NAVAL ACADEMY… Midshipman Rock!

Established in 1845, the Academy is an icon in the world of leadership education. I hope you survived the ‘mandatory’ program, had a few laughs and more importantly take away safe & responsible decision making and behavior this Spring Break and duration of your lives. I appreciate and look up to each and every one of you for choosing this career in the Navy.

Personal emails to Bernie should be sent via the CONTACT link on this site and will receive a personal reply from Bernie. Thank you Midshipman, Lt Martin and all Commanders of the finest Academy in the land!

NAVAL ACADEMY WINNERS: MICHELLE SOTO & ROBERT WILLIAMS- Contact info@comedyisthecure.com with your Academy or home mailing address to claim your prizes!

By Bernie McGrenaghan|2013-04-08T17:52:08-07:00March 4th, 2013|News|190 Comments

About the Author: Bernie McGrenaghan

190 Comments

Clint Livingston March 4, 2013 at 3:29 pm

Well, doesn’t look like many other midshipmen have commented so I guess I’ll give this raffle a try. Looking forward to the show tonight, by all accounts it should be a good time!
Luke Riewestahl March 4, 2013 at 3:39 pm

I am looking forward to the show tonight! Thank You for coming!
Carrington Lewis March 4, 2013 at 5:51 pm

I was here. Some funny material.
Ash Davis March 4, 2013 at 5:53 pm

Great show tonight. The jokes were on point and the story was truly inspiring. Thank you for coming out to visit us at the Academy.
Emile Toscano March 4, 2013 at 6:08 pm

I was here. I really enjoyed your show and learned a lot from it.
Rich Rod March 4, 2013 at 6:08 pm

Thanks for the show!
Sasha Westberg March 4, 2013 at 6:08 pm

Great show! Thanks for coming out tonight. It was a good break from all the powerpoints we get.
Elise Lagergren March 4, 2013 at 6:09 pm

Much better than a powerpoint or lecture. Thanks!
Ian Eisenhauer March 4, 2013 at 6:09 pm

Thanks for the show!
Jonathan Formella March 4, 2013 at 6:10 pm

This show was hilarious and had a great message. Thanks for coming!
Ian Lowry March 4, 2013 at 6:10 pm

Thanks for the show! I really enjoyed listening.
William Miller March 4, 2013 at 6:10 pm

Awesome show! It was great to relieve some Monday night stress and think about being safe and looking out for others over break!
Thanks for taking the time to make us laugh!
Demetrious Jackson March 4, 2013 at 6:11 pm

Hey Bernie, I was there. The show was amazing and very thought provoking. Thank You. God Bless
Kyle Coffey March 4, 2013 at 6:11 pm

Thanks for the great show!
E Derecktor March 4, 2013 at 6:11 pm

Thanks for the show tonight. Good stuff.
David Allshouse March 4, 2013 at 6:12 pm

Great show tonight Bernie! That was AWESOME!! Thanks for replacing the bring powerpoints and giving us a comical relief! First brief in alumni I haven’t fallen asleep in!
Tanner Buterbaugh March 4, 2013 at 6:12 pm

Made it! Great show, far better than two hours of Power Point for sure.
Jon Kappel March 4, 2013 at 6:13 pm

It’s a free book. Why not? Good show. Thanks for the laughs.
T Ledesma March 4, 2013 at 6:13 pm

really inspirational story thanks again for the laugh and story
Kai Hall March 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm

Thanks for the laughs. Loved the show.
Robert Williams March 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm

My man Bernie with the win for an educational and laughable experience! Thanks for the show!
Laurence Moore March 4, 2013 at 6:15 pm

Thanks for coming out.
Aaron Guerrero March 4, 2013 at 6:15 pm

Thanks for coming
Tara Cutner March 4, 2013 at 6:17 pm

Thanks so much!! Love your outlook on life 🙂 Namaste
Cullen Hanks March 4, 2013 at 6:17 pm

Thanks for coming to USNA. I loved the message, and the comedy was hilarious. The shrieking San Diego-an was my friend sitting right next to me. She was so embarrassed!
Jonathan Kim March 4, 2013 at 6:18 pm

