Training Support Center’s (TSC), Great Lakes, Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Sailors were presented the 2019 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award at a ceremony at the United States Navy Memorial, Washington DC, Nov. 14.

Bob Feller served on the battleship USS Alabama (BB 60), and while doing so, the ship fought in both World War II theaters and earned eight battle stars. Feller was released from active duty after achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and is the only Chief Petty Officer in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame (MLBHOF).

"The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Great Lakes Chapter embodies the Peer to Peer vision of the Bob Feller Act of Valor award,” said Capt. David Dwyer, commanding officer of TSC. “People – our Sailors – are more likely to listen to a friend – fellow shipmate – than their boss is the underlying principle of the charter. As the only four-time winner of the award, this exceptionally talented and dedicated group of Sailors help other Sailors make good decisions by offering positive choices. The CSADD team work on the leadership development through organizing local social networks, facilitate thought provoking discussions, produce visual messages, and promote community involvement while hosting numerous recreational events. CSADD plays an active role in the command ensuring the morale of the students remain high, coupled with providing outstanding alternatives to destructive behavior. I am very proud of the work our CSADD Sailors continue to do every day and cannot think of any more deserving organization for the prestigious 2019 Bob Feller Award."

According to the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation website, the award was established in 2013 to recognize one active MLB player, one Chief Petty Officer and one member of the MLBHOF who exhibit the same values, integrity and dedication to service that Feller himself displayed.

Recognition is now also given to a group of Sailors, 18-25 years old, who have worked together as a team to promote peer-to-peer mentorship and reduce Sailors' destructive decision-making and behavior.

TSC’s CSADD Sailors were awarded the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Award which honors groups of junior Sailors that have excelled in encouraging other Sailors to embody the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and have worked together to promote peer-to-peer mentorship and reduce destructive personal decision-making and behaviors.

"We were very excited when we learned we won the award," said Electronic Technician 3rd Class Ian Walters, volunteer coordinator for CSADD Great Lakes. "Looking back at the volunteer work that we did to be recognized, it didn't seem like work; we enjoyed contributing to the community. Being recognized with the Bob Feller Award tells us that the job we are doing is making a difference, and that makes us feel good."

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