The Commandant recognizes the more than 300 ombudsmen serving as volunteers in support of Coast Guard families. Today, the Coast Guard celebrates Ombudsman Appreciation Day, announced in ALCOAST 134/25.
Ombudsmen are official members of a unit command’s staff and as the Coast Guard’s Ombudsman-at-Large (OAL), Carol Jones, puts it, “Our ombudsmen are also an important connection between our commands and our Coast Guard families.”
Jones explains their valuable roles, “They are resource specialists who do not solve problems, but provide the resources and contacts to help members and families take care of issues before they become problems.”
An ALCOAST announcing Ombudsman Appreciation Day was released on March 25th marking this annual commemoration of all the contributions of our volunteer ombudsmen. Units show their gratitude across the Coast Guard with a variety of events. Ombudsmen attending the Inaugural National Ombudsman Training underway from March 23 – 26th in Washington, D.C. are being recognized by Admiral Lunday, the acting commandant at an Ombudsman Appreciation Breakfast and Certificate Presentation at the conclusion of the training.
“I am eternally grateful to every man and woman who has stepped up to volunteer and give support to our Coast Guard members, spouses and families. It is my greatest honor to serve them in my role as OAL. #bettertogether,” adds Jones.
If you want more information on the Ombudsman Program and training options, please contact the LANTAREA Regional Ombudsman Coordinator POC, Lori Gordy at Lori.A.Gordy@uscg.mil or (757) 398‐6570. The PACAREA Regional Ombudsman Coordinator is Ryan Fahlenkamp at Ryan.J.Fahlenkamp2@uscg.mil or (510) 437‐3782. Also, view the Ombudsman Appreciation Day ALCOAST here.
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