Original. Thanks for the show
William Campbell March 4, 2013 at 6:19 pm

Definitely something different than what we’re used to, and it was appreciated. Thank you for coming out.
Zack Gawboy March 4, 2013 at 6:19 pm

Thanks for the show.
Andrew Garcia March 4, 2013 at 6:19 pm

It was a great show. (I was there tonight.)
Nathan Myers March 4, 2013 at 6:20 pm

Great show and a great message.
Chris Padgett March 4, 2013 at 6:20 pm

Thanks for coming
Kyle Cregge March 4, 2013 at 6:21 pm

I appreciated that it was not a PowerPoint.
Justin Frat March 4, 2013 at 6:21 pm

Awesome stuff,

Good laughs and an inspiring story!
Justin Engel March 4, 2013 at 6:22 pm

Thank you for the encouraging words Bernie. You were truly inspirational.
Andrea Tinajero March 4, 2013 at 6:22 pm

Thank you for coming to the Naval Academy… I hope that someday you can bring your brother to see all of the sailors. I think he would enjoy that very much. Congratulations on your recovery and on your wedding.
Nora M March 4, 2013 at 6:22 pm

Thank you for coming by. It was a really good show.
Tim Cadigan March 4, 2013 at 6:23 pm

Thanks so much for your time and story!
Matt Daugherty March 4, 2013 at 6:25 pm

Great show Bernie! This was second one I’ve been to, so I should be entered twice technically.
Victor Bowen March 4, 2013 at 6:25 pm

Thanks for coming. You were funny and still got your point across. A great combination!
Richard Padron March 4, 2013 at 6:30 pm

Thanks for a great show and the chance to win a free book!
hayes March 4, 2013 at 6:31 pm

i was here! love the story and give my best to sean.
Stefan Tsarev March 4, 2013 at 6:32 pm

Thank you for the amazing show tonight! I was touched by your story, because I have an uncle who literally ruined his life because of the alcohol… he used to be a truck in Europe and now he’s half the man he used to be – tall, thin, with scars and 70% loss of his eyesight because of accidents involving alcohol. He inspired me and his example made me treat alcohol as a drug, not as a medicine!
I wish all the best to you, your mother, your sister and your little brother, I hope we can see them next year, they are more than welcome at the Academy!
Giancarlo Palazzo March 4, 2013 at 6:32 pm

I was there. Awesome job and the story really hit home. Definitely can say I learned a lot. Keep doing what you do, Bernie.
Stephen Arceneaux March 4, 2013 at 6:33 pm

Much better than regular navy training. A must for all!
Mr. Ben March 4, 2013 at 6:36 pm

Thanks for the Show tonight Bernie! It was a good time and we appreciate the story. God Bless.
Troy March 4, 2013 at 6:38 pm

Great show tonight! Really enjoyed it.
Brandon Foster March 4, 2013 at 6:39 pm

Thanks for coming out! Everyone can learn something from your story.
Curt Grafton March 4, 2013 at 6:40 pm

Good stuff man, thanks for coming. A lot of your story really resonated with me, I’ve been there. God bless.
Sam vonParis March 4, 2013 at 6:41 pm

Great show Bernie, thanks for a great message.
Susan Scheid March 4, 2013 at 6:42 pm

Thanks for coming! i loved the show.
Danny Garcia March 4, 2013 at 6:45 pm

Thanks for the comedy with a message!
K Johnson March 4, 2013 at 6:46 pm

Thank you for the message as well a great laugh. It was much needed!!
Adam Fischer March 4, 2013 at 6:48 pm

Thanks for the laughs!
Joe Cauley March 4, 2013 at 6:52 pm

Show was great and thanks for the story. it provided for some great insight
Chuck Newnam March 4, 2013 at 6:52 pm

Great message, but sorry, not funny
Wes Giudice March 4, 2013 at 6:52 pm

Great show! Thanks for coming out
Erin DeVivies March 4, 2013 at 6:56 pm

I was truly moved by your story, especially after seeing the photos of your two brothers. Thanks so much for coming out.
Steve Rodriguez March 4, 2013 at 6:58 pm

