Comedian Bo Irvine talks to Sailors about Risk Management

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Howard,

Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Comedian Bo Irvine spoke with Sailors at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples about risk management and personal safety, June 26.

During his two-day visit to NSA Naples, Irvine conducted four safety briefs on risk management and occupational health as the community prepared for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

"Every job in the military is risky, so the military recruits people willing to take that risk," said Irvine. "That's why there will always be safety briefs to remind members about weighing the risks involved on the job and off."

Irvine used his renowned comedic humor to add a new spin to routine safety briefs.

"I enjoyed the presentation," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Jessica Angelo, a Sailor assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa. "More people would pay attention during safety briefs if they were presented like this more often."

Sailors in attendance learned about being responsible in everyday situations including vehicle safety, situational awareness and watching out for your fellow shipmates.

"Life is risk, and how we judge the levels of risk day to day is risk management," said Irvine. "It bothers me so much to see young people die because someone got behind the wheel while intoxicated. Telling a shipmate who is about to make a mistake that they are doing something stupid isn't stupid. It's actually pretty smart."

Irvine travels all over the world spreading the message about risk management and safety.

"I learned a lot from Irvine," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Eileen Sempa, also assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa. "I think if the Navy wanted more Sailors to pay attention during safety briefs, they should get rid of the Powerpoints and bring in the comedians."

Humor Tour Sparks San Jacinto Laughter

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Stress relief in the form of laughter came to many of the San Jacinto (CG-56) crew Sept. 7 during a visit from four nationally known cartoonists.

According to Cmdr. Rick Potter, executive officer of the San Jacinto, Jeff Bacon, Bruce Higdon, Paul Fell, and Mason Mastroianni, brought more than laughter and humor to ship. "For Mr. Bacon and the other wonderful artists to volunteer their time to visit Sailors and Marines is inspirational to us," Potter said. "I hope they enjoyed their time on San Jacinto as much as the Sailors enjoyed hosting them."

While crew members enjoyed the personalized cartoons and caricatures drawn for them, the cartoonists reportedly took away as much as they gave. Bacon, creator of "Broadside," said the visitors had 'a blast' and believe their visits contribute to relieving the stress from the day to day pressures of military life. It's also, he said, an opportunity to thank service members for their service.

This visit was part of the Operational Stress Control program's Humor Tour that is designed to help mitigate stress through humor and laughter. The visit to the San Jacinto followed a visit to wounded warriors at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and preceded a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Bacon is the creator of Broadside and Greenside; Higdon, is a caricaturist and creator of Punsters; Fell, is a caricaturist and illustrator for Cornhuskers Illustrated; and Mastroianni, is a cartoonist for B.C. These and other members of the National Cartoonists Society regularly entertain troops stateside and overseas.

'Stand Up for Heroes' Honors Wounded Sailors

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- More than 75 wounded warriors and their caregivers – including four Sailors affiliated with Navy Safe Harbor – were celebrated during Bob Woodruff Foundation's "Stand Up for Heroes" event in Washington, D.C., June 16.

Lt. Samuel Caldwell, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Todd Hammond, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James Raffetto, and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Max Rohn – all of whom were injured during combat – and their families and friends attended the star-studded event hosted by Bob and Lee Woodruff.

The reception drew more than 800 people, including senior military officials, corporate and association executives, members of the media, congressional leaders, and Administration officials. During the seated dinner program, The Daily Show celebrity Jon Stewart and the 2011 Grammy Award-winning band Train provided entertainment.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said to the wounded warriors in attendance, "I am continually amazed by your grit and resilience."

When he assumed his post, his first thought of visiting wounded service members, Gates said, "I wasn't sure I could handle it, or what I would say. Seeing firsthand the incredible sacrifice ... I frankly wasn't sure I could keep it together."

Gates said people kept telling him, "'[The wounded warriors] will lift you up.' And you have," he said. "More than you can possibly imagine."

"I am tremendously humbled to be here and to meet people like Secretary Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen [chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]," said Caldwell about the event. "And it's an honor to see all of these wounded warriors, who remind me how lucky I am to still have all of my limbs. They make me feel as though my sacrifices were worth it."

Caldwell sustained a spinal cord injury in 2008 while he was deployed to Iraq as an Individual Augmetee.

Raffetto echoed Caldwell's sentiments, saying, "Sometimes it seems like the media has forgotten those of us who were injured in combat. But events like this show that many people still care. It's great to be here among other wounded warriors and the people who support us."

Raffetto, a triple amputee, was injured last year by an improvised explosive device blast while deployed to Afghanistan. He was joined at the event by his father, John Raffetto.

Caldwell and Raffetto, as well as Hammond and Rohn, are affiliated with Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. Safe Harbor provides a lifetime of individually tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of enrollees' recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration activities. The program works closely with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and other organizations to garner additional support for seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen.

"The Bob Woodruff Foundation and other non-government organizations are key to helping the Service's wounded warrior programs fulfill unmet needs of wounded service members and their families," said Kelly C. Dempsey, Navy Safe Harbor's Family Programs and Charitable resources coordinator. "They're also instrumental in spreading the word about how every citizen across this country can take action to support our military and their families, who've been carrying the burden of war for years. No one organization can do it alone. We welcome and are appreciative of the support."

