Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Jim Remington | Rear Adm. Markham Rich, commandant of Naval District Washington, and Master Chief...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens and his wife, Theresa, Navy Ombudsman at large, were keynote speakers during the Ombudsman and Key Spouse Appreciation Luncheon held at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Officer’s Club, Sept. 17.
The event recognized Ombudsmen and Key Spouses from around the region for their hard work, dedication and support of military families in Naval District of Washington (NDW).
The luncheon began with opening remarks from host, Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, commandant, NDW deputy commander, who thanked everyone in attendance, especially the Key Spouses and Ombudsmen. He also pointed out the great leadership and support from the executive officers, non-commissioned officers and master chiefs, who all play an important role in helping to manage and grow the ombudsmen program for the region.
Rich explained how happy he is with the growth that this program has had throughout the past year, from a 35 percent registry-rate in January, to a near 80 percent in recent months, region-wide.
“The benefits that come from having actively-engaged members like you all has been the tremendous difference this year. So thank you for all of your support,” said Rich.
The Navy Family Ombudsman’s Program and the Air Force Key Spouse Program are essential to the military community, because they bridge the gap between command leadership and military families. These programs promote healthy and self-reliant families, while also serving as a source of information.
The Ombudsman and Key Spouses are volunteers that have been appointed by the commanding officer. They are instrumental in resolving family issues before issues require any further command attention.
“They are such dedicated professionals that are willing to take on so much, and in doing so, plays such an important role in the total success of our military,” said the Stevens. “We love you, and we care about you deeply, and we are grateful for your service. God Bless you to all of our Navy Ombudsmen and Key Spouses.”
Both Stevens and his wife together paid tribute to all who have supported the program and concluded their speech with giving an award, a gift and a rose to all Ombudsmen and Key Spouses in attendance.
“It is you and those like you, who volunteer and dedicate your time to ensure that the needs and the well being of our military families are met,” said the Stevens.
Sally Fasano, one of the spouses in attendance, who has been a spouse for more than 26 years and a former Ombudsman, explains that it is really important when senior leaders show their appreciation for the ombudsman and recognize all that they do.
“It can be a very tricky job because you never know what can come up or happen with families during deployments and these ombudsmen have volunteered to do what they do out of the goodness of their hearts,” explained Fasano.
The Ombudsman program has already held it’s first two Regional Ombudsman Advisory Boards within the past seven months, and they plan to hold many more gatherings on a regular basis at all installations in the region, according to Rich, who will continue to visit those gatherings as much as possible.
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2014 13:32 |
| Story ID: | 143282 |
| Location: | DC, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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