89th AS flight engineer finds new career in comedy

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A reservist assigned to the 89th Airlift Squadron as a flight engineer found a new calling, making people laugh.

Known as the "Biker Comic," Tech. Sgt. Tracy Cooper has a new career in stand-up comedy that has exploded over the past few months; opening a new chapter in his life.

The reservist's new career all started after a day of motorcycle riding back September 2009. He and his friends were reminiscing about what they've been doing in life, which led to a further conversation on Facebook.

"This girl I went to high school with asked me on Facebook if I was still funny like I was in school. She put me in touch with a woman named Joanne Viskup who runs the open-mic night at Wiley's Comedy Club in Dayton. Joanne called me and had me come down, Sergeant Cooper said.

Biker Comic's first performance was Nov. 22, 2009, with 25 people coming specifically to see him; more than 125 were there to see the other comics. His second performance was in front of a crowd of 100; 40 coming to see him specifically, including wing leadership from the 77th Aeronautical Systems Wing, where he currently serves on active-duty orders. His third performance grew into an audience of 150; 50 people coming to see him in particular. Today, he has performed at more than 10 venues, selling out at each performance.

So far in his short career, Sergeant Cooper has performed at Wiley's, Jackass Flats (a biker type of restaurant/bar on the outskirts of Huber Heights, Ohio), and a few other local venues; selling out each time.

Sergeant Cooper is appreciative of the support his been receiving at the venues he performs at.

"Terry Smith, owner of Jackass Flats, and Rob Haney, owner of Wiley's, are not only my sponsors but great supporters and great friends. Rob is a true mentor to me with an impressive resume. He's written for the Jay Leno show, he's been on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Channel. He's currently writing for the Bob and Tom radio show," Sergeant Cooper said.

The sergeant indicated that having Wiley's on his resume was a must.

"I was looking at the Wall of Fame at Wiley's one night and saw images of Jay Leno, Drew Carey, Ellen DeGeneres, Drew Hastings, and others when Rob told me, 'One day you will be up there.' And I laughed and said, 'What, cleaning the pictures?'" the sergeant said.

Sergeant Cooper said he's having fun with his new career and is still getting used to people recognizing him on the street.

"I was at Wal-Mart one day and these people recognized me and asked my girlfriend if I was Tracy Cooper. When she said yes, they asked her if they could take my picture and get an autograph. The autograph signing thing is so weird to me," Sergeant Cooper said.

Sergeant Cooper's co-workers at both the 89th AS and 77th AESW are enjoying their co-worker's new career in comedy.

"I've had people from the both wings come up to me and say how cool it is to see one of my performances on You Tube." It's been an amazing ride so far," Sergeant Cooper said.

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