I arrived here in Hawaii to this amazing Marine Corps base on the bay, housing not only Marines, but many Navy Sailors, Airmen, and administrators as well. I am going to do four comedy shows over the next two days. I was informed upon arival that many of the troops in my audience have been to Iraq already, some on their second and third deployment. I met Colonel Dungar today, a strapping 6′ 5′ giant of a man, with military leadership written all over him. I brought as many copies of the #1 selling comedy book ’I KILLED’ with over 200 true road stories from America’s top comedians. I also shared my personally published closing story in ’I KILLED’ with the troops. That closing story is based on a tour I did of Bosnia in 1998 for the post-war American troops stationed there. I think these Marines and Navy personel know, that I give a damn. John Russell is a former Navy stud who watched out for me and made everything run like clockwork:
These shots are taken after the shows:
I have watched the Airforce Fly the C17 missions overhead, and seen the Marines, jogging through camp in full gear with backpacks strapping them down, in the 95 degree heat fulfilling their workouts to get in shape for things to come. I have been overwhelmed and humbled in the presence of these true American Heroes. Here is proof of the guts and grit they displayed each day training throughtout the camp- in case the call comes for deployment:
(L)Training session- in 95 degree heat with full gear.
(R) 0600hrs Run! That is me in the green!
I have had to hold back tears on several occassions in their presence, for to see the news clips on tv, and read the articles in paper, compares NOTHING, to standing in the presence of the Marines and Sailors we read about. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and want to thank each and every one of you for the FREEDOM, and the LIBERTY I have been awarded due to your selfless bravery and sacrifice. I feel so small a person, when standing next to the real men and women, who have made this country… the country that it is.
After one day of two show performances, and needing to wind down, John and I hit the links at the Golf Course on base. I looked good unitl I realized I had no ball!
This shot below is a little ‘weak’…I know! LOL 
On the final night and after all four shows were complete, I went down to the local comedy club owned by very funny veteran comedian Bo Irvine and his business partner Wands Shipp(Below). Bo actually did a short set to open each Military show, and just slammed! It was great of Bo to offer that. I will return the favor any day Bo!
Below is Bo and I with club co-owner and friend Wands Shipp. She is a doll!
To the right is John, wife Minnie, Wanda & friends:
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Great show. Much better than the 2 hour mandatory nap that happens before most holidays.
Fellow POS car owner (93 Integra)
James
I attended you show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Just wanted to let you know you put on a great show. Anyone who can keep the interest of Marines and Sailors for 10 minutes let alone 1 hour is impressive. You have engineered a great way to educate young men and women about drugs and alcohol. I would recommend your show to anybody. Thank you for your comedy.
Sgt Justin Smith
P.S. Congratulations on 19 years of sobriety.
Bernie,
What a great concept! Entertaining people through laughter while also getting a very strong message across. You Sir have just raised the bar with the way General Military Safety Training for troops is conducted. If it’s not you again lecturing us, the next person is going to have a tough time trying to fill your size 15 shoes. Take care and Thank you.
Very Respectfully,
AC1(AW/SW) Stewart
Air Traffic Control Division
Marine Corps Air Facility
Kaneohe Bay Hawaii
Bernie,
I lost my youngest brother to suicide on May 15th……four years ago. Not something you ever get over huh? Be strong.
And speaking of Fiats. Do you know what Fiat stands for? Fix It Again Tony………
Okay……..I’ll stick to my day job!!
Thanks for making a difference. You’re a great American!!
Semper Fi,
Nick
It’s Marine CORPS, like a body of men–not CORE like that crappy movie with Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank! We are hardcore to the core, however, we remain simply a CORPS of Marines.
Outstanding show. Your story has touched me deeply and will always remember it to keep me going through the tough times. I gained more from you than every safety stand down I have gone to. Keep doing what you are doing you are touching people’s lives and is a great ministry.Wish you the best and will keep you in prayers.
Owner of the 1983 Mercedes Benz; Carter
I didn’t even know we had a comedian coming. I hear the name and I say to myself “oh man…I’ve seen this guy on TV before!”
It was an awesome show man. Incredible story as well, and an even better way to apply it to 101 Days of Summer and to college students across the nation.
I really enjoyed the show/safety lecture. After getting back to work I asked the Marines/Sailors if they enjoyed it. The answer was “Yes!” across the board. I hope Safety incorporates more of this type of training. We really have to keep it interest so people listen and here the message and you did.
Take care of that Fiat. I really regret selling my ‘81.
Keep the great shows coming and enjoy your time with your brother.
Bernie,
Just wanted to say thank you for putting on a great show. I have seen many dry safety stand downs and briefs in my ten years of active service and I must say your show put the “stand” back in safety stand down. Me and my Marines had a great time and thought you did a great job getting your message accross and in such a way that we will be hard pressed to forget. As they say “You Hit The Nail On The Head” with this one.
Thank You
Brad Poulin
Bernie,
What a great show! By far the most impressive safety brief or standdown that I have ever attended. You did a great job captivating the audience with your comedy while at the same time driving a very important message home. Thankyou for all you do.
Chris Shore
Bernie, the show was halarious… and it meant so much. Through the first half of the show i was thinking to myself, “Safety Standown??????”… someone is getting fired. And then you rolled into your message. I don’t know what it will take for people to understand the risks of alcohol abuse, but this is by far the most creative one i’ve came across… Keep up the hard work and i hope you continue to reach out to Americans.
(oh yeah, my mom want to stay in the Cabanas when she comes out to visit me… What do you think?) hahaha
Sgt D
It was a wonderful surprise to see the base wide safety stand-down turned out to be a hilarious comedian. I sat in the front row and couldn’t stop laughing. Even when you weren’t telling a joke I was still laughing at the previous one you told. The message you put across was also very good. My mother has been nearly sixteen years sober. I keep her fifteen year AA chip in my wallet as a reminder of the sacrifices she as made for my brother, sister, and I. Thank you for your positive message and good luck in your future endeavors.
Sincerely, Israel Zinns (No I’m not Jewish…hahahaha)
Great show Bernie, hope to see your show again.