Stand-up comedian and actor, Jo Koy walks out on stage and greets a crowd of people at Yokosuka Air Base in Japan, Jan. 29, 2025. Koy performed for service members and their families at military bases in Guam and Japan with the USO from Jan. 28 through Feb. 2, 2025, in the middle of his “Just Being Koy” tour. (Quinton A. Lee/U.S. Navy)

Standup comedian and actor, Jo Koy had service members and their families roaring with laughter when he visited them at military bases in Guam and Japan with the USO from Jan. 28 through Feb. 2 in the middle of his “Just Being Koy” tour.

Koy, known for his hilarious takes on Filipino and Asian culture, performed to sold-out crowds at Naval Base Guam on Saturday, Yokosuka Naval Base on Jan. 30 and Yokota Air Base on Jan. 29. Koy said it means so much to be able to bring his comedy and entertainment to those serving the country from afar.

“When I go out there, I know how much it [the show] means to these people. … This is my way of saying thank you to those who serve. I get to be a comic around the world because you guys are making that happen for me,” Koy said in a phone interview with Stars and Stripes on Friday.

Koy said he felt proud when he walked on stage at the bases.

“It’s so cool to see how the crowds are reacting at every show. It’s just so beautiful, I can’t get enough of it,” he said.

Before his shows, the USO arranged for Koy to go on excursions around each base and meet with service members.

“Sometimes people just take things for granted,” Koy said. “We don’t take pride in what we got and that’s one thing I love about these service members — they’re proud of what they do, they’re proud of their bases and they’re proud of their people. Each base was like this big, giant show and tell — and they went above and beyond. It was just incredible.”

Performing at these bases was extra special considering his background as a military brat. Koy — whose real name is Joseph Herbert — was born on Misawa Air Base in Japan, and he lived on several military bases growing up. He is well-versed on the hardships that come with military life.

“I always appreciate those who serve in the military because I know how hard it is, you know, as a kid who had to do it,” Koy said.

Jo Koy poses for a picture with the USO flag and a crowd of people during a show at Yokosuka Air Base in Japan, Jan. 29, 2025. (Quinton A. Lee/U.S. Navy)

Comedian Jo Koy poses for a group photo with Yokota Air Base leadership, friends, and family following a mission briefing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 29, 2025. (Manuel G. Zamora/U.S. Air Force)

Comedian Jo Koy shows off the 374th Airlift Wing patch given to him at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 29, 2025. (Manuel G. Zamora/U.S. Air Force)

Comedian Jo Koy, left, receives a mission briefing from U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 29, 2025. Koy engaged with leadership in the wing conference room before performing for military members and their families. (Manuel G. Zamora/U.S. Air Force)

Stand-up comedian and actor, Jo Koy talks with a Navy sailor at Yokosuka Air Base in Japan. (Quinton A. Lee/U.S. Navy)

Koy’s father, John Herbert, served in the Air Force and achieved the rank of master sergeant. He retired after 20 years of service. Herbert met Koy’s mother while stationed in the Philippines.

Koy’s stepfather, Frederick Harrison — who died in January 2023 — served in the Army and achieved the rank of sergeant first class. Harrison earned two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He, too, retired after 20 years of service.

“It’s a different lifestyle, it’s a different mentality … when one person serves, the whole family serves,” Koy said.

Koy shared the tour experience with his son, Joseph Herbert Jr., and enjoyed exposing him to what his life was like growing up. He said that his son was just “taking it all in and loving it.”

Koy will talk about his experience touring the overseas military bases in an upcoming Netflix special expected to be released by the end of this year. This will be in addition to his five comedy specials currently available on Netflix.

The USO’s website offered free tickets to Koy’s show at the bases and saw a high demand when registration opened on Jan. 17. For those who couldn’t get their hands on tickets, this is not the last time Koy will be visiting with military communities. He is already talking with the USO about their next collaboration.

“Now we know what we need to do for the future. ... I’m so excited to go home and tell people about this tour,” Koy said.