Symposium Focuses on Vital Link for Families of Deployed Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ash Severe, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

June 16, 2010 - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The 2010 Symposium for Certified Ombudsman Trainers was held at Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, Va. June 15-17.

The symposium provides information, training and professional development opportunities for those who train ombudsmen throughout the Department of Defense.

"What is the purpose of this training day? Well, every now and then you need to just take the time to sync up all your people," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "This training brings everyone together to make sure that all the training they're putting out is the same."

One of the primary jobs of the ombudsman program is to keep family members informed about their deployed loved ones.

"Ombudsmen are the absolute link to the command and the family," said West. "They do so much for our Sailors and our families. They're vital to the mission, and the ombudsmen getting the information out to our families is very important."

The job of a certified trainer is to advise commanders on the effective use of ombudsmen.

"A person will come into the ombudsman program and not be sure of what questions to ask, so certified ombudsman training teaches the ombudsman how to work with their command, how to work with their families and the questions they need to ask of their commands," said Debbie Lucas, director of Fleet & Family Support Center, Kings Bay, Ga.