Thursday, August 02, 2007

Comedians bring laughter to troops in Iraq

More than 700 soldiers and airmen enjoy Scott Kennedy’s comedy routine during a USO show at Camp Adder, Iraq, July 25. (Photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca)

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, - Comedians Dave Attell and Scott Kennedy are keeping troops laughing during an eight-stop USO-sponsored comedy tour for servicemembers deployed to the Operation Iraqi Freedom theater of operations.

Attell may be best known for his travelogue show on Comedy Central, “Insomniac,” where he tours bars and club scenes for late-night fun. He has been a guest on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” He’s also traveled the world performing stand-up and visiting Soldiers in combat zones.

Scott Kennedy has performed in sold-out shows in 150 cities in the United States and Canada. He has headlined from coast-to-coast and has twice sold out the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Kennedy has made performed eight shows for Soldiers overseas in his career.

“I have two nephews who have served in Iraq, and I love you guys,” Kennedy said. “If you guys are here, I’m here.”

Both comedians interact with the audience during their shows, asking Soldiers questions, and then delivering punch lines and snappy comebacks. The comics hit on topics from relationships to favorite alcohol drinks to life in Iraq.

The audience’s Soldiers roared with laughter during the routines at the Scorpion MWR Center Saturday.

“I’m a big fan of stand-up comedy; these guys did a great job,” said Sgt. Michael Bone, assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade.

When the show was over on Camp Liberty, Attell and Kennedy signed autographs, gave away DVDs and took pictures with Soldiers. They personally thanked every Soldier for their service while speaking with them.

“I always liked to find Soldiers when filming ‘Insomniac’ because you guys have no days off and are up all night,” Attell said.

Editor’s note: Gable is a journalist assigned to the 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.