Comedian Bernie McGrenahan shares life lessons with Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Airmen are no strangers to safety briefings, stand downs and all calls discussing substance abuse, sexual assault and suicide, but rarely are the briefings as memorable and impactful as the ones given Oct. 30 and 31 here.

The last days of October marked Laughlin's turn to sit and listen to lectures on prevention issues, but rather than "death by PowerPoint," Laughlin personnel were briefed by Bernie McGrenahan, a comedian with a message.

For years, Bernie performed standup comedy across America, but now, Bernie only performs for military audiences worldwide in his 'Happy Hour' comedy tour. In it, Bernie uses his past demons to craft a positive message to inspire service members to stay focused and resilient. 

"I believe Happy Hour is important, because the therapeutic value of one problem drinker speaking to another is without parallel," Bernie said. "Hearing testimony of someone who has 'been there,' is the strongest method to reach someone who may be currently medicating their stress with excessive alcohol consumption. We all endure challenge in life, whether it be relationships, finances or work load. I want people to know that alcohol can only add to those challenges, when in our mind we think it is helping us to cope."

Developed in 1997, the comedy tour grew out of a comment by Bernie's agent who believed Bernie could be a great lecturer given his past experiences confronting alcoholism, Bernie explained. Like most, Bernie did not view the term 'lecture' positively, so he agreed to give it a try if he could open his act with standup comedy. 

From 1997 to 2010, Bernie performed his program at more than 400 colleges and universities and in 2010, military bases began reaching out to him. Now, Bernie performs exclusively for military personnel with his latest act being at Laughlin.

"We wanted him to speak here because his message is universal for the total force," said Aliyah Negley, 47th Flying Training Wing community support coordinator. "His message applies to dependents, civilian employees, retirees and our servicemen and women alike. It relates to our target audience. His message is about being a good wingman, a good person." 

While here, Bernie performed four times, with one clear message in mind.

"Alcohol can enhance an evening or an event when consumed in low moderate doses, however, alcohol is also cunning, baffling and powerful," Bernie said.  "It disguises itself as a stress-reliever, when in fact, it can create havoc and destruction in a person's life when leaned on frequently and excessively.  It can ruin a career, marriage, and even take a life."

Adding to the message was the surprise visit by Bernie's brother Sean. Sean suffered a stroke at birth that affected his development. Sean and Bernie's brotherly love plays a large part in the personal story Bernie weaves for his audience.  Laughlin was Sean's first military base appearance.

"Having Sean with me was an incredible feeling and experience...He is a gentle giant with a kind soul," Bernie said. "My goal was for the audience to know 'Sean is real,' for those who may have heard my testimony prior, and in fact, 'here he is!' My goal was for Sean and I to trigger the importance of family in our lives, and how resiliency involves honoring and caring for our families, starting with Airmen looking out for other Airmen and also carrying for our personal family members.  Sean is a gift in my life. I want all Airmen to know we are gifts to each other."

All-in-all, Bernie's unique approach to comedy and resiliency spoke volumes to Laughlin and Bernie left the base honored and amazed by Team XL's response.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who attended the programs, and for treating my family and me with care, respect and dignity," said Bernie. "I was moved to emotions by the audiences' responses to the programs, and I am very appreciative to all for the sacrifices they have made for this country. From command, to staff, to enlisted and to civilians, 'thank you for my freedom.'"