't join the Army due to an injury," Mishevitz said. "To be able to do this quells that desire for me personally."

"You learn to appreciate all the things you have back home," Frank G said. "You guys are great.

"You guys are basically living on nothing while you are protecting the country."

• Date Taken: 05.10.2006
• Date Posted: 05.10.2006 09:36
• Story ID: 6334
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