HOW COMEDY AND LAUGHTER IS BONDING MILITARY SPOUSES IN JAPAN

Comedian Ashley Gutermuth, renowned for her clean stand-up on military spouse life, brings humor to frequent relocations in the Air Force. As part of the Best Medicine Brigade, she performs "heal-arious" comedy in Japan. Beyond comedy, Gutermuth advocates for military issues like food insecurity and mental health. Her collaboration with the Stronghold Food Pantry aims for global impact. The lasting impact of comedy on military spouses in Japan is emphasized, fostering camaraderie and emotional resilience amidst challenges.

Being a military spouse can be challenging, with frequent separations and the constant worry of their partner's safety. In Japan, where American military personnel are stationed, a group of military spouses has found a way to cope with these challenges through comedy.

Using humor as a healing tool helps strengthen their relationships and creates a support system. Through the comedic talents of military spouses in Japan, laughter is becoming a powerful force that is bringing them together in ways they never thought possible.

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Comedian Ashley Gutermuth’s Life as a Military Spouse

She humorously touches on her experiences as a military spouse, with bits about moving frequently due to her husband's Air Force career. Gutermuth, with a high-and-tight haircut, playfully confuses people about her gender in her routines.

She jokes about the challenges of convincing others that she has a husband as part of her job during the frequent relocations. Her performances can be enjoyed by the military community in Japan, where she tours bases as part of the Best Medicine Brigade comedy group.

Best Medicine Brigade Comedy Performance in Japan

The Best Medicine Brigade, founded by Army Veteran Robin Phoenix and featuring members Christian Johnson and Ashley Gutermuth, launched their Japan tour with a performance at Yokota Air Base. With a mission to deliver "heal-arious" comedy, the Brigade aims to provide military members with a much-needed dose of laughter during their service.

The kick-off event at Yokota Air Base, coinciding with Military Spouse Day, marked the beginning of a series of performances across military bases in Japan. The Brigade's commitment to bringing humor to the military community underscores the importance of laughter in fostering camaraderie among service members and their families stationed in different regions of Japan.

This special occasion aligns with the recognition and appreciation of the vital role military spouses play in the lives of those serving in the armed forces. The Best Medicine Brigade not only entertains but also contributes to the well-being of military personnel by creating moments of joy and connection, providing a lighthearted break from the challenges of military life.

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Comedic Advocacy for Military Issues

Ashley Gutermuth, beyond her stand-up routines, is passionately involved in addressing critical military issues. Her primary focus lies in tackling food insecurity, mental health, and suicide prevention.

Collaborating with the Stronghold Food Pantry, founded by Army spouse Monica Bassett, Gutermuth aims to expand its impact globally, shedding light on the pressing issue of one in four military families facing challenges affording food. Gutermuth utilizes her online platform to engage not just military audiences but a broader community of supporters.

Raising awareness about the barriers military members encounter and advocating for solutions allows her to emphasize the role of addressing these issues in maintaining a strong and resilient military force. Through her efforts with the Stronghold Food Pantry, Gutermuth strives to not only bring laughter but also creates positive change and support for those serving in the military.

Want to learn more about the impact that Ashley is having on the comedy industry and the military community? Check out Ashley's interview with VeteranLife's very own Karl Martin.

Lasting Impacts of Comedy on the Well-being of Spouses of Military in Japan

Comedy as a bonding tool among military spouses in Japan has lasting effects on their well-being. Shared laughter fosters camaraderie, creating enduring connections and providing emotional resilience amidst the unique challenges of military life.

The long term impact of comedy lies in its ability to create a positive atmosphere within the military spouse community. Shared laughter not only serves as a stress reliever but also helps build enduring friendships, emphasizing its significant benefits for military spouses.

The shared laughter and support among military spouses contribute to a supportive network, highlighting the invaluable role they play in enhancing the well-being of service members and their families.

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Image Source: @ashgutermuth/Instagram