West Virginia native Tom Foss will return to the Funny Barn for a third straight year. Foss will entertain from the local stage, beginning Friday night, for a four show run concluding Saturday night.

Prior to his return in 2006, Foss toured the Middle East with a group called, "Comics on Duty," performing for the United States troops. It's become a bit of a passion for him and he's found himself working the national comedy scene around trips to entertain the nation's fighting forces. He will return with a group again this year.

"We did one (show) at a hospital for guys that were waiting to go to Germany. We popped in on them at 11 at night. It was very rewarding. I got three e-mails today from guys who saw us. That doesn't happen when you're here in the states. It's a great experience to get out and see the world."

"People ask why you do it," Foss shared. "As comedians we use our freedom of speech more than anyone so we're willing to go out and entertain the people that defend that.

"It's really an awesome experience."

Foss said there is an element of danger anytime you go into a war zone, but he indicated that the security offered the traveling performers is equal to that of top ranking government officials.

"We're not actually going into the terrorist camps. When we're on these bases, they keep us busy showing us the area, how things work. What they're up against. They show us what they don't tell you on the news."

According to Foss, all of their traveling is done through air transport and they never travel as part of a convoy. One of the hardest things to get used to is the heat. Foss commented, "One day in Dubai it was 140, and there was no day under 115."

Yet the troops come out, packing the house for Foss and his fellow entertainers.

"They'll pack a place, even an outdoor event to see us. Comedians are very popular shows. Next to the scantily clad women - the cheerleaders."

Foss said a favorite on his tour last year was a pair of female professional beach volleyball players.

"One of them told me, she could feel the heat on her butt from the flash bulbs. They are very popular."

Foss said he's not sure who he'll be traveling with this year, acknowledging that it will be four headlining comedians. He is set to begin his "tour of duty" Dec. 20 and will continue for 30 days in Irag and on ships in the Persian Gulf.

Foss joked that from the outset of the war, his decision to go to battle would have involved using the big bomb over.

"From start to finish as quick as possible with minimal American lives lost."

But Foss said he tries to avoid the politics of it all on his trips - it's really about the soldiers. "I think if you're against the war, you should be doing more than supporting these guys. I can make an argument for it either way.

"I would not want to make that decision. I don't kow the facts, so I'm not going to criticize those who have to stick the neck and make those choices."

On a serious note, Foss pointed out, "Since they've inserted comics as part of the regular entertainment rotation, the suicide rate has dropped 90 percent. You don't hear about that here. To be one of the ones selected, pretty flattering.

Foss said he tries to keep his show very much American pie because that's what the troops are really missing - home. He also has a lot of fun at his own expense.

"Me, not entirely understanding the situation, I have a very popular joke that I do over there."

Breaking into his act, Foss continued, "I went to Iraq and everything went well 'til I found out I didn't get a gun. I got a helmet, a vest and a sleeping bag. I'd gladly give all of those things for a gun. If we're under attack, 'Don't worry guys, I'll block.'

* Tom Foss, of Mechan-icsburg, Pa., will headline the Funny Barn, Friday and Saturday, June 29-30, with Johnny O from Kansas City, scheduled to open the show. The acts will perform twice nightly, at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. The Funny Barn is located at 1605 Hill Avenue. For more information, call 336-4888.