WASHINGTON, DC, April 21, 2025 —
National Ombudsman Training was held from March 24-26, 2025, at the C5I Service Center in Alexandria, VA. More than 50 ombudsmen from around the Coast Guard attended this training, which included collaboration on strategies to improve support services for Coast Guard families. On the final day, which was Coast Guard Ombudsman Appreciation Day, senior leaders participated in the event. Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin E. Lunday; Acting Vice Commandant, Vice Admiral Peter W. Gautier; and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) Heath B. Jones recognized the ombudsmen’s many contributions with certificates of appreciation. Mrs. Wanda Allan-Yearout, the founder of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program, also attended and brought attention to the excellent services provided by ombudsmen.
A Resource Fair was held in conjunction with the training and was open to all Coast Guard military and civilian personnel. More than 15 Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) provided a wide range of essential resources and services, which included: health and wellness programs, mental health services, family support services, financial assistance programs, professional development services, and morale programs. Some of the VSOs that attended included the American Red Cross, Blue Star Families, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, the Coast Guard Foundation, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, and Operation Homefront.
Mrs. Carol Jones, the Coast Guard Ombudsman-At-Large and wife of MCPOCG Heath Jones, hosted this event and enlisted support from Mrs. Jenna Hall, the Base NCR ombudsman, and LCDR Emily Rowan, the training project officer for the Commandant’s office. Together, they lead a team of professionals committed to supporting Coast Guard ombudsmen by cultivating their competencies and reinforcing all that they do for Coast Guard members and their families.
For more information on the Ombudsman Program, please contact your AREA Ombudsmen Coordinator, Ms. Lori Gordy at Lori.A.Gordy@uscg.mil (LANT) or Mr. Ryan Fahlenkamp at Ryan.J.Fahlenkamp2@uscg.mil (PAC), or the Chief of Family Services Division in the Office of Work Life, Ms. Rose Neel at Rose.Neel@uscg.mil.