Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon | (Left to right) Dr. John Winkler, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for...... read more read more
WASHINGTON D.C. - On February 13, 2009, Renee' White, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Two-Four Command Ombudsman, Command Master Chief John T. Bonaccorso, NMCB 24, and Captain Donald Hedrick, 3rd Naval Construction Regiment Commodore; received the Department of Defense 2009 Reserve Family Readiness Award, at a ceremony held in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Each year since the establishment of the award in 2000, the Department of Defense honors National Guard and Reserve components with this distinguished award, recognizing those units with the very best family support programs in place. It was a tremendous honor for NMCB 24 to be recognized for such a significant accomplishment.
This recognition comes at an opportune time for NMCB 24, whose members have been mobilized and are currently in the deployment process at Port Hueneme, Calif. With many long months ahead, the family programs that are in place will be put to the test. CMDCM Bonaccorso commented, "Our families continue to support us in our absence, by being the foundation of our freedom, as without them we could not complete our mission. The Family Readiness Program and our Ombudsman allow us to provide support to those who we love regardless of the miles between us."
Command Ombudsman, and volunteer Renee' White, who was appointed by Commander Ron Gruzesky, Commanding Officer of NMCB 24, in December 2007, is responsible for maintaining communication with the Ombudsman from the nine Detachments, representing the nine Naval Operational Support Centers in eight states throughout the Midwest and Southeast.
In an interview after the presentation, White advised, "This award would not have taken place without the help and hard work of our nine detachment Ombudsman...", acknowledging each volunteer personally. All of the Ombudsman are volunteers, most of which are the spouses of personnel within the command.
Since the battalion's recent mobilization, White has added to her list of correspondence an additional nine battalions, outside of NMCB 24, serving individual augmentees from 54 different NOSCs across the country, that are deploying with the Battalion. She emphasized that, "We strive to make sure our Seabee's and their families are cared for. ...our saying is 'no family left behind'".
The primary goal of the Ombudsman Program is to ensure family readiness while supporting the mission of the battalion. The program offers support to members and their families through meetings, family events, publications, and the genuine bond of camaraderie.
When asked to comment on the award ceremony itself, White stated, "It is a really touching moment to hear all of your accomplishments being announced to other branches of the military." She went on further to say, "...I'm so proud of our members and their families for all their hard work and sacrifices."
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2009 03:29 |
| Story ID: | 34132 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 570 |
| Downloads: | 283 |
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