Comics visit infantry troops at JSS SUJ

By Sgt. Grant Okubo

4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (L) PAO, MND-B

JOINT SECURITY STATION SHAWRA WA UM JIDIR, Iraq - Visiting comedians served up laughter as they performed for Patriot Brigade Soldiers at the joint security station dining facility Aug. 25.

Touring comedians Scott Kennedy, Dan Naturman and Beth Sherman treated Soldiers from Companies A and B of 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), MND-B, to dishes of their comic guile.
Laughter filled the dining facility throughout the three performances as Soldiers enjoyed each comedy routine.

"I enjoyed the show a lot, and I was not only surprised but grateful that they came all the way to the JSS," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Desoto, acting platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Co. B, 2nd Bn., 30th Inf. Regt. "It's the first time anyone has even considered coming all the way up to JSS SUJ."

Comedian Dan Naturman performs his routine Aug. 25 in front of Soldiers from Companies A and B of 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

Not only did Desoto, a Pineville, La., native, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Kennedy, Sherman and Naturman coming to a JSS, said he hoped the comedians had a worthwhile experience while visiting the troops.
Indications are they did.

"This is one of the best shows of the 20 or so shows we are doing on this tour," said Kennedy, who said he hopes their visit is a positive experience for the infantry Soldiers and that he hoped it provided them an opportunity to unwind and have some semblance of normalcy.

Comedian Beth Sherman performs Aug. 25 in front of Soldiers from Companies A and B of 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

Kennedy said he understands some of the demands placed upon deployed troops, and felt the opportunity to make them laugh was a great experience for him and his fellow comedians, adding that offering comic relief is his way of doing his part to support the troops and his country.

Desoto said he enjoyed all the performances and was particularly impressed with Sherman's routine, especially because she appeared unabashed by performing in front of a large crowd of almost all male Soldiers.

Comedian Scott Kennedy signs an autograph Aug. 25 for Sgt. Joseph Rabon, an Aynor, S.C., native, assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad. Soldiers enjoyed the comic guile of comedians Scott Kennedy, Dan Naturman and Beth Sherman during a visit to the joint security station as part of a comedy tour to entertain deployed Soldiers in the Middle East.

It marked Sherman's first visit with the troops and her first experience in general with the military

Prior to beginning the tour, she said watching CNN and the HBO series "Generation Kill" had been her only exposure to deployed life in Iraq.

Sherman said she tailored her shows to specifically entertain the troops because the audience has more fun and appreciates jokes geared toward them that they can relate to.

Kennedy, the show's headliner, has an array of comedic accolades, including a show at Harrah's in Las Vegas and various appearances on the Comedy Central network, where he was named one of the top 100 comics of all time.

Soldiers from Companies A and B of 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad, enjoy a comedic routine during a comedy show featuring comedians Scott Kennedy, Dan Naturman and Beth Sherman Aug. 25.

Kennedy has made multiple trips to the Middle East to visit with deployed servicemen said the visits are "a labor of love."

Dan Naturman and Beth Sherman are both first-time tour comedians and joined Kennedy for this trip. A comedian for seven years, Naturman has made several stops on the late night circuit, including appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He has also been featured in specials with Comedy Central.

Sherman places her own stamp of comedy on the tour. She is a writer and has directed shows for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

   _   _