ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Comedian Bernie McGrenahan visited here June 16 as a stop on his "Happy Hour" tour.
McGrenahan has been making his way around the world visiting a multitude of military installations to talk about the risk of alcohol and drug abuse, sexual assault and harassment, and suicide prevention in a comedic way.
McGrenahan started his show off with about a half hour of comedy and then began to talk about personal problems he had with alcohol abuse during his teen year and early 20s.
He explained how everything was going great until he got involved with the depressant. Alcohol was the reason he lost his baseball scholarship and later his job, he said.
It wasn't until three drinking under the influences charges and six months in a Los Angeles County Jail that McGrenahan set himself straight.
While doing his time in county jail, McGrenahan took a hard look at himself and knew he had to turn his life around. He stayed true to that moment by not having a sip of alcohol in 21 years. McGrenahan said that everything in his life has changed for the better since making his life altering decision. He said he has learned that he doesn't need alcohol to have a good time.
McGrenahan said he appreciates military members and what they do for this nation. It's important to get this message of the risk are when getting involved with alcohol and drugs. He said that he wants servicemembers to see the warning signs early so that they won't have to go through the same situations as he had.
"Bernie showed good insight into effects of alcohol and what can happen," said Staff Sgt. George McVey, 3rd Medical Support Squadron. "(He used) good life stories and good situations."
McGrenahan will continue his "Happy Hour" tour throughout England during the next couple of weeks and will continue to share his life altering decisions through comedy.