CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Who is "That Guy"?
"That Guy" has many faces in many places. You've seen him at the bar dancing to the beat in his head as opposed to what the disk jockey is playing. He has also been sighted in the emergency room because he thought it would be a good idea to hit on the girlfriend of a 200-pound bouncer. He has been known to utter the famous last words, "wanna bet" or "hey, check this out." He's the guy no one is laughing with -- but laughing at.
Girls can be That Guy too. She's the one who thought her ex-boyfriend really wanted to talk to her at 4 a.m. ... or the young lady who thought it was cool to give the commander a lap dance. Sound like someone you know?
Our culture gives mixed messages to "That Guy." "Work hard, play harder," right? "He's just blowing off steam," you know.
In the moment, being encouraged by his friends he may think he's the life of the party, but when we see the consequences later, we are all relieved we are not "that guy." Occasionally, we regret being "that guy." If we are "That Guy" all the time, we need help. The reality is: no one wants to be "That Guy."
What is "That Guy?" It's a Department of Defense-funded multimedia campaign aimed at reducing excessive drinking among young Airmen. The program uses various media outlets to communicate its message: reject binge drinking; it detracts from the things that are most important to you.
On the Web site, www.thatguy.com, you can watch videos, hear jokes, read important facts about binge drinking or submit your own stuff. The campaign delivers its message in a non-threatening manner using humor. Additionally, it encourages self- assessment and provides tools to empower Airmen to change their behavior. Wingmen are provided important information and tools to help them assist their buddies and become change agents in an effort to promote healthier behaviors and lifestyles.
Currently, Air Mobility Command bases are being used as the test sites for the "That Guy" program. However, the campaign is expected to spread throughout the Air Force and other services in the next year.
Want to know more about "That Guy?" Come and enjoy some laughs at his (or her) expense. On Monday and Tuesday, a team of actors from Pope AFB, N.C., will provide an enactment of "That Guy." Performances will be held at the newly renovated Charleston AFB theater at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Attendance is mandatory for O-1 and O-2 and E-4 and below. All other members are highly encouraged to attend.
Lastly, if you think you might be "That Guy" or you know someone who is, you can get help from your supervisor, first sergeant, medical provider or by contacting the 437th Medical Group Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program at 963-6740.