MCPON expresses gratitude to ombudsmen

In his welcoming remarks, NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. said that recognizing the achievements of command ombudsmen is one of his top priorities.

"Nobody works harder to enhance our family readiness. Quite frankly, combat readiness and family readiness are tied together - and our leadership aboard this base would not be as successful without the volunteer efforts of our ombudsmen. Please accept our congratulations and thanks for your counsel and dedication," stated Scorby, who also recognized Ombudsman Chair Vivian Alcott, as well as Carolyn McCorvey and Wilhelmina Nash of Fleet and Family Support Center for organizing the event.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Tim Alexander expressed his gratitude. "The ombudsman's role is vital to effectively supporting our warfighters and their families. I'm very pleased to see MCPON West aboard NAS Jacksonville again. Your being here today adds special meaning to this event and shows the level of importance that we designate to our Navy Family Ombudsman Program," said Alexander.

As he took the podium, West asked the ombudsmen in attendance to stand for a hearty round of applause.

"David Rockefeller once described America's greatest resource as the generosity exemplified by our nation's volunteers. Americans are naturally 'giving' people and, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, 64.5 million Americans performed volunteer work in 2008. Today, we honor 62 of those volunteers who worked to make someone else's lives better - and in the process, improved themselves," explained West."Right now, our American way of life is being defended half a world away by our men and women in uniform. Their mission readiness is backed by a direct link to their families, courtesy of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. Today's all-volunteer force is comprised of the best and brightest that our nation has to offer. But we cannot retain them, if we do not care for their families. That's why the young families whose lives you touch as ombudsmen appreciate your gift of knowledge and compassion," said West.

He ended with the anonymous quote, "Volunteers are unpaid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless."

One of the 25 honorees attending was VP-5 "Mad Foxes" Ombudsman Sandra Brown, an 11-year Navy wife. In addition to raising two daughters (ages 10 and 12), she has supported her husband through four deployments, including 10 months in Iraq.

"Naturally, an ombudsman is busiest prior to and during deployments. When the squadron is home, things quiet down, yet I stay in touch with the squadron leadership to lend assistance wherever I can," said Brown. "Email makes a world of difference and is my primary communications pipeline to our families."

Brown also writes a monthly e-newsletter with information about the squadron and NAS Jax, as well as hurricane preparedness, back-to-school tips and healthcare concerns such as flu vaccinations. VPU-1 "Old Buzzards" Ombudsman Jennifer Lyon attended the luncheon with her husband, AWVC Jake Lyon.

"This is my 15th year as a Navy spouse. Our household includes two children (ages 6 and 13), so I have lots of real-world experience to share with our squadron's younger families. Because our aircrews and maintainers come-and-go with short notice, it's important to keep communications channels open," said Lyon.

The national anthem was performed by Navy Band Southeast A Cappella Quartet, comprised of MU2 Mallory McKendry, MU3 Sean Meyer, MU3 Roberta Schardt and MU3 Gene Register.

Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Atticus Taylor, of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 delivered the invocation and benediction. "Ombudsmen epitomize the best in each one of us. They represent care, respect, compassion, sacrifice and loyalty. They should be enormously proud of their achievements concerning family issues that are vital to quality of life in today's Navy," said Taylor.