CSADD Holds Bowling Extravaganza for Sailors

By Sue Krawczyk, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors descended on Rynish Bowling Center Sept. 7 as part of a bowling extravaganza coordinated by the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Great Lakes Chapter at Naval Station Great Lakes.

"We just had an idea that we ran with to show Sailors that we can have fun on base, even on a Friday night," said Fire Control Technician Seaman Angus Heiman, president of CSADD, Great Lakes Chapter.

"This proved you can have fun on base without having to go off base and do something stupid. It also shows that rather than sitting around in your room being a 'room rat,' you can get out and go bowling and have fun on a Friday night," said Heiman.

All 32 lanes were full during the biggest turnout the center has seen since the Hospital Corpsman A-school left the base in mid-2011.

"What we discovered at bowling Friday night was that a lot of the students didn't even know the bowling alley was even there," said Capt. Peter R. Lintner, commanding officer, Training Support Center (TSC). "So, they've never been there but once they got there, they had a blast."

Lintner stated that many students are not aware of everything that is available to them through MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation department), including the bowling alley and marina.

"They don't realize there's a rock wall, a batting cage and a golf tee, fitness center in Bldg. 4. It's important because we spend a lot of money in developing world-class facilities for the students here," said Lintner.

CSADD volunteers went from barracks to barracks to promote the bowling event.

"We are promoting these activities to get the kids out and doing fun events, safe events and recognize the fact that you can have a good time on this base without alcohol, or how to be responsible when there is alcohol," said Lintner. "The clubs are a good time. CSADD advertises that as well, and when they do get out in the clubs, they promote responsible drinking which is important for our students to learn."

CSADD has a new goal, to coordinate big, quick, easy events on base about once a week.

"Everyone was having a good time and asking, 'Why haven't you done this before?'" said Heiman. "We're already planning more activities including dodge ball and a talent show."