FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — The Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers program of Fort Cavazos delighted Soldiers April 12 at its headquarters with the "Let’s Get Crunk, Not Drunk" event, learning about the latest resources for substance abuse while enjoying a hearty meal.
Half a fair and another half a regular day at the BOSS headquarters, the event — which marks Alcohol Awareness Month — featured stations manned by representatives of the Army Substance Abuse Program, Exceptional Family Member Program and the Military and Family Life Counseling program, letting Soldiers connect with their on-post services devoted to their health and wellbeing in between the usual games of pool, table tennis and cornhole.
The meal included fried chicken, mac and cheese and virgin cocktails.
Stations also gave out raffle tickets for Soldiers to try and win barracks staples for prizes, such as televisions, mini fridges and Crock-Pots. The most popular station was ASAP’s, featuring the Oculus virtual reality drunk goggles which is complemented by a game of catch.
“I think that it’s a very important event for all Soldiers to participate in,” said Sgt. Derek Johnson, 646th Regional Support Group, Army Reserve, “because it can help show Soldiers the consequences they can have from what they think is okay to show up to work with or be under the influence of.”
Johnson also works in law enforcement at the Whitewater Police Department in his home state of Wisconsin. He said devices such as the Oculus goggles are a good tool to show those unfamiliar with alcohol the disorientating effects it has and highlights just how important it is to consume responsibly.
“Alcohol shouldn’t be the primary focus of any event,” said Lonika Harris, the ASAP prevention coordinator who came up with the “Let's Get Crunk, Not Drunk” slogan. “I want Soldiers to know there are other alternatives to having fun without the use of alcohol.
“As a former Soldier, I understand that Soldiers are going to drink. Therefore, as a prevention coordinator, I want to educate them on what drinking responsibly looks like, and that is by applying the ‘0123 Guidelines,’” she added.
The “0123 Guidlines” refers to the practice of no more than one standard drink per hour, two each drinking session and three on any one day.
The BOSS program advocates for single Soldiers, including unaccompanied Soldiers, to advance the quality of life for those serving at Fort Cavazos, providing volunteering opportunities and recreational events. The program’s next event is a trip to the Dallas Spa Castle at 8 a.m April 19. For more information on BOSS, visit cavazos.armymwr.com/programs/boss.
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