CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq - Soldiers stationed here were treated to a night of smiles and laughs as comedians with the Comics Ready To Entertain Tour entertained the deployed servicemembers, Nov. 5.
The crowd, filled with Soldiers assigned to the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, enjoyed the stand-up comedians and received a break from their missions and daily responsibilities.
"One of my goals when I come out to perform for these troops is to try and make them forget they're overseas, and make them feel as though they're back at home," said Scott Kennedy, the headlining comedian currently on his 40th overseas comedy tour.
Kennedy, who also visited the Long Knife troops in Tallil, Iraq, on their last deployment, was happy to see familiar faces and perform for the brigade once again.
"As long as the troops are here in Iraq and Afghanistan we'll be there to visit and perform for them," said Kennedy, of Austin, Texas.
In addition to performing for U.S. Soldiers, the comics spent the day with the Long Knife troopers. They visited with Soldiers during their tour of the base, and even stopped by the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, to spend time with the troopers and leaders.
"The honor of being able to give back to these troops, and giving them smiles and laughter...it all makes me want to come back and visit these guys again and again," said James Gleason, the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Comedian" from Lexington, Ky., on his eighth overseas comedy tour.
When the laughing died down and the show was almost over, the comedians took the stage and thanked their heroes for protecting both countries and wished them a safe trip back to the U.S.
"We enjoy coming out to brighten up these Soldiers' day and maybe give them a morale boost," said Dana Eagle, a female comic and native of Los Angeles., on her fourth overseas comedy tour. "And no matter how much we love coming over here to do our job, it's nothing compared to the self-sacrifice these troops make when they volunteer to take on this job. They make me proud."
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