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Jay Leno creates laughter on McChord Field for Tour for the Troops

  • Published
  • By Spc. Jarrett Branch
  • 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Roaring engines from C-17 Globemaster III aircraft were drowned out by thunderous laughter from the thousands of servicemembers and guests who came out to enjoy the comedic stylings of NBC's The Tonight Show host Jay Leno, in Hangar 4 here, May 7.

Leno's performance, which was preceded by a routine from Reserve Generation Band of the Air Force Reserve, was part of the Tour for the Troops concert series, which visits military installations around the world.

"I've been doing these shows for a long time," said the Emmy Award-winning comedian upon his arrival to McChord Field. "(The military) is the best audience in the world. I'm here for them."

Jay Leno is an awesome supporter of the Reserve and the military overall, said Lt. Col. Bryan Winter, Air Force Reserve Western Recruiting Squadron commander out of March Air Reserve Base, Calif. The event itself is a Get One Now event, meaning we are promoting awareness of the Air Force Reserve. 

About 25 Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing and their "Get One" referrals got a chance to meet Jay Leno backstage as a perk for their participation in the Get One Now Program.

Some servicemembers felt privileged to have someone of Leno's stature take time to give credit to those serving in the military.

"I appreciated how he was able to sustain such laughter for a large crowd," said Capt. Vanessa Balint, 446th Force Support Squadron director of operations. "I figured I would laugh about half the time, but I ended up laughing or crying laughing 90 percent of the time."

Although Jay Leno's comedy was appreciated, Reservists appreciated his time as well.

"Having someone like Mr. Leno give his time to perform at no cost to the military community gives me a sense of pride that what we do is noticed and appreciated," said Master Sgt. John Adams, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Blue AMU section chief. "It's a big commitment for him to take time from his daily life to perform shows like this. The speaks to Mr. Leno's character.

Though everyone came out to enjoy Leno's polished stand-up routine, his take on the follies of life served more than one purpose. It helped create awareness of the importance of retention and recruiting play in the day-to-day world of military life.

These shows give servicemembers the chance to enjoy a small aspect of what being a Reservist is all about, said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terpening, 446th AW senior recruiter. The opportunity to become a Reservist will broaden their horizons. If someone is thinking about becoming a Reservist, the first thing I tell them is talk to a Reservist. No one knows what it is like to have that job better than someone who actually is a Reservist.

It is very important to us to continue to keep well-qualified people in the service, he said. The message I always give is that the grass might look greener when you're getting ready to separate, but you have to explore all your options. The Air Force Reserve may not be that perfect fit for you, but if you don't open those doors you will never know.

McChord Field will not be Leno's only stop, nor has he been the only entertainer Air Force Reserve Recruiting has brought to military members.

Artists like Kid Rock, Carlos Mencia, Usher, Ludacris and other artists have also been performing as part of Tour for the Troops as part of a thank you to the Reserve, Guard, and active-duty servicemembers for doing what they do, said Chief Master Sgt. Glen Barnes, Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service chief of advertising.

For more information about how to join the Air Force Reserve, upcoming events for Tour for the Troops, or the Get One Now Program call 1-800-257-1212, which will patch you to your nearest recruiting office, or visit their website at http://afreserve.com/.

(Editor's note: Jake Chappelle, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article)