MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The head of the Substance Abuse Counseling Center here received the 2010 GEICO Public Service Award for his significant contributions in the field of substance abuse prevention, education and treatment during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., May 2.

Doctor Stephen G. Mann, was recognized for his exceptional leadership and vision in helping to improve the proficiency of military service members by helping to identify, rehabilitate and overcome their substance abuse and alcohol addiction, according to a GEICO release.

Bill Smith, an alcohol abuse prevention specialist at the installation SACC, credits Mann for being the driving force behind three major SACC programs achieving accreditation. Mann spearheaded a number of prevention initiatives and raised the standard for education, treatment and research to improve SACC programs.

Mann said he couldn’t have done anything without the highly dedicated SACC staff.  Their hard work in providing screenings, assessments and referral services to combat substance abuse, has led to many successful rehabilitations, and has given the Combat Center SACC a good reputation with Marine commanders.

Mann obtained his Ph.D., in clinical psychology from U.S. International University in San Diego with pre-doctoral work at San Diego State University. He received his masters degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, according to the release.

GEICO’s Public Service Awards each year honors five civilian career government employees and retirees for outstanding achievements in their fields.