Comedian educates McConnell members

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Bernie McGrenahan, a comedian, came to McConnell to perform his "Happy Hour" program for Team McConnell members at the base theatre, July 7.

"The style of presentation given by Mr. McGrenahan is one of a kind," said Lt. Col. William Stowe, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chief of safety. "This 'briefing' is delivered in a medium that Airman and civilians will remember for a long time, something I do not think the traditional military briefing can achieve."

"This was just the type of forum to get people really thinking about safety," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Morris, 22nd Communication Squadron Leased Communication non-commissioned officer in charge. "The method used to convey the information made the audience want to hear more. The 'briefing' seemed sincere coming from someone with a background story and an enthusiasm towards informing the audience and persuading us towards a safer way to do things."

Opening the program with 30 minutes of stand-up comedy, Mr. McGrenahan then transitions into the dangers and risks of alcohol, drug abuse and sexual assault and harassment to inspire the military and civilian audience to make smart, safe decisions and better prepare each person for mission success.

The reason for bringing Mr. McGrenahan "was to educate our military and civilian personnel alike on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, and the effect it can have on a person's life," said Colonel Stowe.

"Even though he isn't a military member himself, he had a way of being able to relate his information to us as a military audience," said Sergeant Morris.

Mr. McGrenahan captivated the audience with his detailed step by step downward spiral into a world of drinking and drug abuse. He started out only drinking on the weekends and staying away from liquor in his high school years. Then his addiction depended. He went from one day of drinking during the week and drinking on the weekends to two days of drinking during the week and drinking on the weekends. He went from a straight "A" student to ending his high school years with a "C" average drinking four or five days a week.

His downward spiral continued into college. During his freshman year he made a bad choice and received his first driving under the influence. It didn't stop him. Undaunted, he continued to make bad decisions and he got behind the wheel after drinking and started to drive home. He was stopped by the police and charged with his second DUI. It was at this point he dropped out of college and moved back home with his sister and two brothers. He then proceeded to pull his younger brother, Scott, down with him and Scott's life began to mimic that of his older brother's. But Scott took his addiction to the final stage: Scott committed suicide.

Even the loss of his brother did not stop his drinking and drug abuse. It took a promise he made to his mother, God and himself while he was in the Los Angeles County Jail serving a six-month sentence for his third DUI. Mr. McGrenahan recently celebrated his 21st anniversary of being alcohol and drug free.

"If his message helps only one Airman or civilian, this education forum will be a success," said Colonel Stowe.