JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, the first lady Michelle Obama and the second lady Jill Biden kicked off a USO comedy show celebrating Military Appreciation Month, the 5th Anniversary of Joining Forces and the 75th Anniversary of the USO at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, May 5, 2016.
"I'm so glad we are able to do something here, so that you guys know we don't take you for granted," President Obama said. "This is a nice way for me to, not just say thank you for your service, but to give a particular thanks to Joint Base Andrews, the home of the 89th Airlift Wing, because Joe and I spend a little time on this base."
A joke from our Commander-in-Chief kicked off the lighthearted night.
Approximately 1,500 service members, veterans and their families from the National Capital Region attended 'A Celebration of Service'.
"The Airmen and Sailors here at Joint Base Andrews are proud that we're able to host this and be a part of this celebration," said Col. Brad Hoagland, commander of the 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews.
The event presented by the USO and Joining Forces was hosted by USO tour veteran Jon Stewart.
"I think the military bears the onus of the entire fight and it's only a very small percentage, so this is our way to try and bring attention to all the effort they're giving and the lack of effort the rest of us are giving," Jon Stewart said. "It also makes you feel great to have an audience that seems extremely happy to see you, and yet is so much braver than you."
The celebration featured comedic talent such as David Letterman, Judd Apatow, Mike Birbiglia, Kristen Schaal, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney and Jeff Ross.
"[The show] was awesome," said Senior Airman Ralph Fogg, 744th Communications Squadron radio frequency transmissions journeyman. "My favorite performance was Jeff Ross. The biggest forehead joke was hilarious."
USO centers, nationally and internationally, held live viewing parties of the event letting service members from around the world share in the laughter.
"[Doing USO tours] is an incredible experience," Stewart. "To see their sacrifice and for us to be able to honor that with crappy jokes."