Comedy with a prevention message

Comedian Bernie McGrenahan presents his “Happy Hour” show to service members at Al Udeid Air Base, April 9 2014. This month, the Department of Defense observes the tenth annual of Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the message of “Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault.” In support of this initiative, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership invited McGrenahan, a comedian who delivers a comedy show followed by a powerful training and prevention-based session. As one of the military’s top-requested prevention and risk-reduction programs, McGrenahan inspires troops to stay focused and resilient by sharing his personal life testimony. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Nicole David)

Published April 10, 2014
By Maj. Nicole David
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

4/9/2014 - AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- The Department of Defense's message for Sexual Assault Awareness Month is "Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault." In support of this initiative, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership invited Bernie McGrenahan, a comedian who delivers a comedy show followed by a powerful training and prevention-based session, to visit the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines at Al Udeid Air Base, April 9, 2014.

This April, the DOD observes the tenth annual SAAM in a continued effort to reinforce military standards of behavior and values and to emphasize the importance of social courage and how it strengthens military culture. That message comes through in McGrenahan's show through his innovative style of "edu-tainment." As one of the military's top-requested prevention and risk-reduction programs, McGrenahan inspires troops to stay focused and resilient by sharing his personal life testimony.

"I requested Bernie McGrenahan at a previous base, so I have seen his show and he is quite good," said Brig. Gen. Roger Watkins, stationed here as the commander of the 379th AEW and native of Fort Worth, TX. "He is not a comedian joking about serious issues. He starts with a clean comedy show and then transitions to his personal experiences surrounding tough topics."

"Happy Hour" as McGrenahan's show is called, hooks audiences by breaking the ice with troops through comedy, earning their trust and respect before delving into the tough topics through his personal testimony about alcohol and substance abuse, his sexual conduct under the influence, and surviving his brother's suicide.

According to McGrenahan, the goal of this approach is not only to keep the troops interested, but also send them away with tools and information to better prepare them for mental fitness in their personal and professional lives.

"We all have a story and we've all been through change, challenges and stress, "commented McGrenahan. "But our character is defined by how we deal with it."

"Comedy is the Cure," is comedy with a message. It is a step in the right direction to help our inform Airmen of the realities and consequences of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Bernie's delivery is very impactful because he shares his personal life stories and people can often relate to that," said Capt. Courtney Hemmert, 379th AEW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, deployed from Royal Air Force Alconbury and native of Littleton, Colo. "The wide variety of topics he covers really gets the message across."

McGrenahan is committed to motivating service members and wants them to know resiliency is available and within reach for all.