Cheers

  • Published

Dear 2nd Lt. Stephen Hunter: Thank you for being brave enough to share your painful story (“Barking Up the Wrong Tree, Fall 2014 Torch, page 8). As a teenager growing up in Alaska, I drank a lot and did dangerous things.

What happened to you could have easily happened to me — many times.
When I became a police officer in my early 20s, I stopped drinking to be a more positive role model. I am a sergeant now with more than 25 years of Alaska police experience, and I have seen many tragic examples of the cost of binge drinking.

I shared your link on my Facebook page where it will be seen by hundreds of friends. Your bravery in sharing your embarrassing story will save lives. Thank you for protecting and serving our country in your own humble way.

Michael Livingston
Sand Point, Alaska

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Kudos to 2nd Lt. Stephen Hunter for sharing his story. No way that could have been easy! Sure he made a mistake, but he has selflessly chosen to set his ego aside and share his story so others know the dangers of binge drinking. I’d say he learned his lesson. Hopefully, people will take stock of his story.

Retired Maj. Jonathon Myers
Via e-mail

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Thank you for the story “Barking Up the Wrong Tree.” My brother went on a binger when he was a teenager and nearly died from alcohol poisoning. This is an important message that needs to get out to our young folks.

T.J. Foran
Via e-mail

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I enjoyed the story “Barking Up the Wrong Tree.” Haven’t we all been there — or on the verge — at one time or another? Most of us don’t have the guts to share our most humiliating moments with the world …
I know I wouldn’t. So my hat is off to you, Lieutenant Hunter. Best of luck on the rest of your career!

Julie Rubin
Via e-mail