R 111815Z JAN 13

ALCOAST 007/13
COMDTNOTE 1750
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE 2012 WANDA ALLEN-YEAROUT OMBUDSMAN OF THE
YEAR AWARD
1. The Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year award was created to
recognize the active duty or reserve unit ombudsman who has
demonstrated the greatest contribution to the Coast Guard and Coast
Guard families by:
       A. Creating and maintaining effective lines of communication
between their command and its families and
       B. Assisting commands and families in identifying unit needs
for support services and providing appropriate referral services
before family concerns and issues become overwhelming, potentially
impacting mission readiness.
2. Eligibility requirements: all active duty and reserve unit
ombudsmen are eligible for this award.  To be recommended for this
award an ombudsman must have:
       A. Demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and
confidentiality,
       B. Been a positive role model for unit members and families,
       C. Enhanced communications between the command and its
families
including, but not limited to, providing direct communication to
families through newsletters, e-mails, etc.,
       D. Assisted in identifying unit needs for support services and
provided appropriate referral services to address family concerns and
issues,
       E. Facilitated and promoted a healthy sense of community among
Coast Guard members and their families within the unit, and
       F. Served as a principal source of assistance and support to
Coast Guard families during times of local or national emergency,
mobilization, deployment, or evacuation.
3. Award recommendations must be submitted via the chain of command
to COMDT (CG-00B) by 15 February 2013.  The award nomination shall be
in letter format from the commanding officer or officer-in-charge.
The letter will specify how the nominee has demonstrated the six
characteristics outlined in paragraph 2 above.  Letters are limited
to not more than two pages, using 12-pitch Times New Roman font, with
one-inch margins.  A Coast Guard Headquarters selection panel will
meet to review the nominations and select the 2012 Wanda
Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year.
4. The Ombudsman of the Year will be invited to Coast Guard
Headquarters in March 2013 to meet with the Commandant and be
presented the award.  Coast Guard Headquarters will fund the travel
expenses of the award recipient and their spouse.
5. Unit commanding officers are strongly encouraged to submit award
nominations to recognize the selfless service of their unit
ombudsman.
6. COMDT (CG-00B) POC for this award is YNCM Bobbie Sisto at
202-372-4433 or e-mail: bobbie.j.sisto(at)uscg.mil.  COMDT (CG-1112)
POC for ombudsman issues is Christine Degraw at 202-475-5142 or
e-mail: christine.m.degraw(at)uscg.mil.
7. RADM M. K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life,
sends.
8. Internet release authorized.