The American Soldier and Lieutenant Colonel and former US Army Green Beret

I’ve been to Michigan three times now. And considering how cold it was, I was surprised and grateful for the immense turnout. But then again, I’m sure Michiganders are like, “Just put a coat on, and let's go!”  I was just glad the Detroit Lions didn’t play when I performed!

I was honored to have retired Lieutenant Colonel and former US Army Green Beret Scott Mann at my show. He flew in from sunny and warm Jacksonville, Florida, to see the show. Having him see my play and join me for the Q&A afterward was an absolute honor. Besides doing multiple deployments with Special Forces around the world, he has written a play (Last Out: An Elegy of a Grene Beret - directed by Karl Bury) which shares his experiences as a combat Veteran. He's done multiple TED Talks and was recently sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation to tour his play all over the country.

He was also the founder of Pineapple Express - a foundation he helped set up that saved many Afghanistan special forces fighters out of Afghanistan after we left so discombobulated. The foundation helped save as many of them and their families as they could and also helped them find homes here in the US and abroad. Many of these fighters risked their lives and their family's lives fighting right next to our special forces; sometimes, they were the lead forces on many dangerous missions.

There is a true tsunami of pain being felt by many of our veterans and families who gave so much in Afghanistan. We move on, but unfortunately, they don’t get to have that privilege. We must never forget their service and sacrifice. We owe them at least that much.

It's an honor to call Scott a friend, and I was blessed that he finally got to see my play, hear the message, and see the reaction. We hope to one day be able to work together. 

Below is the audience's reaction to my performance in Michigan.

Lieutenant Colonel and former US Army Green Beret Scott Mann