Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi got a new Family Ombudsman April 22.

With over 15 years of experience as a Navy spouse, Idella Cutler is well-versed in Navy life. Taking care of six children and her husband, Chief Hull Maintenance Technician (SW/EXW) Jared L. Cutler, has elevated her status as an insightful mother and wife, as well as a skillful family manager.

"Idella is a uniquely talented lady," said Command Master Chief (SW/FMF) Rikki L. Brown, "not to mention a very warm and approachable person. Very few people I've ever known can manage so many things at once, so effortlessly. And it's no secret that she doesn't mind taking on extra responsibilities."

That is why it is not surprising that when the NHCCC Commanding Officer Capt. Guido F. Valdes recently called for volunteers, Cutler's answer to serve as the command family ombudsman was immediate.

The Command Ombudsman Program is shaped largely by the commanding officer's perceived needs of his or her command. Commanding officers appoint ombudsmen who then work under their guidance as they determine the priorities of the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will receive. This support often comes in the form of resource referrals to various Fleet and Family programs and even off base resources as well as assistance in resolving family issues before the issues require extensive command attention.

Supporting service members and families, and helping promote healthy, self-reliant Navy families just happens to be right up Cutler's alley.

Her Navy know-how and the significance she places on the family unit, as well as her first-hand experience regarding so many of the anxieties that Navy spouses endure makes her a seasoned veteran.

"Standing on the pier or in an airport terminal, waving goodbye to my husband for days, weeks, months and even years is not easy," said Cutler. "But when my husband comes home and I am standing there yet again only to welcome him after a long, successful journey; seeing my American hero returning with honor and knowing that I am a part of that, well, that is a pretty amazing feeling."

Cutler previously served as the ombudsman for Crew Swerve on the MCMs (Mine Sweeper) in San Diego for nearly two years, one year of which her husband's crew deployed to Bahrain.

Because of the families' reliance on her ability to keep them informed during the absence of communication, Cutler says that she quickly learned work-arounds for getting things done.

"I learned how to network and get information to families about their Sailors that comforted them until they were able to communicate themselves," said Cutler. "Plus being a mother of six children, keeping them occupied was a number one priority, so I would search out and share with my families all the activities offered to military families. I kept everyone informed of any and all resources I found that could benefit them in anyway. I became what you might call a 'resource junkie'."

And now that she has assumed a familiar role, even though the command is not going to lift anchor and sail away, there is every reason for her to continue sharing resources with the NHCCC families under her care.

"I take this job seriously," she said, "and I want to make sure that no one is forgotten!

"We are a command true, but we are also a family," said Cutler. "I, like Master Chief Brown, also believe in 'Ohona' no one gets left behind. I don't expect to make a huge impact on the entire command, but if I can bring light and comfort to just one family, then I will have done my job."

Cutler hails from Bennington, Idaho. She and her family have been in the Corpus Christi area now for just a little over 18 months.

If you were to ask her what she would like others to know about her family she would respond without hesitation, "We believe in working hard, doing our best and being honest in the things that we do. We love having fun and enjoying each other's company. We feel home is not the house or state we live in, but the environment we create together."

For more news from Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, visit www.navy.mil/.