Tag Archives: War in Afghanistan

In Stitches: Episode 1. Adam Keys is 99% Dishwasher Safe!

Introducing In Stitches Podcast, an interview-style podcast that explores the humanity in humor.

I’m very passionate about sharing stories of people who have inspired me and I’m equally passionate about the power of laughter. To me, they are both the surprise recognition that we are not alone and provide us with similar experience, clarity, perspective, inspiration, growth & very often a much needed release.

One person who has inspired me (and become a good friend!) is Armed Services Arts Partnership – ASAP founder, Sam Pressler. Our friendship had been forged cultivating a community where veterans, active service members, military families and caregivers can experience support, growth & an outlet through the arts. And our conversations continue to go way beyond that, which led us to creating this podcast!

Sam and I are going to be talking to people from all types of backgrounds: comics and non-comics, first responders and civilians, and everyone in between. In every episode, we’ll unearth the role that humor played in our guests’ lives—both how humor helped and, sometimes, how humor hurt. We hope to capture that messy middle between comedy and tragedy, laughter and tears. 

In our inaugural Episode, we speak with Adam Keys – “One Step Forward” – During Adam’s first tour in Afghanistan his vehicle hit an Improvised explosive device. He was the only survivor, lost three limbs and has undergone 140+ surgeries. Adam refused to be defined by what he’s lost, but chooses to be defined by what he’s gained, which includes a killer sense of humor!

Please do us a favor by following the In Stitches Podcast page, give us a like, leave a comment & help support these incredible individuals by listening and sharing!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/1XrIwwFNFdA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4S3YUjDT8Btm7DKm0qMdCq

Google: https://rb.gy/lfftip

Memorial Day 2010 – God Bless All Who Serve.

For love of country they accepted death... ~James A. Garfield

I served from 1990-1995. The 1st Gulf War took place on our watch. That time period defined my life, after having only a slight glimpse into the horrors of war. Since then, I have taken a number of trips back over to bring a little bit of humor to our service members. I feel I have to. I am no longer in, but I still have my duty. I still have my sense of family with those in uniform.

Today I see through the eyes of a thirty-something man, who feels somewhere along the line I got lucky in my youth, like I missed a bullet on my watch. Empathy for our service members past and present is with me constantly. The military is where I became a man. Where I gained the tools to achieve anything I set my mind to. Where I got my very best friends, who remain so to this very day. Individuals who don’t know how to leave you when times seem impossible. Part of me wishes I could stand side by side with our brave service members today, but another part of me would be asking many questions regarding the situation we are currently in. I feel each of those sides has come with age, and my cherished experiences with the type of individuals who would be at my side.

There was a point when I had to take a break from going over. I had seen too much & my mind had to really sort all of it out. I had taken trips every summer to Iraq & Afghanistan starting back in the spring of 2004. Then in August of 2007 I found myself on a ship in the middle of the Persian Gulf – again – this time not a sailor, but a comedian. I was with my great friend and fine comedian Dan Smith, standing on the deck of a Naval LPD Ship, taking in the sunset. I remember he said to me, “This is the same ship you were on when you were here in the Persian Gulf… that is insane! Now you are going to do comedy for these sailors… Do you realize how amazing that is? You must feel so proud Peej.” I replied, ”I’m not, Dan. It’s odd? I feel no pride whatsoever. I feel sad. I was here on a ship just like this one, in this same exact place when I was 19 years old. Young people lost their lives. I am here again at 35 and even more young people are losing their lives? I know I have grown… apparently we haven’t.”

I returned again to entertain our troops and sailors this past Christmas 2009. I know they put the uniform on for all of us faceless, nameless Americans. I know how genuinely special that is. I truly with every fiber of my being thank them and love them! Wherever they go, wherever they are stationed, I will show up with my bag of humor, and, just as important, be here for them when this all hopefully ends. We have to be! God Bless All Who Serve!

The following is a beautiful Memorial Day Poem

When I’m Gone –  by Mrs. Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun.

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.