Naval District Washington (NDW) hosted an Ombudsman and Key Spouses Appreciation Luncheon on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Oct. 10.

At the luncheon, Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Installations Command, presented four ombudsmen with Mrs.Sybil Stockdale Ombudsman of the Year Awards. The awards are given every year to four ombudsmen, who are nominated by their respective commanding officers based on their service to families at their commands.

“I‘ve benefited from the advocacy that only a Navy Family Ombudsman can provide,” said Jackson. “Being the focal point between commands, families and organizations that can provide resources and support requires tenacity, imagination and a deep and abiding sense of empathy. Above all, it requires an immense investment of time and effort. But as much effort as it takes to create and sustain these networks, we likewise find great strength and resilience in them as well.”

Ombudsmen nomination packages were submitted to the respective type commanders, representing the deployable forces from the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, Navy Reserve Units and Navy Operational Support Centers, and naval shore activities. Final selections were made by the CNO.

"Being nominated and selected as one of four Ombudsmen of the Year is a great honor,” said Jay Ha’o, 2019 Ombudsmen of the Year recipient. “It shows recognition by the command and the Navy for us providing our families with superior service and support. This award is about those who volunteered, those who are passionate enough to care, those who stepped forward and have taken on that mantle to ensure our families are not encumbered with difficulties; to ensure our families has a voice, a voice loud enough to be heard. This award is about all the liaisons, command support teams and all the commands.”

The 2019 Mrs. Sybil Stockdale Ombudsmen of the Year Award winners were Shannon Baumgartner, ombudsman for Naval Operational Support Center, Fort Carson; Jay Ha’o, ombudsman for U.S. Naval forces Europe/Africa/Sixth Fleet; Katelyn R. Smetana, ombudsman for USS Kidd (DDG 100); and Patty Shelters, ombudsman for USS New York (LPD 21).

“Without our teamwork, our Navy would not be as effective as we are today. Our Sailors and our warfighters would not be able to focus on their mission. Without our teamwork, our achievements would not have been possible,” said Ha’o.

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