NOSC Tampa Honors Ombudsmen

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 2nd Class Alice Hall and Petty Officer 1st Class Christine Hannon
  • Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East
TAMPA, Fla. --  Navy Operational Support Center Tampa's Commanding Officer, Capt. Therese Craddock, presented Ombudsman Appreciation Certificates to Jessica Herrick and Pearl Para at a luncheon Sept. 14. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the program introduced to the U.S. Navy by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, Sept. 14, 1970. "The Ombudsman job is not a nine-to-five job," said Captain Craddock. "It's a job that starts whenever the phone rings and can continue into the wee hours of the morning. It's all those late nights, and the other things you do that we don't always see, to take care of our Sailors that make you such a vital part of our command. For your untiring enthusiasm while supporting our Sailors, I want to say, 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart." Ombudsmen are trained to moderate issues affecting military families and assist in the resolution of those issues that could later require command attention. The Reserve force structure is different than that of the active duty Navy, Reserve Ombudsmen require additional training for those issues unique to the Navy Reserve. "There are reasons I enjoy being an Ombudsman," said Ms. Para. "One is being able to go to NOSC Tampa and meet everyone. All the personnel are so welcoming and respectful. The second is being able to support the Sailors and their families and having a sense of accomplishment once you know you have helped another family." The Navy's Ombudsman Program is run by the Fleet and Family Support Program, which reflects the program's commitment to promote the resilience and self-reliance of Sailors and Navy families and to help them navigate the uniqueness of military life. "If they can get the information they need to solve a problem, I've done my job," said Ms. Para. "With so many programs out there, from Military OneSource to Fleet and Family Services, sometimes Reservists or their families don't know what is available to them. I'm glad to be able to help." Relating to the family members is as important for the Ombudsman as it is for family members. "I grew up in a military family and now I am married to a Sailor," said Ms. Para. "I wanted to be able to give back and to be involved. I feel I'm someone the family members can relate to. I'm glad to be able to help."