The Bob Woodruff Foundation was co-founded by award-winning television reporter Bob Woodruff and his family after he sustained serious injuries while covering the Iraq war in 2006. The Foundation is building a movement to empower communities nationwide to take action to successfully reintegrate our nation's injured heroes, especially those who have sustained the hidden injuries of war, back into their communities so they may thrive physically, psychologically, socially, and economically.

Proceeds from the "Stand Up for Heroes" event will support the Bob Woodruff Foundation's efforts to ensure injured service members, veterans, and their families return to a homefront ready to support them.

Comedians Bring Laughter to Bataan's Crew

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Julio Rivera, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Comics on Duty world tour embarked aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) to perform for the 2,500 Sailors and Marines, as the ship operated in the Mediterranean Sea, June 8-9.

Navy Entertainment sponsored the comedy tour, featuring celebrity comedians Paul Ogata and J.R. Brow for a pair of two-hour shows featuring original stand-up routines on the ship's mess decks.

"I'm here to pay it back," said Brow. "My father was a military man. Both of my brothers were in the service; my grandfather. I'm the only male who didn't enlist, and it's kind of nice to be able to come back and help out the people that serve our country."

The comedians provided a break from day-to-day operations and were happy to see and hear how much of an impact the laughter they provided had on the crew.

"People got to put deployment in the back of their minds and just get to laugh a little bit," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Gerard Van Dyke.

"It was fantastic; I laughed so hard I almost cried. It was very good," said Cpl. Alleia Arthur.

The comics said seeing the joy on people's faces, hearing their laughter and learning more about the audience is why they do this for a living.

"I like to find where you guys are from, what you do, and how you got to be here," said Ogata. "I want to learn about everything going on here on the USS Bataan."

Comics On Duty is celebrating its 19th year of entertaining service members. Tour Executive Producer Rich Davis said Comics on Duty is responsible for more than 3,500 shows for deployed service members around the world. The current tour was developed specifically for deployed Sailors and Marines aboard Bataan, the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily.

"From my perspective, the best part is how we're able to affect the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines," said Davis. "By putting the tour together with an all-headliner show, each show is different, and each comic is different. There is no warm-up, so from start to finish, you have a real solid show."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Big 'E' Hosts Country Music Star

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Croft, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- Country music celebrity Toby Keith visited thousands of Sailors and Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), April 23.

Keith has long been associated with his public support of the U.S. military and has participated in many USO tours and performances for deployed troops.

The trip to Enterprise is Keith's first time touring a deployed U.S. Navy ship.

Before performing for the crew in the ship's hangar bay, Keith and his band members had a chance to tour the ship, to meet the crew and see exactly what it is they do on board the "city-at-sea" called USS Enterprise.

"Spending time with our troops around the world is something I've always regarded as a privilege and honor," said Keith. "I won't forget for a second who's really doing the heavy lifting to keep this country safe. And that's why I'll keep going back and spending time with those good folks every chance I get."

Prior to the show, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to eat dinner with Keith and his crew.

"I had a great time at the dinner," said Yeoman Seaman Joshua A. Wright. "It's not everyday you get to eat dinner with Toby Keith and his crew."

During the show Keith wore an Enterprise tee shirt to show the crowd how proud he is with the ship and her crew.

"I think the concert was great for the crew," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Darren Villano. "After what this ship has been through so far this deployment, this concert is exactly what the doctor ordered. This is such a morale booster for the crew."

Keith spent most of the time on stage singing his award-winning songs and spoke to the crowd in between them. He received extremely loud cheers when he began his hit song 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,' which is a song about 9/11 and Operation Enduring Freedom, which the ship has supported during its current deployment.

"I am thankful for every one of you and what you do for our country," said Keith. "I will remember this trip for the rest of my life."

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on a routine deployment to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Comics on Duty Entertain USS Ronald Reagan

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas A. Groesch, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Comedians from Comics on Duty performed standup comedy shows for Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) April 10 and 11.

Celebrity comedians Tom Foss, a 20-year comedy veteran, and Danny Villalpando, a comedian for more than 16 years, visited Ronald Reagan to help crewmembers relax and boost morale through laughter. The comedians were flown onto the ship took a tour, greeted crewmembers, and also observed flight operations before performing.

"I love the ship. I think the ship is great," said Villalpando. "We got to go inside the bubble [flight deck bubble] which was definitely entertaining. Everyone aboard Ronald Reagan is as sweet as can be."

Ronald Reagan's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fun Boss Kendra Smith helped plan and coordinate the event.

"They say laughter is the best medicine, and it's helpful when you've been at sea for awhile," said Smith.

Yeoman Seaman Jasmin Moraleslicea was appreciative that entertainers would make the journey to Ronald Reagan while the ship is underway.

"They put everything they were doing in their lives on hold to come here and entertain us," Moraleslicea. "It means a lot to the crew that they would take time to do that."

