GIs of Comedy Bring Laughter to Long Knife Soldiers in Poland

ZAGAN, Poland - Army Entertainment provided a comedy show for Soldiers deployed in support of Atlantic Resolve in Swietoszow, Poland, Dec. 22.

The show, performed by the all-veteran group "GIs of Comedy," was presented to Soldiers of the 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kansas.

The comedians, Benari Poulten, Ralph Figueroa and Patrick "P.J." Walsh, entertained a collection of junior-enlisted Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers in an effort to boost the morale of the "Long Knife Squadron," during the holiday season.

"It's important for us to remind the troops that we care about them, we think about them, and we appreciate what they do," said Poulten, who in addition to comedy, serves as a U.S. Army Reserve master sergeant and public affairs chief. "The military is a family onto itself, we are a part of that family and that bond is very strong."

The group of veterans travel the world using stand-up comedy as way to spread laughter and raise spirits of service members deployed.

Walsh, who served as a petty officer third class in the U.S. Navy, said that he and a lot of the other members of his troupe use their experiences in the military to fuel their work. Memories of spending Christmas alone as a sailor are what fuels Walsh's comedy.

"It was so lonely, and I never forgot that," said Walsh. "I know that if we can bring people here laughter during the holidays, then we are giving them a little piece of home."

Walsh emphasized that giving comedy and other forms of enjoyment to Soldiers strengthen the overall welfare, morale and readiness of all service members overseas.

"I believe it's recognition and saying that you are not alone," said Walsh. "We travel to deployment locations every year, and it makes a difference. Even if it's just to shake hands and make you laugh. You can't beat it."

The visit from the "GIs of Comedy" helps support the resiliency of the Soldiers deployed in support of Atlantic Resolve: a U.S. endeavor supporting NATO by rotating units through the European theater to deter aggression against allies and partners in Europe

"This is my first time being away from my family this long," said Spc. Jonathan Johnson, an M1 tank crewman with 5-4 Cav. "Even though I'm away from my family this event during the holiday makes me feel like the military is really trying to do something for us. This was a huge morale boost.