CDC: Tips From Former Smokers – Brian H.’s Tip

Brian started smoking cigarettes at age 8. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force because he wanted a military career. At 35, still smoking and stationed in England, Brian had a heart attack and spent months in hospital rooms. In this ad from CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers® campaign, Brian reveals how he couldn’t serve his country because of his heart disease. After suffering multiple smoking-related health problems over the next 30 years, Brian died in 2022 at age 68.

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[Teresa-L.]

Brian was my friend. We worked alongside each other in the medical squadron at a base in the United Kingdom. He was a diligent worker and enjoyed life to the full. If a joke was to be had Brian was always there. Then one afternoon he had a massive heart attack and almost died. Soon after he was transferred back to the USA for intensive treatment. Brian was medically retired as an E-8, Senior Master Sergeant. He continued to battle health issues but never gave up on life and or lost is wicked sense of humor. Sadly Brain passed away on 14 December 2022. My heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Denise, and their children and family. RIP Brian.

[MasterZaymin]

his face at he end... the way it shook. his eyes. I literally saw and felt his pain. The want for himself to have never gone through it. I hurt knowing this happens. Thank you for your service Brian.

[cricketcricket]

He just passed away 12/16/22...RIP Brian. Thank you for your service🇺🇸

[missagente]

My hats off to you, sir! For your service to our country and helping people quit smoking!

[angelahaydenrealtor]

So proud of you sharing your experience. You're going to help a lot of people. Power of change is in all of us! Go Team Brian!

[Alan_One]

Thanks for your service, Brian. I'm glad you got a chance at life.

[alan]

I read that he received a heart transplant and wasn't eligible until after he quit smoking. With the very limited availability of donor hearts, I question why anyone who ruined their heart from smoking should be entitled to a heart transplant when others who need one through no fault of their own have to die. Not only that, but smoking is more addictive than just about anything else, and we have no way of knowing if that person is going to start smoking again after they get the new heart and think they're "cured". Glad this man is using his extended life to help others, though.

[noeliajacinto]

I got heart disease without smoke ing.

[godschild]

why no ban cigarettes and alcohol in the country? if gov really care about our health then they will van alcohol and cigarettes specially alcohol because it kills innocent people too.

[teenblue]

It's hard to serve you country when you too weak to put on your uniform

[benjaminhaywood]

he's not a veteran. his ranks are off. the most stripes you can have on the bottom of his chevrons is 5, meaning ur a tech sergeant. but he has 6 instead. these are not USAF ranks that are on the uniform and even the hats show ranks that are false...this had a decent message but don't claim to be something ur not showing false ranks...😠