Great show. Very inspirational story.
Chuck Newnam March 4, 2013 at 7:01 pm

Great show and yes, very funny.
- Stephen Arceneaux March 4, 2013 at 7:02 pm
  
  I know, right!
- Chuck Newnam March 4, 2013 at 7:23 pm
  
  I feel obligated to note the above post was not made by myself. I honestly appreciate your message, but also honestly did not think it was funny, as per my original comment.
Matthew Flores March 4, 2013 at 7:06 pm

I hope you enjoyed your time here in Annapolis. Great show, and just a great story!
Bryce Dabbs March 4, 2013 at 7:06 pm

Hi Bernie! My name is Bryce and I can’t tell you how much that show meant to me! It was great! I hope you were telling the truth and we really can be friends! 🙂
Kristine Doan March 4, 2013 at 7:10 pm

Thank you for the show!
Michael Jacobson March 4, 2013 at 7:12 pm

Hey Bernie, great show man. It was really inspiring. Thanks again!
Zak Baker March 4, 2013 at 7:14 pm

Thanks for the show! You planted some seeds tonight.
Samantha Carl March 4, 2013 at 7:17 pm

Thanks for the show shipmate. Pick me
Stephen Arceneaux March 4, 2013 at 7:19 pm

I want the free book.
Michael Harden March 4, 2013 at 7:21 pm

Great show. Hit home on some accounts.
Albert Schultz March 4, 2013 at 7:30 pm

I was there. Great points and I feel that the speech will make a difference in the way people think about decision making.
Anthony Goliver March 4, 2013 at 7:37 pm

Good laughs and a great story. May not have been the main point of your story, but the message about your brother hit close to home.
Ben Price March 4, 2013 at 7:39 pm

I was there! laughed a lot, thank you so much!
Samantha Casey March 4, 2013 at 7:39 pm

The show was great! Thank you!
Vincent Chu March 4, 2013 at 7:39 pm

I was there. Thanks for coming and sharing some laughs and your story.
Tyler Derderian March 4, 2013 at 7:39 pm

Great show thanks a lot
wes amick March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

there.
Adam Majoria March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Thanks for the show.
Star Steele March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Thanks for a great show!
Kyle Mortensen March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Great show tonight. You’re story was very humbling and showed us that even the small decisions matter. Thanks for sharing.
Raymundo Arroyobautista March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Good time…Kim Kardashian jokes were on point. Thanks for coming out
Bailey Raye March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Thanks for the great show!
Justin Chapman March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

I was there! You are funny!
Matthew Truninger March 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Man you rocked! I was there and laughed so hard! Go Navy Beat Army!
Will Gurzynski March 4, 2013 at 7:41 pm

Hey Bernie, I was there! Your show was a great refresher from the ‘norm.’ Thanks for your time!! We appreciate you sharing your story with us.
April De La Cruz March 4, 2013 at 7:42 pm

Thanks for an inspirational story!
Tom Krysil March 4, 2013 at 7:43 pm

Great show, hope to see you next year again!
Scotty Stamer March 4, 2013 at 7:43 pm

Hit home seeing I have the same name and build as your deceased bro. Thanks for coming tonight… Will always remember.
Mark Reaser March 4, 2013 at 7:44 pm

Great Show! It wasn’t what I was expecting at all! Great way to deliver a great message! Thanks!
Camron Kiekintveld March 4, 2013 at 7:44 pm

Thanks for the entertainment and the message. Much appreciated and well received!
Archie March 4, 2013 at 7:45 pm

Good show tonight, great change up from our normal “mando-fun” briefs we usually get.
Saungwon Ko March 4, 2013 at 7:45 pm

I laughed and had a good time. Thanks for opening up to us about a chapter in your life that we can look at and use as reference point of what to be careful about, about what not to do.
Nick March 4, 2013 at 7:45 pm

