Courtesy Story, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5
WASHINGTON D.C. - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 s Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) chapter received the 2018 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Afloat at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Dec. 3.
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Members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 receive the 2018 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Afloat at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 3, 2018. (Courtesy photo)
The award 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.
It felt great to be recognized for all the hard work CSADD has put into giving our peers an outlet that they can trust, said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Andrew Sosa. Between game nights, sports days and different moral boosting events, there was a lot of work that went on behind the scenes.
Sosa is most proud of the battalion s Shipmate Program. Developed for 325 Sailors ages 18-25, it empowers Sailors to intervene and stop behaviors that are not aligned with the Navy core values by providing an off-duty taxi service run by Sailors, for Sailors. The program was designed to minimize alcohol-related incidents and driving under the influence occurrences during the battalion s 2017-2018 homeport training cycle. Sailors involved in the program provided 2,503 hours of their off-duty time and drove over 1,000 miles throughout Ventura County providing fellow Sailors with safe transportation.
Receiving the peer-to-peer mentoring award is not just a motivation but also an inspiration, said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Maryjoy May Ortiz.
This mindset was shared with all CSADD members in attendance at the awards ceremony.
Getting recognized for this award makes me realize how much of an impact CSADD has made, said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Kassidy Stone. It motivates me to keep it up and push for more.
NMCB-5 s CSADD chapter strongly reinforces and encourages bystander intervention as demonstrated by the mission statement of the Shipmate Program, Shipmates helping shipmates, through empowering each Sailor to take a leadership role. The group pursued opportunities for developing leadership qualities in junior Sailors by organizing local social networks, facilitating discussions, promoting community involvement, and hosting physical and social activities. The chapter embodies the Bob Feller legacy by creating an atmosphere of fellowship, and by instilling the virtues of service to others within NMCB-5.
The Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation established this prestigious award in 2013, named in honor of Major League Baseball pitcher, National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, and Navy veteran Bob Feller. Mr. Feller enlisted in the Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor while he was with the Cleveland Indians. He served aboard USS Alabama (BB 60) as a gun captain, and during his time aboard, the ship fought in both World War II theaters, earning eight battle stars. Mr. Feller was released from active-duty with the rank of chief petty officer.
Within the CSADD program, everyone gets an opportunity to lead or be a positive influence in someone s life, said Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Brendan Verrett. It s what they do with that opportunity that shows their true character and drive.
The local chapter enabled open discussion with Sailors providing training across the command on resources available to curtail destructive behaviors. They spearheaded 120 hours of training promoting dialogue on responsible use of alcohol, the benefits of planning a family, bystander intervention, communication as a force and balancing the demands of a naval career with family responsibilities. The chapter made mentoring a top priority, seamlessly blending it into daily operations.
Not only did these Sailors lead, but they inspired others to lead, providing vision, direction and strength, said Cmdr. Omarr Tobias, NCMB-5 commanding officer. These young leaders have shaped my command into a culture that breeds constructive behavior at every level.
NMCB-5 s CSADD chapter has led peers and subordinates with charisma and vision; these subjective qualities are apparent to anyone who observes them, but are clearly evidenced in their strong leadership. Their ability to promote esprit de corps, foster confidence, growth and synergy amongst the command has been remarkable. They are truly worthy of the recognition of the 2018 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award.
Their leadership achievements have dramatically furthered my command s mission and vision, said Tobias.
NMCB-5 provides general engineering, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and civil support to Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint operational forces through planned deployments and contingency response.
For more news from NMCB 5 please visit, https://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/nmcb5/Pages/default.aspx