Comedian's message no laughing matter Published April 27, 2010 By Senior Airman Tong Duong 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A roar of laughter filled the theater April 21 as the comedian finished one of his jokes and waited for the crowd to settle down enough to deliver another. Bernie McGrenahan entertained more than 650 members here, with three shows almost back to back. While he used comedy to entertain the crowd, the messages he delivered were no laughing matter. Mr. McGrenahan, who has appeared on many late night television comedy specials and opens Las Vegas concerts for today's biggest stars, enticed his audience with comedy. Before they knew what had happened, Mr. McGrenahan had transitioned from cracking on celebrities to recalling accounts of his personal life, the dangers and risk of alcohol, drug and sexual assualt and harassment. He recalled how he went from being an A student with a promising baseball career to hitting rock bottom. Even the alcohol and drug related suicide of his younger 19 year-old brother, Scott, couldn't slow down his drinking and reckless behavior. After three DUI arrests and six-months in Los Angeles County jail, he is now 21-years sober. According to his web site comedyisthecure.com, he is motivating servicemembers to identify the substance abuse warning signs and take safe action before it's too late or fatal, so they can be prepared, trained and ready to defend the safety of our nation. "People absorb information in different ways," said Capt. Ericka Jenifer 17th Medical Operations Squadron Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment program manager. "Encouraging people not to drink or to do so responsibly requires a special touch. He was able to spread his message without the aid of briefs and power point style presentations." Captain Jenifer, also a staff psychologist at the mental health clinic, said Bernie was able to deliver his message in a fun and insightful way. "Through comedy, he is going to inspire people to talk about substance abuse and sexual assualt over and over again; especially those who missed the show and are curious as how it went," the captain said. For Airman Hamzeh Beyyald, 316th Training Squadron student, the show impacted him on a personal level. "It was truthful, funny and I can relate to where he is coming from in all points of his performance. My older sister is an alcoholic and my little brother is handicapped just like his." He said. "I liked the show a lot and you can tell his message was from the heart."
