MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Laughter is sometimes the best medicine and service members from around the San Diego area received a large dosage Monday night at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's base theater.
The Uniformed Services Organization, Marine Corps Community Services of Miramar and the television network Comedy Central teamed up to bring laughter and amusement to Marines and sailors around the area.
Twelve comedians performed for a lively crowd of grateful service men and women. Covering topics such as gangs, cars, kids and their parents, the comedians proceeded to humor the crowd with jokes and stories.
"I enjoyed the show very much," said Cpl. Greg Lewis, Marine Aircraft Group 11, supply clerk. "It was awesome of them to come out and do this for us."
Acting as Master of Ceremonies was Christopher Titus, known from his television show "Titus". He and 11 other comedians did their best to show appreciation to the armed forces.
"We as Americans need to show our appreciation for the men and women in uniform," Titus said. "We need to thank them for what they do."
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias said the evening was about relaxing, having a good time and trying to get away from it all.
"When I get up there I am trying to help people forget their problems," said Iglesias. "Laughter is always good. When someone laughs they come away from the daily stress they are facing and relax."
This was not the first stop for the USO/Comedy Central comedy tour. It was the third in a series of free comedy shows for active duty military members and their families which also made stops at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"We always have a great time when we are playing for the troops," said Titus. "They are always very appreciative that we came out to spend some time with them."
During the show, Titus spotlighted his daughter to the audience. She was born 16 days before the Sept. 11 tragedy.
"Here is the reason I do this for you guys," said Titus, showing his daughter to the audience. "You are keeping the world safe for her future. I just personally wanted you to know how much I thank you guys for doing that."
After the show the comedians were available to sign autographs and personally thank those who have committed their lives to protecting America.
"We have the most awesome military in the world and if anyone is dumb enough to pick a fight, I am sorry for them," said Titus.
Beginning in mid-October the shows will air on Comedy Central. For more information on USO entertainment for the military in the San Diego area, checkout the USO web site at www.usosandiego.org.