Thanks for the show, Bernie. Good material, great story, best Alcohol Awareness Brief I’ve ever been to!
Zach Oravec March 4, 2013 at 7:45 pm

Hey! Thanks for visiting Annapolis! I can really only speak for myself, but I think all the Mids really appreciated your message. Thank you again.
Tracy Daniels March 4, 2013 at 7:45 pm

A message well needed before Spring Break to serve as a reminder of the things that could happen.
Cory Leviton March 4, 2013 at 7:46 pm

Thanks for sharing your personal stories so we can hopefully gain something; keep up the useful work!
Thomas Moore March 4, 2013 at 7:46 pm

Thanks for coming out, the comedy was very well done and I am moved by your life story.
Chris Burgett March 4, 2013 at 7:46 pm

I’m gonna keep it short and sweet like you asked, I was there. If it gives me a better chance of receiving a book I’ll say that my little brother and I grew up together listening to comedians such as George Lopez, Jay Leno, etc. It makes me feel good that you could deliver a good message accompanied by some humor. This is something I will share with my little brother who aspires to be like me in many ways.
Jordan Webster March 4, 2013 at 7:46 pm

Thanks for the show! I was there.
Matt Searight March 4, 2013 at 7:47 pm

Great show tonight.
Jocelynn Knudsen March 4, 2013 at 7:49 pm

I was here tonight. Thanks for sharing your experience with my classmates. I can only hope that your message will change/prevent one bad situation from unfolding in the future.
Christian Martin March 4, 2013 at 7:49 pm

I enjoyed your performance and your inspirational story! Thank you for making the training unique and heartfelt!
Michael Hamp March 4, 2013 at 7:49 pm

I was in the audience, and I really enjoyed the show. The comedy was hilarious and his story is amazing.
Amanda Jackson March 4, 2013 at 7:49 pm

The show was great! Thank you for an awesome show!

PS… I think this is a good clarification of my attendance =)
David Kim March 4, 2013 at 7:50 pm

I was there!
Nafis Ujrat March 4, 2013 at 7:51 pm

Great show ! Amazing message !
Sarah Howard March 4, 2013 at 7:51 pm

Surprised by the message, thank you for sharing your story!
Amelia Wagner March 4, 2013 at 7:52 pm

Thank you so much for the inspirational story!!
John Watkins March 4, 2013 at 7:52 pm

Thanks for the show Bernie. Your show never fails to make me think.
Lucas Weilbacher March 4, 2013 at 7:52 pm

I was there Bernie! Thank you very much!
Zach Braida March 4, 2013 at 7:52 pm

I personally thank you for the show. Eye opening.
Conner O'Neill March 4, 2013 at 7:54 pm

Hey I was at the show tonight and wanted to say thank you for coming out. It was entertaining and I appreciate the message.
Monique Valliere March 4, 2013 at 7:54 pm

The show was great, thank you so much for coming!
Conner Robertson March 4, 2013 at 7:55 pm

I was there! Bernie your doing a great thing
Tucker Marberry March 4, 2013 at 7:55 pm

Great Show! Thank you very much!
Josue Ramos-Calvario March 4, 2013 at 7:56 pm

Great Humor and touching life lesson!
Caleb Prox March 4, 2013 at 7:58 pm

Hey thanks for the show.
Robert Platt March 4, 2013 at 7:59 pm

Great message, thanks for the show.
John Rice March 4, 2013 at 8:01 pm

I was there.
Shawn Banani March 4, 2013 at 8:02 pm

I was there, and I appreciate your story.
Nick March 4, 2013 at 8:03 pm

Thanks so much for coming out and giving up some of your time to speak to us it really meant a lot. If you saved even only one or two of my shipmates that is one or two more people that won’t be putting themselves or those around them in society. Keep the message going!
Mikaela Robbins March 4, 2013 at 8:05 pm

Your show was a great change to the monotony of usual alcohol awareness. The story of your younger brother desiring to be picked up hit very close to home for me and I am very glad that you have had a hero to keep you on track, as well as provide us with a role model. Thanks for the laughs, but mostly for the inspiring story! I was there.
Michelle Soto March 4, 2013 at 8:05 pm