Villalpando performed first, sharing a comedy routine he said was inspired from his personal experiences in life. He was followed by Foss, who delighted the crowd with his comedy routine, which he described as "mistakes" from his life that everyone can laugh at.

"I don't write many jokes, I just re-tell stories," said Foss, with a laugh.

With every seat in the mess deck filled, and standing room only during the event, the Comics on Duty event was a success with Villalpando and Foss creating many new fans.

"It was great to see so many of the ship's crew attending the comedy show," said Smith. "I'm curious to see how many people have clicked the "Like' button on Tom Foss and Danny Villalpando's Facebook pages after last night's show."

After the show the comedians took pictures with the crew, handed out Comics on Duty patches, and autographed photos.

"It is an awesome feeling to be able to help raise morale," said Villalpando. "You guys have been out here for 67 days; you need a good laugh."

Foss expressed his feelings on performing for service members.

"As a comedian I use my freedom of speech to make a living," said Foss. "To get to entertain the people who defend my most precious freedom is very rewarding."

Villalpando agreed with the sentiment.

Comics on Duty, sponsored by Navy Entertainment, has been entertaining troops around the globe since 1992.

The Ronald Reagan strike group is currently deployed and operating in the Western Pacific Ocean.

Tour Takes Entertainment to Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

April 25, 2007 – Operation Straight Up Tour is working to help military children and families become stronger through faith-based entertainment, its founder said. "OSU Tour is an organization dedicated to helping our armed forces with the common issues brave men and women face," Jonathan Spinks said, referring to child rearing, troubled marriages, anger, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. "We're addressing those things through entertainment."

OSU Tour is one of the newest members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.. Spinks said he expects to include the America Supports You banner on stage during performances.

"Everything I've ever seen about the America Supports You organization is just great. Obviously (it's) got a great reputation," Spinks said, adding that America Supports You is an established organization that has been around long enough to add credibility to its member organizations.

The entertainment provided by OSU Tour is diverse and includes sports personalities, comedians, actors, and even the Flying Wallendas and their death-defying feats on the high wire. Those appearing on behalf of OSU Tour present wholesome, family-oriented entertainment that's also of interest to single men and women, Spinks said.

As a result of their personal experiences, the entertainers also are able to provide positive role models, he said, holding actor Stephen Baldwin up as one of those role models.

"Since God made a difference in his life, he's been very outspoken," Spinks said. "His life was going in one direction that was causing chaos and disruption in his life, and he just feels like God made those things better.

"So he (delivers) a simple message like that and tries to lend encouragement," Spinks added.

Since it's founding in August 2005, OSU Tour has taken its brand of entertainment to Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Hood, Texas. More shows are in the works, including at overseas venues.

"We obviously are very interested in going to Iraq," Spinks said. "They've been encouraging us to go to Germany, which we're also working on."

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.

Group Takes Entertainment to Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

April 13, 2007 – Armed Forces Entertainment makes it a mission to bring a piece of home to servicemembers stationed far away. With the priority of reaching remote and isolated locations, Armed Forces Entertainment, has been entertaining troops since 1951. The Defense Department agency hosts more than 1,200 shows each year and reaches more than 500,000 servicemembers stationed at more than 300 military installations around the world, according to the group's Web site.

Armed Forces Entertainment is a member of America Supports You, a DoD program connecting troop-support groups, individual citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.

"Armed Forces Entertainment is the single point of contact for the Department of Defense in sending entertainment to our troops overseas," Melissa Welch, a spokesperson for the organization, said. "The two most requested (music genres) are rock and country."

There has been a shift in that trend in regard to the Middle East, she said. There's a younger demographic fighting on those front lines and they're asking for more rap and hip-hop.

Filling those requests can be a bit challenging, Welch said.

"The reason why it's challenging is because those rap artists would have to clean up their act a little bit," she said, adding that there are rules that apply to all of the entertainers Armed Forces Entertainment hosts. "You can't have expletives within your music, or they must be limited and very, very, very soft.

"Beyond that, we can't have any kind of commentary about race, religion or ethnicity," she said.

She noted that artists often are willing to modify language to participate in an Armed Forces Entertainment tour.

That may be because the organization, though it often works with the United Service Organizations to facilitate celebrity tours, works largely with up-and-coming artists for its shows. Often the up-and-comers develop a fan base in the servicemembers they entertain.

"The military personnel are so grateful, and they become fans of this artist for a lifetime," Welch said.

What an Armed Forces Entertainment tour can do for new artists' careers is on par with what their performances does for the morale of the servicemembers in the audience, Air Force Lt. Col. Tamara Moes, chief of Armed Forces Entertainment, said. During a tour in the Middle East, she was on the other side of the equation and, instead of helping get the shows to the troops, got to enjoy several that were jointly sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment and the USO.

"One time I was stationed for just 120 days in Baghdad," she said. "I did receive probably six shows ... during those 120 days."

While the majority of shows may be musical in nature, comedians, actors and sports celebrities all have been part of Armed Forces Entertainment tours. Comics Drew Carey and Kathy Griffith, rapper and singer Kid Rock, and World Wrestling Entertainment personalities are among them.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.