JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At Veterans United Craft Brewery, a monthly comedy show proved that laughter isn’t just the best medicine — it’s also a powerful way to serve those who served.
Navy veteran Roz McCoy, currently battling stage three breast cancer, headlined the brewery’s free comedy night on Saturday, bringing her unique blend of military experience and personal resilience to the stage.
Recommended Videos
“Laughter is the best medicine. I don’t care what immunotherapy or whatever treatment, if your spirit is not intact, if you’re not in alignment with healing yourself, it’s not gonna work,” McCoy said during a morning show appearance at News4JAX.
McCoy, who served 20 years in the Navy, approached her cancer diagnosis with the same resilience that marked her military career. “When I first got diagnosed in June, for two hours, I felt sorry for myself. And I said, this is not the way to work this,” she said.
The veteran-owned brewery hosts these free comedy shows every third Saturday, featuring an all-veteran lineup. It’s become a tradition that celebrates both service and community while showcasing the surprising connection between military service and comedy.
“You would be surprised how many comedians have served in the United States military,” McCoy said. “I got my start on several ships. I like to think that when we’re out to sea, we have to find something to do to keep our morale up.”
Her performance style reflects this spirit, mixing humor with hope. “I want y’all to see this shirt. I wore this shirt specifically... I just wanted to know that my oncologist does my hair.”
The monthly comedy nights at Veterans United have become more than just entertainment — they’re a testament to the healing power of laughter and the enduring bonds of the veteran community.
For McCoy, it’s about transforming life’s challenges into moments of joy, one punchline at a time.