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MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Stevie Benton plays a bass guitar while Mike Luce plays drums for Marines and Sailors during the For the Leathernecks III Comedy and Entertainment Tour at the Twin Rivers Theater at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, July 25, 2014. Benton is the bass player and back-up vocalist, and Mike Luce is the drummer for the platinum-selling hard rock band Drowning Pool.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Grace L. Waladkewics

Leatherneck tour treats Marines, sailors to entertainment, comedy

29 Jul 2014 | Lance Cpl. Grace L. Waladkewics Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Marines and sailors enjoyed an afternoon of comedy, music and live entertainment at the For the Leathernecks III Comedy and Entertainment Tour hosted at the Twin Rivers Theater at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, July 25, 2014.

The tour was hosted by the Single Marine Program and served as an opportunity for active duty service members to relax and break the monotony of their daily lives.

"The purpose of this tour is to make the troops smile. Making people laugh is hands down the best part of my job," said Sam Fedele, a comedian with the tour. "The sound of laughter is motivating and contagious; it’s a way for Marines to get their mind off of everyday stressors and let them know we want to give back for all that they do."

The comedy and entertainment event left Marines and Sailors laughing, cheering and singing aloud.

"We are thoroughly excited to share our passion with the troops once again," said Brandy Kirschner, a member of The Purrfect Angels dance team. "The Marines are our best crowd by far. It is always amazing to perform for them because they are so pumped and our energy feeds from their energy, making it a great show."

The tour featured comedians Sam Fedele and Ronnie Jordan; disc jockey Big Mike; The Purrfect Angels dance team and platinum-selling rock band Drowning Pool.

"It is always an honor performing for our heroes," said Kirschner.

Prior to the first comedian, DJ Big Mike brought energy into the room by playing music, giving out prizes and bringing volunteers on stage to play several games.

Comedians Sam Fedele and Ronnie Jordan told entertaining jokes and stories to a crowd of nearly 1,000 Marines and sailors who filled the theater with roars of laughter and applause.

"I love entertaining the troops and bringing their morale up," said Jordan. "It lets them forget for a while, and it's awesome for us to get to see the smiling faces of the men and women who are fighting for us daily."

Following the comedians, The Purrfect Angels dance team took the stage and were met with a large group who flooded the base of the stage to show their excitement for the performers.

"I enjoyed the whole show, but my favorite part was seeing all the Marines laughing, singing and just having a truly great time together," said Pfc. Justus Ownbey, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274.

The energy in the room was at an all time high as the hard rock band, Drowning Pool, ended the show with their hit song "Bodies."

"I loved the show," said Lance Cpl. Kevin McClane, an engineering assistant with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271. "It's really amazing that the performers and entertainers came just for us. My favorite part was watching the band and hearing their awesome music."

The show was a great way to bring the station together and show that the community appreciates the service members, according to McClane.

"We don’t get enough opportunities to say thank you as much as we'd like, so we take every opportunity we can to perform for the troops because its really a 'no brainer' way for us to give back to them and say thank you face-to-face," said Steve Benton, bass player for the band.

Ownbey and McClane agreed that they are looking forward to attending another event like this in the near future.

"It's amazing seeing how happy the Marines are to have us here and it just feels so good giving back," said Benton. "We just want them to know that we appreciate them for what they do, more than they could ever appreciate us."

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point