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Destructive drinking can kill 'what you've earned'

  • Published
  • By Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. --  Four Sailors shared their personal stories on video recently of how alcohol incidents impacted their careers and the importance of drinking responsibly, a Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention official said Sept. 27, 2013.

The first video testimonial was released Aug. 29 and features Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Palfrey from Naval Base San Diego answering the question, "What does the phrase 'Keep What You've Earned' mean to you?"

Palfrey reveals the poor decision he made while drinking that adversely impacted his career. He provides advice for others on how to drink responsibly.

"Someone pushed a beer in my face and I said, 'Why not? The night's over,'" said Palfrey, "and the rest was a blur. That moment when the cuffs went on, I just kind of sobered up and went 'This is not real. This did not just happen.'"

Palfrey decided to participate in the "Keep What You've Earned" campaign and share his story so other Sailors can learn from his mistakes. He reminds Sailors that although it may be a one-time thing, irresponsible decisions regarding alcohol can lead to severe career consequences.

"I had all of these things going for me a year ago, and now they're all gone," Palfrey said. "It's not just the financial costs and where they hit you in the wallet."

Palfrey wound up seeking the help he needed and received tremendous support from his command leadership, including James Queen, command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor, Training Center San Diego. Queen supported Palfrey throughout treatment, including referring him to the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program. In the video, Queen says the "Keep What You've Earned" campaign underscores how hard Sailors work to make rank and make their family and their community proud, and that it's not worth it to throw it away for a couple drinks.

Palfrey's story is one of four being released as part of the "Keep What You've Earned" campaign. Each testimonial reminds Sailors of the importance of drinking responsibly and keeping what they've earned.

Watch the video on NADAP's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/NavyNADAP.
Visit www.nadap.navy.mil for more information, materials and resources from NADAP's "Keep What You've Earned" campaign.

Visit www.npc.navy.mil and www.navy.mil/local/npc/ for more news from Navy Personnel Command.