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CAMP FOSTER, Japan - The new year is finally here and with all of the madness of 2011, the entire world strives for a fresh start. We look toward the future and leave the negativity and past mistakes in the previous year, as if we were taking out the trash.
It’s customary in our society to come up with New Year’s resolutions, vowing to put an end to a bad habit, or make some significant change in order to improve our lives for the future. It seems equally customary in our society that no one follows through with said resolutions.
Instead of lofty resolutions that can easily be ignored or forgotten, perhaps a change in perspective would be the most appropriate? More specifically, understanding that alcohol does not equate to a good time could perhaps decrease the number of incidents, keep livers healthy and even keep families together.
Alcohol consumption amongst junior Marines seem to be the focus when it should merely be the accessory. Like many Marines, I have the ridiculous stories of forgotten nights due to heavy inebriation. I was once the junior Marine who intentionally purchased cheap booze because I was able to get drunk without spending much of my money.
I’ve been there. However, when I look back at all of my obnoxious antics over the years involving alcohol, my ridiculous stories are merely close calls that could have easily ended in tragedy. Instead of having a hilarious story to tell my friends, I would have been the reason for mourning.
As extreme as this may be, it’s nothing short of the truth. If you disagree, then take the time to ask yourself what benefit the over-consumption of alcohol has to your career, health or personal life. What purpose does getting drunk truly serve when you’ve eclipsed the point of deciphering the difference between a Cognac and a whiskey?
Instead of planning an entire night around drinking, as so many Marines do, take the importance out of drinking altogether. I would be a hypocrite if I were to get on my high-horse and tell people not drink at all. I do believe, that, if Marines didn’t make such a big deal about consuming alcohol, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a free-for-all when the indulgence begins.
| Date Taken: | 01.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2012 18:45 |
| Story ID: | 82783 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Drink differently, by Sgt Brandon Saunders, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
