Richie Byrne

Military is Most Deserving Audience for Comedy Tour

By Robin A. Hillyer Miles, Navy Personnel Command MWR Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Four headliner comedians recently spent two weeks entertaining the fleet as part of the Comics on Duty World Tour.

More than 850 active-duty personnel enjoyed the free shows at bases in Tokyo, Yokosuka, Atsugi, Sasebo, and Okinawa in Japan, and Seoul and Pusan in the Republic of Korea.

The Comics on Duty World Tour was part of an entertainment initiative produced by Navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Division.

"Navy and other military folk overseas are starved for stateside entertainment," said Command Master Chief (SS) Gale Bond, MWR Division's command master chief and tour manager for the comedy tour. "We took them a piece of home and the Sailors loved it. The comedians were all headliners too; it wasn't your typical local comedy club line-up with varied levels of talent. All four of these fellows were equally top-billed, talented and professional, with their hearts in the right place. I saw all eight shows and was highly entertained in each one."

Comics on Duty World Tour is produced by Rich Davis of Davis Entertainment Group out of Michigan.

"This was the first time in the pacific region for our tour," said Davis. "It is exciting to travel with this caliber of talent, they play off each other and get along splendidly. Chris Alpine, Richie Byrne, Kevin Jordan and Gary Lazer each have 10-15 years experience and can play to any audience. The shows we did on this trip were rated PG-13 and were diverse in material based on location and audience."

"The comedians we take on the military tours such as this one sponsored by MWR are doing the shows for the right reason. Many have experienced the emotion that's involved with the military and can meld well with the audience. We view the military as a most deserving audience," said Davis. "A show with this level of talent would cost $25-$30 per person in Las Vegas. MWR and Comics on Duty World Tour are in it for the emotion not for the bucks."

Navy MWR, in support of "Operation Enduring Freedom," provides top-quality entertainment for Sailors and their families.

For more information on entertainment or other MWR programs, visit the Navy MWR Web site at www.mwr.navy.mil. - US Navy Press Release

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