About The GI's of Comedy:
Thom Tran - Staff Sergeant (Retired), US ARMY
Thom Tran spent 8 years in the US Army, hoping to "be like Robin Williams in 'Good Morning Vietnam'." Yeah. Not so much. Turns out there's no MOS for "being Robin Williams". Instead, Thom specialized in small unit and tactical communications for a unit under the US Army's Special Operations Command, and is a combat veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
In 2003, Thom was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat, and then in 2005 he retired from the Army because of those wounds. Comedy became his therapy after combat, and his goal was to bring that therapy to soldiers who are still deployed. In 2008, Thom toured overseas for 2 weeks performing to troops all over Iraq and Kuwait, and in 2009 was named the USO's "Funniest Service Member" at a benefit for the Bob Hope USO at LAX.
Thom's performed all over the United States, now calling Los Angeles his home and can usually be found on stage at the famed Hollywood Improv, the World Famous Comedy Store, and clubs all over LA when he's not on tour throughout the country.
Thom created the GIs of Comedy hoping to bring the therapy of laughter to troops still serving in combat zones.
Jose Sarduy - Major, US AIR FORCE
Jose Sarduy splits up his time between flying to gigs all over the country, and flying planes for the Air Force. Still an active member of the United States Air Force Reserve, he's an accomplished aviator and veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Gathering material from a wealth of life experiences, Jose takes audiences on the rollercoaster ride that's been his life. From his mother's ability to kill a chicken with her bare hands, to his Dad's ability to hit on any woman, anytime, there was never a dull moment.
He's been featured in the Air Force Times, was selected for as a finalist in the Seattle Comedy Competition in 2009, and the Lucky 21. His comedy career started out in New York and Philadelphia, getting on stage anytime he wasn't serving. He performs all over the country now and is rapidly becoming an audience favorite for his ability to make deportation, and life threatening moments hysterical!
Will C - (Former) Sergeant, USMC
Some people pick a branch of the military, and love it so much they stay forever. Will C loved the military so much he picked 3 branches to serve in! A veteran of the US Air Force, US Army, and US Marine Corps Will is our "USMC Rep", mainly because every other branch is already covered.
On the dare Will C took the stage at The World Famous Comedy Store in La Jolla, CA in the spring of 1995, caught the comedy bug. After finishing his stint in the Marine Corps and then another round in the Army, Will C hit the road running (or fast walking) and hasn't looked back since.
Will C performed all over the United States and Canada. With his quick wit, over the top goofiness, and his ability to relate to his audiences, Will has become a favorite at clubs, colleges & military bases everywhere.
Also a talented actor Will C has appeared in such great hits as "Yes Man", "Seven Pounds" and on such great shows like "Numb3rs", "MANswers", "Family Jewels", and the list goes on.
Will C makes his home in Los Angeles, CA where he a regular at the Improv, The Laugh Factory, The World Famous Comedy Store, and The Icehouse in Pasadena.
Tom Irwin - (Former) Private First Class, US ARMY
Tom Irwin spent his time in uniform with the US Army's 5th Engineers, and now builds his career as a standup comedian in Los Angeles, and touring all over the world.
Tom was an invited guest performer at the White House (yes, THAT White House), as well as being a mainstay at Hollywood's most famous comedy clubs including the Laugh Factory, and the Ice House.
Although Tom served in the Army during peacetime, his FOUR tours to Iraq to perform for our servicemembers shows his continued dedication to those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces.
Tom also turned one of his nearly month long tours in Iraq into a riveting one man show called "25 Days In Iraq", which he took throughout the country performing to both civilian and military audiences.
Official Website: http://www.Thecomedypalace.com
Added by The Comedy Palace on August 14, 2012