What is an Ombudsman?

[Brandi]

In 1970, then-Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, recognized issues and concerns that are unique to Navy families. In response to those issues, he established the Navy Family Ombudsman program. This volunteer program, governed by OPNAVINST 1750.1D, is designed to provide better communication between Navy families and Navy officials.

The Ombudsman is a vital resource to assist the command in discharging the Commanding Officer's (CO's) responsibilities for the morale and welfare of the command's families.

The Command Family Ombudsman program belongs to the command and is shaped by the CO's perception of the needs of the command. The ombudsman is appointed by and works under the CO's guidance. The CO determines the priorities of the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will receive. These decisions greatly influence the effectiveness of the Command Ombudsman program in serving the needs of the command and its family.

The Ombudsman is the link between the command and the Navy family. This is especially true in deploying commands, where the Ombudsman is the primary point of contact between the families at home and the command during deployment. As a spouse, it's important to get acquainted with your local Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is not a counselor or a social worker, but can show you the direct route toward finding solutions by helping you get the assistance you need.

The Department of Defense has acknowledged for some time now that in order to preserve a strong military, the needs of military families must be supported. The equation is simple:

— healthy families equal mission readiness.

Over the years, military family support services have empowered families to meet the challenges of separations due to deployments, new assignments and other disruptions associated with the military lifestyle. Deployments in particular often increase family stress due to the uncertainty and the inability to communicate with the deployed member.

While all the services work hard to provide communication lifelines for those deployed members and their families, the Navy's Family Ombudsman Program embodies a long and successful tradition of maintaining the well-being and morale of sea service families when service members are away from home.

The Ombudsman represents and reports to the Commanding Officer who maintains ownership of the command Ombudsman program. Ombudsmen are primarily Information and Referral Specialists who help command family members gain the assistance they need to succeed as part of the extended Navy family. This is especially critical for deploying commands.

“I Am an Ombudsman”
By
Gayle Brinkley

I am not a crutch
But I can support you

I am not a counselor
But I know one

I am not a taxi driver
But I can steer you in the right direction

I am not a rescuer
But I can help save lives

I am not a baby sitter
But I can refer you to a caregiver

I am not a gossiper
But I am a great listener

I am not an enabler
But I can provide tools to empower you

I am not a master of anything
But I know many experts who understand your need

I am not a Recreation or Health Specialist
But I am concerned about your Morale, Welfare & Health

I am not a busybody as I've been called
But I am an Official Command Representative

I am a Navy Family Ombudsman
And I am of service to You
The Navy Family

[ImNoOliveOyl]

Thank you for posting that Brandi! Were you as impressed as I was by MCPON Crow and his wife? I thought it was very cool that they made an appearance at the spouse meeting. What an honor to be addressed by the very first ombudsman! MCPON Crow was also a guest speaker at DH's pinning.

[Brandi]

Originally Posted by MelissaMc424 Thank you for posting that Brandi! Were you as impressed as I was by MCPON Crow and his wife? I thought it was very cool that they made an appearance at the spouse meeting. What an honor to be addressed by the very first ombudsman! MCPON Crow was also a guest speaker at DH's pinning.

Yeah, I definitely thought so also. I was actually impressed by a lot of the meeting but, oddly enough, I wasn't hugely impressed with the main person speaking. I liked all of the other speakers much more, especially the CMC that was really funny (I think the main speaker was his wife). I volunteered to go to the next spouse meeting for the selectees next year, and I'm kinda bummed now that we won't be here for it. I hope they have something like that in New Orleans, but I'm sure it won't be as big or elaborate.

[ImNoOliveOyl]

Originally Posted by Brandi Yeah, I definitely thought so also. I was actually impressed by a lot of the meeting but, oddly enough, I wasn't hugely impressed with the main person speaking. I liked all of the other speakers much more, especially the CMC that was really funny (I think the main speaker was his wife). I volunteered to go to the next spouse meeting for the selectees next year, and I'm kinda bummed now that we won't be here for it. I hope they have something like that in New Orleans, but I'm sure it won't be as big or elaborate.

I didn't volunteer, but I think I'll call and see if they need any additional volunteers when the time rolls around next year. I wasn't impressed with the main speaker, but I remember which one you're talking about, and he was hilarious, and such a lively "model"..

As far as they mentioned SD was the only place that held that type of program for the spouses, but they were hoping it would be worldwide in a few years. It was only the 2nd year they did it here.

[ImNoOliveOyl]

One thing that was stated at the meeting was that EVERY command should have an ombudsman now, according to orders from the current MCPON.. he wants every family to have access to an ombudsman, especially with all the new IA deployments.

[Brandi]

Originally Posted by MelissaMc424 One thing that was stated at the meeting was that EVERY command should have an ombudsman now, according to orders from the current MCPON.. he wants every family to have access to an ombudsman, especially with all the new IA deployments.

Yeah, even the shore commands, which is pretty cool. I am about to do some interviewing with Jason's command, which I'm VERY excited about

[ImNoOliveOyl]

Originally Posted by Brandi Yeah, even the shore commands, which is pretty cool. I am about to do some interviewing with Jason's command, which I'm VERY excited about

I think you'd do an awesome job! If not ombud, you should see about the FRG. It's just as rewarding without the 24/7 availability requirements.

I haven't even heard if there's an ombud. for DH's command, but it's highly unlikely that we'd need one..

[Shep's Wife]

Originally Posted by Brandi Yeah, even the shore commands, which is pretty cool. I am about to do some interviewing with Jason's command, which I'm VERY excited about

I am doing it for dh's shore command now and it is waaaay more laid back than sea duty!!

We only have 2 IA families right now.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by MelissaMc424 One thing that was stated at the meeting was that EVERY command should have an ombudsman now, according to orders from the current MCPON.. he wants every family to have access to an ombudsman, especially with all the new IA deployments.

Originally Posted by Brandi Yeah, even the shore commands, which is pretty cool. I am about to do some interviewing with Jason's command, which I'm VERY excited about

This is GOOD to know!!! I'll be bringing that to my meeting tomorrow.

[Dianna]

Aww...I'm an Ombudsman, I loved the poem...I actually met the last MCPON's wife, Diana Campo, Ombudsman at Large (former I guess now). She was really nice.