Thank you so much for being open with your life experiences. It’s people like you that allow people like me to push forward, share laughter, have hope, and not dwell over life’s tragedies.God Bless.
Michael Ashmore March 4, 2013 at 8:14 pm

This is the second time I’ve heard you speak at USNA, but I still enjoyed the evening.
Anson Liu March 4, 2013 at 8:14 pm

Thanks for the talk tonight. It’s great to hear a different kind of talk on alcohol.
Matt Deisher March 4, 2013 at 8:15 pm

Thanks for the encouraging words and the awesome atmosphere.
Phil Song March 4, 2013 at 8:18 pm

Thanks for coming!
Ryan Pajor March 4, 2013 at 8:20 pm

Great show man. Thank you.
Calvin Mark March 4, 2013 at 8:22 pm

Great show
J. Erik Hoss March 4, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Good show, man. Keep up the good work. Maybe add a few one-liners next time, but good show overall.
Charlotte Hauser March 4, 2013 at 8:25 pm

Thanks for coming!
Minh-Tuan (Rich) Nguyen March 4, 2013 at 8:31 pm

Thanks for the awesome show! I hope you have a great time with your brother Friday.
Justin Bush March 4, 2013 at 8:35 pm

Thanks for coming!! we appreciate it!
Glory Armentrout March 4, 2013 at 8:36 pm

I was there Bernie. You remember, right? I was in that crowd wearing all black.
Paul Cooper March 4, 2013 at 8:39 pm

I was there thanks for your testimony
Justin Chock March 4, 2013 at 8:42 pm

Hey Thanks for the Show!
Brandon Willis March 4, 2013 at 8:48 pm

Thanks for the show,it was definitely an eye opener.
Max Schlessel March 4, 2013 at 8:48 pm

Hi Bernie, I was really looking forward to your show and it was better than expected! I admire your patience and discipline that you have exemplified through your struggles.
Esteban Salazar March 4, 2013 at 8:50 pm

Thank you very much for an entertaining and insightful show!
Kevin Martin March 4, 2013 at 8:52 pm

Thanks for coming!
Chris Maldonado March 4, 2013 at 8:56 pm

Thanks for the great show, God bless.
Will March 4, 2013 at 9:44 pm

Hey Bernie, it was once again nice to hear your message and your inspiring story. Thanks for everything you do.
Adam Vetere March 4, 2013 at 9:56 pm

I was there. Thanks for the show tonight!
Joe Savo March 4, 2013 at 10:06 pm

Thanks for coming out and sharing both your comedy and your story!
David Szabo March 4, 2013 at 11:11 pm

Thank you for sharing your message with us. God bless you and your family. Keep being a hero to your brother!
Katie Smith March 5, 2013 at 12:04 am

Great Show! Thanks for coming out and sharing your story!
Alex Yachanin March 5, 2013 at 2:07 am

I was there!
Czerda Frank March 5, 2013 at 3:09 am

I was there Bernie. Thanks for the laughs and the advice.
Hunter Lampp March 5, 2013 at 3:31 am

You were great, thank you for coming!
Britney Thornton March 5, 2013 at 3:50 am

I was truly moved by your comments last night about your brothers and yourself. Thank you for making a turbulent story bearable with laughter and for coming out to speak to us.
Liam Ubiera March 5, 2013 at 3:50 am

Great show, very funny
Danny McCaffrey March 5, 2013 at 3:54 am

Awesome show! Good jokes at the beginning and amazing story after. Really inspiring
Collin Hinson March 5, 2013 at 4:07 am

Enjoyed the show! Thanks!
David Silver March 5, 2013 at 4:08 am

Comedy with a message behind is a great combination!
Thomas Morgan March 5, 2013 at 4:12 am

Outstanding show. Hopefully everyone got something out of it, I did.
Langston March 5, 2013 at 4:19 am

Thank you Mr. McGrenahan. I really appreciate your time and effort in taking a different approach on Alcohol Awareness, as well as in sharing your story. God Bless!
Kristoffer Larson March 5, 2013 at 4:20 am

