The Office of Health, Safety and Work-Life is soliciting nominations for the 2021 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award by Jan. 18, 2022. The award annually recognizes a unit ombudsman who has demonstrated commitment and contribution to their units and the families they serve. Although the program honors the overall annual ombudsman winner, it also acknowledges district winners as well.
Last year’s Ombudsman of the Year recipient was Jennifer Walker, who is in her second year serving as the Ombudsman for Port Security Unit (PSU) 308 in Kiln, Mississippi. The PSU is a reserve unit of 120 members. Walker stood-out amongst other nominees for the award because of her ability to help her unit families navigate an unprecedented hurricane and tropical storm season affecting unit members in five states, and a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program that she helped transition to virtual outreach. Read more about Walker’s efforts that clinched her win for 2020.
If your unit wants to nominate your ombudsman, nomination forms must be submitted through your Regional Ombudsman Coordinator (ROC) by Jan. 18, 2022. Your ombudsman must have served for at least six months within your command by the end of December. Detailed award criteria and nomination guidelines are outlined at here.
For more information, reference ALCOAST 415/21. If you have questions about district-level nominations, email Lori Carrington, Atlantic Area Regional Ombudsman coordinator or call 757-670-5886; or Ryan Fahlenkamp, Pacific Area Regional Ombudsman coordinator at 510-437-3782.
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