Comedian puts unique twist on sexual assault awareness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Airmen at Aviano Air Base arrived at the mass briefing facility May 14 dreading yet another tedious briefing, but comedian Bernie McGrenahan had something else in store.

"Let's face it, alcohol, drug and sexual assault safety briefings are not an easy session to sell to our servicemen, especially when mandated to attend," said McGrenahan. "We are always looking for a fresh angle or approach to maintain our audiences' attention, and keep it interesting."

McGrenahan is the founder of Comedy is the Cure Inc. and he travels to military installations around the world sharing comedy and personal experiences with his "Happy Hour" presentation to raise awareness about tough issues many military members face today.

While his presentation is usually geared towards alcohol, drug and suicide prevention, he adapted the program to raise awareness about sexual assaults. It was a huge hit with both crowds.

"It really brings it home to people, as opposed to a PowerPoint presentation," said Chief Master Sgt. John Maldonado, 603rd Air Control Squadron superintendent. "Regardless of the message, if you make it mandatory training, people tend to shut it out, it's just human nature. But when he personalizes everything and adds his own personal experiences and brings up things we've all probably been through in life before, you tend to listen a little bit better, especially when there's some comedy and humor involved. You're waiting for the next punch line so you're listening to every word he says."

Senior Airman James Curtin, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment journeyman, and fellow spectator agreed with the chief, saying "It was nice to see someone who has dealt with all that he has, speak about it openly and honestly. It was good to have some personality, rather than dull PowerPoint presentations."

McGrenahan opened the show with a 45-minute comedy skit to interest the audience. The crowd responded well, laughing at every punch line. He followed his comedic presentation with a more serious dialogue about his personal experiences with alcohol abuse, his brother's suicide and trouble with the law. He warned Airmen that alcohol abuse can affect every aspect of life and can cause poor decision making - including sexual assault.

"Two hours later, as I watched all the other cases go up to see the judge, I saw cases about assault, rape, sexual assault, drinking and driving," said McGrenahan. "You know what was behind every one of them? Alcohol and some drugs. Every single case that went before these judges was influenced by alcohol."

He continued by speaking about his own experience with alcohol affecting his judgment and how it caused him to cross the line with a female without her consent.

"The next day my phone rings - it's the girl from the bar last night," said McGrenahan. "She said, 'Bernie, a woman needs to be sober to give consent. You took advantage of me.' And she was right. I should have had more respect for her and my friends could have stopped me when we were both leaving drunk from that bar."

McGrenahan closed his presentation by urging Airmen to avoid making his mistakes.

"Every one of you Airmen has a story," he said. "You've had adversity and challenge in your life. A lot of you have walked through that head-on with courage and bravery. Maybe some of you have medicated a little bit like I did. That story is what you make of it. I hope when you leave here today you stay focused. I know most of you are probably bringing your 'A' game and are on top of your mission. Stay that way. Stay focused - keep being that committed partner in your relationships."