This is what ‘Battle Comics’ think about when performing for troops in war zones

Blake Stilwell
Apr 2, 2018 9:48 AM PDT
1 minute read
This is what ‘Battle Comics’ think about when performing for troops in war zones

SUMMARY

For any comedian out there who has the chance to go off and perform for American forces deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere, filmmaker and comedian Jor…

For any comedian out there who has the chance to go off and perform for American forces deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere, filmmaker and comedian Jordan Brady has some advice for you.


"Don't be a pu**y," he says. "Count your blessings that you can bring a piece of home to these Americans. Don't overpack and leave your politics at home."

Brady put his money where his mouth is, taking off for the CENTCOM area of responsibility – including stops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan – with comedians Jeff Capri, Slade Ham, Don Barnhart, and Bob Kubota. Their experiences are captured in Brady's latest documentary "I Am Battle Comic."

"I think it starts for some as a way to travel, and bragging rights that you did it," he continues. "But man, that palpable feeling of being of service, supporting those protecting our freedom, and from enemy threats we civilians may never know about, it is so addictive."

The group gets a taste of military life, from Marine Corps infantry to the Air Force flightline. They're there to carry on the tradition of Bob Hope and other comics who came before them: To make America's fighting men and women forget where they are for a few hours.

Slade Ham, Jeff Capri, Bob Kubota, and Don Barnhart in a Film Still from

The film is about more than just having fun performing for troops. The Battle Comics come face-to-face with the reality of modern American warfare: Real people are fighting over there and not all of them make it home – whether the American public realizes that or not.

"You never know if the guy you're performing for, shaking your hand, snapping the picture with, that's your Facebook buddy today is gonna be there tomorrow," says comedian Slade Ham, who has performed for troops in at least 39 countries. "Afghanistan and Iraq are real and if I get to take that kid of of that situation for that long ... how many chances do you get to do something that cool?"

"I Am Battle Comic" also includes moving and – at times – tearful testimonials from standup comedy greats like Dave Attell, George Lopez, and the legendary George Wallace. Each attest to being personally moved and changed by their experiences performing for U.S. troops.

"From Bob Hope's USO shows to Robin Williams, it's really the best way comedians can support the troops," Brady says. "So I set out to document that niche of working comedians. Once I met the individual men and women of the military, and felt their gratitude towards us for just telling jokes and visiting, I saw a bigger story."

The film is now a call to action for civilians to recognize what sacrifices the troops and their families make when deployed, it's also a peek behind the wire of doing comedy on base.

Once Brady finished editing the film, he skipped the Film Festival circuit and instead screened the film in seven cities, following the screenings with a QA session with the comics. Brady and his production company, Superlounge, then donated the admissions to military charities.

"The QAs evolved into discussions about how we need to recognize those that serve, now and when they return home," Brady recalls. "We had a few Vietnam Vets that spoke up and crowds applauded them – maybe it was the first time they've heard that. These were some of the most magical nights."

"I am Battle Comic" is now available on DVD and Digital Download via iTunes, Amazon, Vimeo, and more.

All of the proceeds from theater screenings went to the National Military Family Association, Operation Gratitude, For Veterans' Sake and the Semper Fi Fund. A portion of the sale price of DVD and digital downloads or rentals will benefit the National Military Family Association.

You can read more about Brady and his dedication to U.S. troops in his own words on LinkedIn. To set up a fundraising screening of your own, contact Jordan Brady.

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for We Are The Mighty's newsletter and receive the mighty updates!

By signing up you agree to our We Are The Mighty's Terms of Use and We Are The Mighty's Privacy Policy.

SHARE