Comedian’s childhood suicide note inspires a different kind of military training

Four comedians brought their unique act of dark humor about depression and suicide to service members in Yokosuka, Japan. Afterwards, they opened to floor for some open discussion. Comedian Brad Bonar Jr., creator of 1 Degree of Separation, performs for service members at the Fleet Theater on Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Nov. 3, 2026. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The jokes came first. Then came a tough discussion about depression, suicide and how to help someone who’s struggling. Four comedians brought that approach to Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater on Tuesday, using standup routines and personal stories to encourage sailors and Marines to talk openly about mental health. The performance was part of 1 Degree of Separation, a suicide prevention training program that combines comedy with education about depression and suicide.

“Hey, I love supporting the military,” comedian Sydney Stigerts said during her five minutes of standup. “And by that, I mean, I’ve been with a girl in every single branch. So, I’m actually just here to find some TRICARE. In this economy, it’s rough.” Comedian Brad Bonar Jr., who created the program, said it grew out of his own experiences with depression, which he traced back to childhood after discovering a suicide note he had written in sixth grade. A stay at a psychiatric hospital later helped