GIs of Comedy joke way into Del Rio Published Sept. 27, 2011 By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- He has loved comedy since he can remember, he said, and recalls researching his favorite comedians and bringing girlfriends to comedy clubs when he was younger. Maj. Jose Sarduy, an Air Force Reservist serving as an instructor pilot with the 96th Flying Training Squadron, ended his active duty career in 2008 to follow his dream of being a comedian. Sarduy, an Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, travels with four other foreign war veterans representing each branch of service as a group called the GIs of Comedy. The comedic group is scheduled to entertain the Del Rio community Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Paul Poag Theater in Del Rio. Tickets will be $15 at the door or can be purchased in advance for $12 at Sam's Boot Corral or by e-mailing jose.sarduy@laughlin.af.mil. "It's a great time, everyone says that they leave the show laughing," Sarduy said. The group was put together by former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Thom Tran earlier this year with the goal of boosting morale for servicemembers around the globe. In addition to Sarduy and Tran, the other comedians are G. Reilly, former U.S. Navy petty officer second class, Will C., former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and Tom Irwin, former U.S. Army private first class. Del Rio will be the third stop on their tour, and from the success they have had, Sarduy said their plan is to start giving back to military related charity organizations. "We need to take care of our vets and injured," he said. "Our goal is to be able to do some big shows then stop at different installations and give the men and women a free show." So far, the GIs of Comedy have donated portions of proceeds to benefit work of the United Services Organization. "We want people to come out and see a different side of the military," Sarduy said. "We can make fun and shine light on topics while having a good time."