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ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø's veterans and military office, veterans association and student improv troupe have been tasked with a mission. Their mission, which they have chosen to accept, is to make you laugh!

In a combined effort, these three groups are hosting the annual fundraiser Operation Comedy on Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m. in the Theater in the Bart Luedeke Center. There is no admission charge, but donations to the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Veterans Fund will be graciously accepted. The fund is used to help veterans, military and dependents (spouses, children) with unexpected expenses that could otherwise jeopardize their college education.

When ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø first opened its doors in 1865, the institution’s initial class of students was composed primarily of veterans returning home from the Civil War. Today, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø is an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows men and women returning to civilian life from service in America’s current wars the opportunity to attend class through enhanced tuition benefits and supplemental scholarships and grants provided by participating colleges and universities.

This year’s Operation Comedy features improv acts by the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Improv Organizational Troupe (R.I.O.T.), as well as comedic performances by local talent Melissa Diaz, student Zane Birnie and headliner Jeffrey Paul.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Prior to the start of the show, an information fair will be held in the theater lobby. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Center of Ewing, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Transition Assistance Program and VFW Student Support Services will be available to answer questions for veterans and military.

After Operation Comedy, all audience members are invited to an after-party hosted by the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Veterans Association at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Pub in the Bart Luedeke Center. Guests have an opportunity to meet the performers and ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø veterans and military. Non-ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø guests are welcome and must RSVP to veterans@rider.edu.

For additional information about Operation Comedy, contact Thomas Reddington of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Veterans and Military Affairs Office directly at reddington@rider.edu or call 609-896-5000, ext. 7382.