The United States Army
04/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 10:47
Fort Cavazos BOSS Soldiers 'Get Crunk, Not Drunk' during event
[Link] 1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption -Soldiers attending the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program's "Let's Get Crunk, Not Drunk" event pose for a photo at the BOSS headquarters April 12, 2024, on Fort Cavazos, Texas. The event brings together single and unaccompanied Soldiers in a community space to relax, play games and inform them of the resources the Army provides for substance abuse. (Photo Credit: Shawn Davis, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption -Lonika Harris, prevention coordinator for the Army Substance Abuse Program, speaks to Soldiers about resources available to them at the "Let's Get Crunk, Not Drunk" event April 12, 2024, on Fort Cavazos, Texas. (Photo Credit: Shawn Davis, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)VIEW ORIGINAL
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.