By Danny Bahena, Program Coordinator, Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), San Diego Chapter and Air Force Security Forces Veteran
When I tell people I help veterans get on stage and tell jokes, I usually get one of three reactions: confusion, laughter, or a quiet “thank you for your service” and a swift subject change. Comedy and the military aren’t two worlds people often think of together, but they should be.
After I left the Air Force Security Forces, I knew how to clear a room, set up a perimeter, and give orders in the middle of chaos. What I didn’t know how to do? Talk about myself without a uniform. Feel seen in a world that didn’t understand military humor. Or make it through a Monday without feeling like I left a version of myself behind.
ASAP changed that. We offer free comedy, storytelling, and arts programs to military-affiliated folks — veterans, service members, spouses, and caregivers. It’s a community built on the idea that laughter is a connector. Humor becomes a safe way to say the hard things. And what we’ve found, through peer-reviewed studies, is that humor helps veterans build confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging, all protective factors against suicide and isolation.
One of our alumni said it best: “Comedy Bootcamp reminded me that I’m still funny, still worthy, and still part of something bigger than myself.” And yeah, he got a standing ovation on graduation night.
So when AMSG says you’re committed to helping people transition well, whether it’s through employment programs like Operation Warfighter (OWF) or showcasing real stories in newsletters like this, you’re part of the same mission we are: helping folks feel human again. And sometimes, all that takes is one good punchline.