Serving the country to serving up laughs

Stand-up comedy finds people from all walks of life. What better time than on the week of Veterans Day to highlight the comedy of Joe Mylonas. Joe grew up in Patchogue, spent ten years in the army with two tours in Iraq. He now lives in Farmingville with his wife and two daughters.

Joe has always wanted to be a stand-up comic since he saw Bobby Collins on VH-1 Spotlight back in the 80’s. (I was also inspired by Bobby Collins). Joe finally took the plunge a little over a year ago and has no intention of looking back. As a veteran with PTSD, he finds comedy to be therapy 12-15 minutes at a time.

Joe’s approach to comedy may come across as a little darker than other comedians, but as he says “death can be funny, it’s all about perspective”. He prides himself for going outside of his comfort zone. I would imagine Iraq is outside most people’s comfort zone

Aside from some of the negativity that goes along with show business, some of Joe’s best comedy experiences come from working with other Long Island comics.

As far as Joe’s aspirations for his future in comedy he states “Humor, even in small doses, has an amazing effect on people in stressful situations. A well timed joke can really be life saving. Comedy To Go Inc. has given me the opportunity to give back and perform several shows for the veterans at the VA in Northport. I would say my goal right now is to be good enough to be invited to perform on a USO tour overseas”. 

I have worked with Joe a few times and he has a comfort level on stage usually found in veteran comics. In my book, Joe is a veteran twice over. I salute your service and courage to follow your passion.

Keep ‘em laughing pal.

More on the author at www.steviegb.com