MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Doctor Jack Matthews, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, visited the Station Dec. 15 in an effort to inform Marines and Sailors about the repercussions of alcohol abuse and share his story of overcoming a bout with alcoholism.
His story brought out many different emotions and made some people think about their own problems with alcohol, said Lance Cpl. Ceaser Landa, a clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron's Traffic Maintenance Office.
"It was weird looking around the room and seeing everyone's eyes locked on this one man who was just telling us all of the problems that alcohol brought into his life," said Landa. "For him to get up in front of complete strangers and tell us some of those things was amazing, and it showed that there was real emotion in what he was saying."
Matthews went into detail about problems he encountered in his family and work life and even medical problems from within his own body, which occurred as a result of his addiction.
"I just let people into my life and tell them about the struggle I went through while I was fighting alcohol abuse," said Matthews. "Alcoholism is a disease of not only the body, but the soul as well, and it affects you, your family members and loved ones."
Traveling to military installations all over the globe and sharing his experience with any and all who will listen, Matthews has dedicated himself to a mission of helping others.
"I see people from places where I've already given a speech, and when they come up to me and tell me that they have been sober for a certain amount of time, there is no greater feeling for me," said Matthews. "If I give 200 speeches and am able to help just one person deal with the disease of alcoholism, then it was all worth it."