JBCMFR Hosts Ombudsman Luncheon

Twenty two leaders were in attendance on 14 September 2022 to celebrate one of our most important positions for Command family readiness and support; our Ombudsman. Leadership from NPTU/NSA/NMC, CMSgt Lamb, Lt. Col Gravitt, CG Ombudsman Coordinator Kenneth Weber, MFR Flight Chief Anna Flowers, and AB MFR Chief Sandra Liotti were all present for this special occasion.  This ceremony was to honor our hardworking Navy and Coast Guard Ombudsman and their contributions to our service members, other families, and their respective Commands.

But what is an Ombudsman?

The Navy Family Ombudsman Program is a Navy-wide program established to improve mission readiness.  A strong command Ombudsman Program, both ashore and afloat, will help ensure that families have the information necessary to meet the challenges of a military lifestyle.

Ombudsmen are Navy Spouse volunteers, appointed by the commanding officer and serve two important roles: a communication link between the commanding officer and command families & a professionally trained information and referral specialist for the command’s families.

 Robin Washington, the Joint Base Charleston Ombudsman Coordinator expands on the definition: “The Role of an Ombudsman is a selfless one, it is a volunteer position that requires passion and competency for the cause we honor and salute them BRAVO ZULU JBC Navy Family Ombudsman.”

The Joint Base Charleston Military & Family Readiness Spouse team put on this event at the Charleston Club, with Robin Washington, David Alderman, & Dori Cambron leading the way with staff support.

Honorees are shown below:

Bobbie Myers   Naval Consolidated Brig
Audra Cole Naval Consolidated Brig
Kristen Kinman Naval Nuclear Power Training Command
Jessica Holden   Naval Nuclear Power Training Command
Alexander Kearney   Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit
Nicolette Crofut Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit
Chelsea Rampley Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit
Desirae Fetty Naval Health Clinic Charleston   
Marlea Flansburg    Naval Support Activity/Navy Munitions
Amber Ratcliff Naval Hospital Beaufort
Christina Martinez Naval Hospital Beaufort
Edaliz Jorge CG Cutter Calhoun
Dawn Gallapis CG Cutter Calhoun
Ashley Barefield CG Cutter Stone
Amanda Longoria CG Cutter James

If you are curious about who your Ombudsman is, or want to learn more about this vital position, please visit Key Spouse & Ombudsman Support – Charleston Military and Family Readiness (jbcmfr.com).