Thanks for the show. It is always helpful to think about.
Kristina Chepurko March 5, 2013 at 4:41 am

Thanks for coming to the USNA. I enjoyed hearing your story. I hope your story sunk into many people.
Danny March 5, 2013 at 4:57 am

Had an awesome time Bernie! Thanks for coming out again!
A Crawford March 5, 2013 at 5:07 am

I was there
Sam Peckham March 5, 2013 at 5:12 am

Good time. I was there
Luke March 5, 2013 at 5:12 am

Bernie, you have a great message and you do a great job sharing it. I didn’t know what to expect with a comedian appearing for an alcohol awareness brief and you definitely impressed me and many of my fellow Mids. Thank you so much for coming out and I hope more people get to hear your message.
Susan Wissmann March 5, 2013 at 5:32 am

Thanks so much for coming to share your story! It was entertaining and had a great message.
Michael Higgins March 5, 2013 at 7:11 am

Thank you for sharing your story.
Zach Brown March 5, 2013 at 7:33 am

Thanks for sharing your story. It was much better than the standard lecture.
Kerri Hands March 5, 2013 at 8:18 am

Great to hear that familiar New York sense of humor. Thanks for coming out!
Chris Giraldi March 5, 2013 at 8:27 am

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed your show.
Erica Hippe March 5, 2013 at 8:28 am

Great Show! Thanks for coming and sharing your story, it was way more effective than a powerpoint.
Trevor Voegele March 5, 2013 at 8:29 am

I really appreciated your story. It was one of the best ways I have ever had this type of content presented.
Trevor Samaha March 5, 2013 at 8:33 am

Thank you for the great show.
Corey Garcia March 5, 2013 at 8:46 am

Thank you!! Good laughs from a good dude. Strong message.
Tabitha Brown March 5, 2013 at 9:48 am

great show, thanks
Gabriela Baez March 5, 2013 at 9:56 am

Thank you very much for sharing with the brigade a very personal chapter in your life.
There were lots of laughs and lots of thought.

Laughter is the best medicine. Thanks!
Timothy Wu March 5, 2013 at 11:59 am

Thanks for the show!
Shannon Cuthbert March 5, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Thanks for the show! I really got a lot out of it and appreciated it!
Roy Billodeau March 5, 2013 at 12:33 pm

Awesome show last night; really enjoyed it.
Joey Tom March 5, 2013 at 2:16 pm

I was at the show. Thanks for coming out!
David Garcia March 5, 2013 at 2:21 pm

Hey thanks for coming we really enjoyed the show!
Chance Rauscher March 5, 2013 at 2:28 pm

I was there.
Jeffrey Martino March 5, 2013 at 2:53 pm

I was at the show. Thanks Bernie.
Chris Huynh March 5, 2013 at 3:07 pm

Well seems like no Midshipmen have commented yet, I guess I’ll leave a message. Thanks for the show, Bernie.
Cory Dennis March 5, 2013 at 3:21 pm

Thanks for coming!
Tautiana Harriott March 5, 2013 at 4:39 pm

Hey I really enjoyed your show the other night.
Jonathan Lomberg March 5, 2013 at 5:34 pm

I was there. Thanks!
J. Karter Martin March 5, 2013 at 6:08 pm

You rocked! Thanks for sharing your story! But we may kill you if you come back…
Chelsea Terry March 5, 2013 at 6:42 pm

Great show last night. Really appreciated the message. I was there.
Ben Bondurant March 5, 2013 at 7:38 pm

Thanks for coming, it was great!!
Jane Wissmann March 5, 2013 at 8:41 pm

It was a great show! Thank you for coming out to talk to us!
Kevin Doran March 5, 2013 at 8:46 pm

your were awesome!
Houssein Chawiche March 5, 2013 at 8:49 pm

Bernie, thank you for taking the time to come educate us on alcohol awareness and entertain us with all the jokes.
David Fernandez March 6, 2013 at 6:27 am

Good show, we’re usually a rough crowd too.