The upcoming season finale of Operation HEAL*ARIOUS is set for Nov. 4 at Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles, where six finalists will compete for the title of America’s Funniest Veteran & Military Spouse. This event is organized in collaboration with the Best Medicine Brigade, focusing on showcasing the comedic talents of veterans and their spouses.
Attendees on Nov. 4 can expect the doors of the venue at 1816 South Figueroa Street to open at 6 p.m. The evening will progress with a DJ set at 6:30 p.m., followed by a performance from headliner comedian Ashley Gutermuth at 7 p.m. The winner of the competition will receive a prize of $2,500.
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Sponsors for the event include Jack Daniel’s, The American Legion, 11/11 Veteran Project, and Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Robin Phoenix Johnson serves as the executive producer for the event.
Past iterations of the competition have seen participants intertwine their comedic narratives with personal experiences stemming from their military backgrounds.
A post-show meet-and-greet session is also planned, with VIP ticket holders having early access.
Robin Phoenix Johnson, founder of the Best Medicine Brigade, highlighted the dual purpose of Operation HEAL*ARIOUS, emphasizing its entertainment value and the therapeutic potential of humor. The initiative is also associated with the American Legion’s ‘Be the One’ campaign, which addresses the issue of veteran suicide.
The upcoming event in L.A. marks a significant moment in the calendar for fans of the series and stands as a culmination of the season’s comedic journey.
Author: Jared Morgan
Jared is the senior editor and web team lead for the Department of California and chair of its Media & Communications Commission. He became a member of the American Legion in 2014 when he joined Palisades Post 283 to find stories about veterans issues for a local newspaper while working as its news editor. He was soon brought in as 283's assistant adjutant and historian to help produce the post's award-winning community newspaper. Since then, Jared has used his media skills to help further the efforts of The American Legion in its advocacy of veterans and their families. Jared has also worked for several years to help revitalize the 100-year-old Santa Monica Post 123, formerly as its adjutant and as a member of its executive board, before transferring back to Post 283.