Beale hosts 'Happy Hour Comedy Tour'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif,-- --  With the holidays fast approaching, Team Beale looked to Comedian Bernie McGrenahan and his Happy Hour Tour to deliver a message about high risk drinking and driving under the influence at Dock 5, Nov. 16.

McGrenahan described his Happy Hour Tour as a comedic show with a message of don't drink and drive.

"I'm not a comedian joking about a message. I'm a comedian with a message. Don't Drink and Drive," McGrenahan said, who's been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Comedy Central.

The show started out with McGrenahan, telling jokes about celebrities to painful experiences at the supermarket.

"I use humor and my comedic background to lure the crowd in," he said. "It also gives Airmen a new alternative to the traditional power-point safety presentation."

The Airmen were in good spirits during the comedic act, the first part of the bases anti-DUI, pre-holiday safety brief.

"He's funny, It's not what I expected from a safety brief," said, Airman first class Hayley Lambert from the 9th communication squadron.

After the comic introduction the show seamlessly transitioned to a powerful message of the abuse of alcohol. McGrenahan shared how excessive drinking cost him three DUIs and six months in jail.

Of all the things that can happen around drinking in excess, nothing is more painful than the loss a loved one, said McGrenahan, whose brother took his own life due to alcohol related circumstances.

McGrenahan's message to Airmen was not one of sadness and sorrow, but one of hope and empowerment.

"Airmen have so many resources that they can use, from counselors to chaplains," said McGrenahan, who encourages Airmen to seek help if they recognize a problem. "Using resources is a sign of courage."

The show concluded with McGrenahan speaking of his 23 years of sobriety and how he eliminated 99 percent of the risk in his life by removing alcohol.

"Out of all the safety briefs I've heard over the 10 years I've been in [the Air Force] his was the best," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Novak. "His humor covers all age brackets, so everyone can relate to his stories. He made a positive impact."

The comic showed Airmen that binge drinking can cost more than just a bar tab, it could end up costing a career or maybe even a life.

"I know people will continue to drink, but if you do, please do it responsibly and have a plan," said McGrenahan.

Beale hosts 'Happy Hour Comedy Tour'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif,-- --  With the holidays fast approaching, Team Beale looked to Comedian Bernie McGrenahan and his Happy Hour Tour to deliver a message about high risk drinking and driving under the influence at Dock 5, Nov. 16.

McGrenahan described his Happy Hour Tour as a comedic show with a message of don't drink and drive.

"I'm not a comedian joking about a message. I'm a comedian with a message. Don't Drink and Drive," McGrenahan said, who's been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Comedy Central.

The show started out with McGrenahan, telling jokes about celebrities to painful experiences at the supermarket.

"I use humor and my comedic background to lure the crowd in," he said. "It also gives Airmen a new alternative to the traditional power-point safety presentation."

The Airmen were in good spirits during the comedic act, the first part of the bases anti-DUI, pre-holiday safety brief.

"He's funny, It's not what I expected from a safety brief," said, Airman first class Hayley Lambert from the 9th communication squadron.

After the comic introduction the show seamlessly transitioned to a powerful message of the abuse of alcohol. McGrenahan shared how excessive drinking cost him three DUIs and six months in jail.

Of all the things that can happen around drinking in excess, nothing is more painful than the loss a loved one, said McGrenahan, whose brother took his own life due to alcohol related circumstances.

McGrenahan's message to Airmen was not one of sadness and sorrow, but one of hope and empowerment.

"Airmen have so many resources that they can use, from counselors to chaplains," said McGrenahan, who encourages Airmen to seek help if they recognize a problem. "Using resources is a sign of courage."

The show concluded with McGrenahan speaking of his 23 years of sobriety and how he eliminated 99 percent of the risk in his life by removing alcohol.

"Out of all the safety briefs I've heard over the 10 years I've been in [the Air Force] his was the best," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Novak. "His humor covers all age brackets, so everyone can relate to his stories. He made a positive impact."

The comic showed Airmen that binge drinking can cost more than just a bar tab, it could end up costing a career or maybe even a life.

"I know people will continue to drink, but if you do, please do it responsibly and have a plan," said McGrenahan.