Operation HEAL*arious is winding down its nationwide tour to find the funniest veterans and military family members, and Colin Garrett joined them on stage at American Legion Post 223 in Killeen, Texas. The American Legion is sponsoring the comedy tour as part of its Be the One initiative to reduce the rate of veteran suicide.
The comedy tour is an American Idol-style contest covering 10 locations and 2 seasons. The Hollywood finale of the top 10 semi-finalists will be held on November 4.
11/11 Veteran Project began promoting Operation HEAL*arious and comedians Mandatory FunDay (Army 1st Lt. Austin von Letkemann) and Ashley Gutermuth (Air Force military spouse) early in 2023. They were featured on Colin Garrett’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race car at Indy in August.
Colin Garrett, founder of 11/11 Veteran Project, says “Humor can help in all situations, so using it in the fight against veteran suicide just makes sense – and makes it fun. Operation HEAL*arious is healing for the competing comedians and for the audience. Any time you can make someone laugh you take their attention off of their problems.”