Nominations are currently being sought from the Navy's chief petty officer (CPO) community for the 2017 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award.

Established by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation in 2013, the prestigious award is named in honor of Major League Baseball pitcher, National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, and Navy veteran Bob Feller.

This unique award is intended to recognize a representative from three critical areas of Mr. Feller's life: his baseball career, his service as a Navy chief petty officer, and his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. As such, the award will be presented to one Major League Baseball player, one Navy chief petty officer, and one member of the Hall of Fame on Nov. 16, 2017, at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Peter Fertig created The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award with the support of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial, Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, Major League Baseball, Baseball Hall of Fame, Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, the family of Jerry Coleman and the gracious consent of Mrs. Anne Feller.

"It is truly inspiring to watch these players within major league baseball honor our U.S. Military and those who serve proudly today," said Fertig. "Bob Feller led his generation onto the field of battle and away from the baseball diamond for a more significant reason. The legacy of Bob Feller and the greatest generation are embodied throughout these players and their respective clubs for honoring those who serve this great nation, and for this we are forever grateful."

In recognition of Mr. Feller's significant accomplishment in attaining the rank of chief petty officer, nominees must be a chief petty officer (E-7 only), active or reserve, must be outstanding military professionals, and must embody the Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment.

The Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation will also recognize a group of Sailors, 18-25 years old, who have most effectively worked together as a team (in either their personal or professional capacity) to promote peer-to-peer mentorship and a reduction in Sailor destructive personal decision making and behavior in both afloat and ashore categories.

"As a foundation, we look forward to setting a new standard for social responsibility, by educating the youngest generation of the virtues of citizenship, service, sacrifice and legacy," said Fertig. "And through these efforts, we can provide a powerful example that will inspire and excite today's generation, and acknowledge the heroes of past and present generations."

Nominations must come from fleet, force master chiefs and Echelon 2 command master chiefs who may each nominate one CPO and up to two (one ashore and one afloat) junior Sailor peer-to-peer mentoring group from their area of responsibility. Nominations must be on official letterhead and specify confidence in the nominee's professionalism as a representative of the Navy.

Nominations must be submitted to the Navy Office of Community Outreach by June 2, 2017. For more information on eligibility requirements and the selection process, see NAVADMIN 099/17.