Greetings Checkmates and Families!
An Ombudsman is an official representative of the Commanding Officer that serves as an information link between Command leadership and Navy families.
I serve as a point of contact for ALL service members and family members attached to VFA-211. As an Ombudsman, I help the Commanding Officer gain insight on the issues and concerns of family members. I communicate information both up and down the Chain of Command, including official Department of the Navy and Command information. I can provide resource referrals when needed that are instrumental in resolving family issues before the issues require extensive Command attention ie. child care, counseling, financial assistance. I meet and keep in communication during deployment with the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Command Master Chief to find out the latest news, and pass it on to families.
The Ombudsman Code of Ethics is the essential foundation upon which an Ombudsman’s credibility is established and maintained. As an Ombudsman, I must remain committed to strict adherence to this code, Ombudsman shall:
- Support the command’s mission.
- Work within the Chain of Command as directed.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Maintain the highest standards of professionalism in all situations.
What I can do
I act as an advocate for the Command families using knowledge of the system, and can help access the appropriate level of the Chain of Command for intervention and forward suitable requests or grievances while maintaining complete confidentiality. I can expedite emergency situations to the Command, while waiting for American Red Cross messages to go through.
Below are a few examples of when to call an Ombudsman:
Resource & Referral
RedCross Messages
Death in the Family
Financial Matters
At Risk Pregnancy
Births
Hospitalizations
Point of contact during crisis or disaster
If you are new to the command - Welcome Aboard! Please contact me so that I can add you to the Ombudsman recall roster. This will enable you and your families to receive Command updates and information during times of deployment. If you have been onboard for a while and you are not receiving information from me via email, I ask that you contact me so I can update my records.
I hope you enjoy your tour with VFA-211.
If I can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call.