Hank Pietraszek starts every speech the same way.

"Hello, I'm Hank and I am an alcoholic."

It was part of his message to Veterans and First Responders on Friday at the Mellon Veterans Outreach Center in North East, Pa.

It's also his reminder of the darkest period in his life.

Pietraszek served in Vietnam from 1969-70.

When he returned home to Western, N.Y., his alcohol abuse increased dramatically.

After a series of DUI's over ten years ago, he was in incarcerated in Naples, Florida. 

He hasn't had a drink since. 

He wants to send a message to anyone who will listen that, "recovery is possible."