Junior Enlisted Association, CSADD at Guantanamo Bay, Come Together to Help Sailors

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Sailors from the Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) and the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) came together to explain the importance of both organizations and how they could help better their lives and others around the community, March 6.

According to CSADD president Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Dominique Williams, CSADD was established in Guantanamo Bay in October 2011 by a group of Sailors who wanted to change the negative reputation that junior Sailors were receiving around base. The association was designed to be a positive outlet for the junior Sailors to express themselves while being able to voice their opinions without negative repercussions.

"We want to change to amount of alcohol-related incidents that are reported and let people know that they can have fun responsibly without causing trouble," said Williams. We want to boost the morale of every Sailor through community outreach events and monthly awareness trainings."

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Adrianne King who will be taking over for Williams wants Sailors to know that this program works and encourages other Sailors to come out and be part of this special organization.

"I was in the CSADD program at my previous command as a member. I thought the program was a great outlet for junior sailors," said King. "Once I found out that Guantanamo Bay CSADD program was in need of more members and elected officers I figured I would run for President since I had previous experience and knowledge of the program."

The meetings were combined because both organizations are operated by junior Sailors for junior Sailors with the abilities to make a positive impact on the command. The JEA is a new program and JEA president Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Brittany Woods wants Sailors to understand that being part of the organization is important, because it allows them to discuss what is affecting their lives and give this feedback directly to the chain of command.

"It is important for the command to have a JEA because it promotes unity among junior Sailors, giving us a voice and allowing us the opportunity to inspire change in our work environments and the GTMO community," said Woods. "Our intent is to positively influence junior sailors and fellow service members alike."

NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Command Master Chief Ross Cramer wants Sailors to know that being a part of the JEA is a chance to be a decision maker on some level and that should inspire junior Sailors to be a part of it.

"When I look at junior Sailors I see future captains, master chiefs maybe even MCPONs. They have some great ideas and offer new insight to some challenges NAVSTA GTMO and our Navy face today. When you bring them together and give them a chance to be a part of Team GTMO's future course I believe great things will happen," said Cramer. "As the guy lucky enough to be the Command Master Chief and proud member of Team GTMO, I am excited to see this come together.

For more news from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/local/guantanamo/.