IAVA Petition Still 10,000+ Short of Making Stephen Colbert Honorary Member

Last month, the perennially self-important showbiz legend-in-his-own-mind Stephen Colbert went to Iraq at the behest of the USO, setting out to both entertain the troops and the folks back home by taping a week's worth of Colbert Report shows.

Dubbing his brief tour "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando," the Comedy Central comedian gained at least one fan for his efforts. Christina Everett, NY Daily News:

Colbert, 45, was a hit with the men and women of the armed services, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, who was a guest on Monday night’s episode. ...

One of the highlights of Colbert's trip was a video message from President Barack Obama ordering General Raymond Odierno to shave thehost's head in front of the audience of cheering troops.

Since the comedian's trip to Iraq was successful, Rieckhoff posed the question: If Colbert made it to Iraq and back in one piece, would he deserve to be an honorary IAVA Member?

Currently, 13,681 people have signed on to the IAVA petition, less than the 25,000 needed to reach the goal, so there's still a ways to go before Colbert receives the honor.

After learning about his partnership with DonorsChoose.org to raise funds for military children and viewing some of my favorite clips of Colbert's 'deployment' (including the haircut sequence mentioned above as well as the hilarious boot camp segments) in extended, you make the call. Should Stephen be so honored?


In educational interest, article(s) quoted from extensively.

Stephen Strong: Army of Me Basic Training, Part I


Stephen Strong: Army of Me Basic Training, Part II


Stephen Gets His Hair Cut


Fallback Position: Air Force Thunderbirds