Comedy for the cure

As part of the 2nd Bomb Wing's annual refocus day, comedian Bernie McGrenahan from the "Happy Hour" comedy tour, jokes with Barksdale Airmen in Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force, La., Jan. 4. McGrenahan also spoke about his past with substance abuse. The refocus day brought Team Barksdale together after the holidays to give them a strong safety message about resiliency to kick off the New Year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Comedy for the cure

Comedian Bernie McGrenahan, from the "Happy Hour" comedy tour, talks with Airmen after the 2nd Bomb Wing's annual refocus day in Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force, La., Jan. 4. McGrenahan spoke with service members about his past with substance abuse and his family as part of a non-traditional resiliency training opportunity. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Comedy for the cure

Annual refocus day brings comedy with a serious lesson

Published Jan. 10, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Comedian Bernie McGrenahan visited Team Barksdale Jan. 4 as part of the 2nd Bomb Wing's annual refocus day.

McGrenahan brought a half-hour comedy show and followed with a serious message about his experience with substance abuse and how it changed his life.

"I'm not here to preach to you. I don't want you to think I'm trying to tell you what to do," McGrenahan said. "I'm just telling you what happened to me, and hopefully you don't make the same mistakes."

McGrenahan's comedic style was just what the 2nd BW Safety Office had in mind for Team Barksdale.

"Bernie brings a unique message as it relates to Safety, DUI prevention and risky behavior," said Richard Knowles, 2nd Bomb Wing Safety Office deputy chief. "He brought a great mixture of a comedy stand-up routine to keep the mood light. At the same time, he brought a serious safety message for our Airman. He has lived the topics he brings to his comedy show."

While Airmen laughed at his comedic routine, McGrenahan smoothly and silently slid into something more serious and personnel to his life captivating the audience with his story about DUI's, jail time, loss of a loved one and substance abuse. ¬

After everything McGrenahan went through by the time he was 24 years old, he made the choice to never drink again.

"For 25 years I have stayed drink free," he said.

McGrenahan travels the world spreading his message of safety, DUI prevention and risk reduction.
"I love bringing a new element to the safety training, with a bit of comedy and meaningful messages that hopefully plant a few seeds in Barksdale Airmen to help them make good decisions," said McGrenahan.

The "Happy Hour" tour started in 1995 and was college tour but in 2007 the military approached McGrenahan about bringing that same message to the military.

"When the military approached me to bring my message and my comedy to our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen, I couldn't say no," he said.