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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Jan. 7, 2025

It’s not too late to nominate your unit’s Ombudsman for Ombudsman of the Year

By Keisha Reynolds, MyCG Writer

The Ombudsman Program reminds you that it’s not too late to submit your unit’s recommendation for the 2024 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year award. The submission window closes on Jan. 27, 2025. 

The Ombudsman is vital to Coast Guard readiness and mission execution. Ombudsmen are professionally trained volunteers who advance unit and family readiness by serving as a communications link between a unit CO/OIC and unit families. Ombudsmen ensure that Coast Guard families have the information and resources necessary to meet the challenges of a military lifestyle.  

The Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year (OOY) Award Program annually recognizes a volunteer unit ombudsman that has demonstrated a significant commitment to serving unit families as a Coast Guard Ombudsman. 

Here are the eligibility requirements:

  1. Served as an ombudsman for at least six consecutive months at the nominating command by Dec. 31, 2024, and their service must have started on or before July 1, 2024. 
  2. Registered and have command assignment in the Coast Guard Ombudsman Registry. 
  3. Successfully completed Coast Guard Ombudsman Training (CGOT) or an approved alternative. 
  4. Compliance with reports in accordance with COMDTINST 1750.4 (series). 

The Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year will be selected based on how they have: 

  1. Enhanced connection between the families and command. 
  2. Served as a principal source of preparation, assistance and support to Coast Guard families during times of a local or national emergency, mobilization, deployment, evacuation, and crisis. 
  3. Assisted in identifying unit family support needs and provided appropriate information regarding referral services to address family concerns. 
  4. Promoted a healthy sense of community for the families through special projects and activities that add valuable to the community and promotes community building. 
  5. Exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  

Any unit that desires to submit a nomination must submit the most current Ombudsman Activities Questionnaire. Additionally, the OOY Nomination Worksheet outlines the selection criteria and will assist commands in identifying the best candidate.  

Visit the Ombudsman Program website for more information on the nomination process.  

-USCG-

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