A way to say, 'Thanks'

The event began with some opening remarks from NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green who welcomed the guests in attendance. After a riveting national anthem sung by MU3 Phil Stacey of Navy Band Southeast, Chaplain (Lt.) Jose Molina of the NAS Jax Chapel gave the invocation.

As the guests enjoyed their lunch, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Command Master Chief CNOCM Richard Trimmer talked about how important this event was.

''I just want to say thanks to our ombudsmen for what they do for us and our families. I've had the pleasure of working with ombudsmen for a little over 12 years now in the capacity of command master chief and I have always relied on them and they have never let me down. It's nice that we are here today to say thanks for all they do,'' he said.

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson presents a certificate of appreciation to NAS Jax Ombudsman Assembly Chairman Tammy Barrett at the luncheon which recognized command ombudsmen.

He then introduced the guest speaker, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mark Boensel who emphasized how important the role of an ombudsman is.

''As a former commanding officer, I think I understand all that you are doing, but I only get a very small glimpse of all that. I know there is a lot more going on and that you are doing all that you do on a volunteer basis. We really appreciate the effort you put in, especially when you have your own families and jobs. You probably don't get thanked enough but what you do is noticed and your work is important especially in the atmosphere we have in today's world,'' said Boensel.

''There is so much anxiety and uncertainty with deployment schedules these days. It makes your job all the more difficult which is why it is so important you get the training you need to do the job. Many of the young spouses have very little understanding and experience of military life and when their service member spouse is taken away sometimes very suddenly, they need that connection. You are the vital connection to the command and need to let them know what's going on.''

NAS Jax USO Program Director Sonja Kutsch gives a goodie bag to Commander, Navy Region Southeast Ombudsman Jenne Smith at the luncheon.

''And the communication needs to go in both directions. You need to make sure your leadership knows what's going on so they can get you the resources you need to do your job,'' he continued. ''I thank you for the time, dedication, professionalism and personal sacrifices you make to do this very important work.''

''This luncheon gives recognition to our ombudsmen who have offered their support and guidance in keeping the Sailors

and their families informed of what's going on at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) and the base,'' added Wilhelmina Nash, FFSC education training facilitator and ombudsman coordinator and trainer.

''They are a vital link between the command and families. In time of war, they keep the military spouse informed of the status of the squadrons and arrange for teleconferences. They offer a lot of support and refer Navy families to various support agencies for assistance, ensuring that the families feel connected and that their needs are being met,'' she continued.

Ombudsman Assembly Chairman Tammy Barrett (left) thanks the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jax Ombudsman Lisa Costin with a letter of appreciation.

During the luncheon, each ombudsman in attendance was presented with a letter of appreciation from NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson and Ombudsman Assembly Chairman Tammy Barrett and special gift bags courtesy of the Navy Exchange and USO.

The Navy Ombudsman Program began in 1970, when Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, released a Z-Gram, establishing the program. Today, the Navy ombudsman program is a vital and essential program that commanders and commanding officers around the world have come to value as an important part of their organizations.

The Navy ombudsman keeps the line of communication open between commanding officers and command master chiefs in dealing with the many challenges that military family members experience while separated. The ombudsman is instrumental in squelching rumors with accurate and timely information, and keeps families informed of squadron movements, so forward-deployed crews can meet their commitments knowing that their family members are receiving the assistance they need. Navy Family Ombudsman Appreciation Day is celebrated Sept. 14 around the world to recognize the thousands of ombudsmen who help those military families in need.