“Office Joe,” a new television comedy series written and directed by Army Veteran Nick Palmisciano, premieres on November 8. The show takes a humorous yet heartfelt look at the challenges Veterans face when transitioning from military service to civilian life.
Produced by former Air Force pilot Kevin Alexander Heard, it follows Joe Hauser, a former Army Infantry Staff Sergeant, as he steps into his new role as a graphic designer. His journey mirrors the real-world struggles many Veterans encounter as they adjust to civilian jobs and environments.
Palmisciano and Heard, both members of American Legion Post 6 in Chapel Hill, N.C., have brought together a talented cast of military Veterans and entertainers, including UFC fighter Tim Kennedy, Black Rifle Coffee co-founder Jarred Taylor, and stand-up comedian and Army officer Austin von Letkemann, known as MandatoryFunDay on Instagram. Together, they bring their own military experiences to life in a way that blends humor with the challenges Veterans often face when finding their place outside of the service.
“Office Joe” blends lighthearted humor with meaningful moments, as Joe embarks on a search for the community and purpose he once had in the military, while also trying to navigate new relationships. The show illustrates how important support systems like The American Legion can be for Veterans during this transition. For Joe, The Legion serves as a consistent source of sound advice and support when things in his new civilian life become overwhelming.
Palmisciano explained that “Office Joe” reflects The American Legion’s Be the One mission, which focuses on preventing Veteran and Service Member suicides by raising awareness, building camaraderie, and encouraging people to step up and save a life.
The cast features familiar faces from Palmisciano’s previous work, including “Range 15,” a film that gained attention for its over-the-top zombie humor. While “Range 15” was created specifically for the military community, “Office Joe” offers a more universal appeal. Palmisciano has described the series as light-hearted, with a story that is relatable to anyone, even as it speaks directly to the Veteran experience.
Set to be released on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play, “Office Joe” offers a new perspective on the challenges Veterans face when they leave the military. It presents these realities through a comedic lens, showing that even in the most challenging times, a sense of humor and strong community ties can make a world of difference.