WASHINGTON, D.C. – This past Thursday, the Navy baseball team had the opportunity to attend and participate in the 2019 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Hosted at the United States Navy Memorial's Heritage Center for the seventh year in a row, the Midshipmen attended the ceremony that honored Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, Kansas City Royals pitcher Ian Kennedy, Logistics Specialist Chief Jairo Guity, Gunnery Sergeant Joshua MacMillan, USS America (LHA 6) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) and Training Support Center Great Lakes Chapter of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) for their dedicated work that embodies the ideals of Bob Feller's historic and service-oriented life.
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The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award was created by Peter Fertig in 2013 with the support of the U.S. Navy, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial, The Cleveland Indians, the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, and the gracious consent of Mrs. Anne Feller. The award, through the unique intersection of baseball and the US Navy, recognizes and honors those who reflect the values, integrity and dedication to serving our country which Bob Feller himself possessed.
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During the ceremony, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation presented the Bob Feller Act of Valor Awards to Ian Kennedy of the Kansas City Royals and MLB Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Gunnery Sergeant Joshua MacMillan was honored with the Jerry Coleman Award and the Act of Valor Award for the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer was awarded to Logistics Specialist Chief Jairo Guity. The foundation also awarded Mia Owen with the Military Children Award. The Peer-to-Peer Award (Afloat) was presented to the USS America (LHA) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) and the Peer-to-Peer Award (Ashore) went to the Training Support Center Great Lakes Chapter of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD).
Prior to the ceremony in the museum's auditorium, the Midshipmen had a chance to spend time with the honorees, as well as a variety of high-ranking military representatives in the exhibition portion of the museum.
"The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Ceremony is a tremendous event and it is truly an honor to be a part of it," senior
Zach Biggers said. "The Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation combines baseball and the military in a great way and that is something we can relate to, which is why we look forward to this event every year. Bob Feller is the epitome of what it means to be a competitive athlete and a compassionate service member. He excelled in both areas and that is why his legacy will live on forever. It is a privilege to be in the presence of so many distinguished military personnel and leaders, as well as members of Major League Baseball and the National Baseball Hall of Fame who whole-heartedly support the military."
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Thursday marked the sixth consecutive year that the Mids had been invited and attended the event. In 2014, they were guests as Tommy Lasorda and Nick Swisher were honored, George Brett and Jonathan Lucroy were lauded in 2015. During the event in 2016, Rod Carew and Brad Ziegler were recognized in the ceremony. In 2017, Tom Seaver and Darren O'Day were honored and last year Sean Doolittle and Johnny Bench were recognized.
