Joint Base Charleston and its Military Family Readiness Centers honored the installation’s Navy Ombudsman with a special, intimate luncheon at the Charleston Club on the Air Base.

Sept. 14, 2022, marks the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of the Ombudsman program by Navy Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, the U.S. Navy’s 19th Chief of Naval Operations. Navy Capt. Andrew Peterson III, JB Charleston deputy commander and commanding officer of the Naval Support Activity Charleston, said in his opening remarks, “The rule of Navy wives cannot be overstated…” He humbly thanked everyone involved in the program and its support team members.

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. Each Ombudsman plays a vital role by being a communication link between the commanding officer and command families. An Ombudsman is a professionally trained information and referral specialist for the command’s families.

Robin Washington, David Alderman, & Dori Cambron, Military Family Readiness center staff, supported the event, providing the slideshow in this post, flowers, and a celebratory cake. Ms. Washington stated,”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.”

Several local Ombudsman were honored and awarded Command coins. Those honorees included: Ashley Barefield, Audra Cole, Nicolette Crofut, Desirae Fetty, Marlea Flansburg, Dawn Gallapis, Jessica Holden,Edaliz Jorge, Alexander Kearney, Kristen Kinman, Amanda Longoria, Christina Martinez, Bobbie Myers, Amber Ratcliff and Chelsea Rampley.

For information on the Ombudsman program, call 843.794.7480.