ALCOAST 119/19 - Apr 2019 2018 WANDA ALLEN-YEAROUT OMBUDSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT

R 121416 APR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC //CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01754//
ALCOAST 119/19
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: 2018 WANDA ALLEN-YEAROUT OMBUDSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT
1. I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Rebecca Lawrence has been selected as the recipient of
the 2018 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award. Mrs. Lawrence will be presented this
prestigious award on 24 April 2019 at Coast Guard Headquarters.
2. Mrs. Lawrence is deeply committed to supporting Coast Guard members and their families as
the ombudsman for USCGC SEQUOIA in Guam. She took the initiative to manage new family
orientation and coordinated welcome committees to greet new families, resulting in a warm and
welcoming community atmosphere. She maintained continuous communication with the command,
families and members, even during Guam’s intense Typhoon season with seven tropical storm
systems, four reaching Super Typhoon strength. During each storm, Mrs. Lawrence closely
monitored broadcasts, passed information and provided personal guidance to SEQUOIA families.
In addition, she personally managed accountability reports for SEQUOIA dependents as well as
significant others, not being officially tracked.
3. Mrs. Lawrence has an in-depth knowledge of available programs and services and aggressively
seeks out new resources to assist families. She advocates on behalf of families on Work-Life
issues, ensuring services be provided in a timely manner. Her dedication and professionalism
has resulted in exceptional support for SEQUOIA members and dependents, as well all Coast Guard
families on Guam.
4. The following District level nominees also deserve special recognition for their particularly
noteworthy accomplishments:
   A. District One, Mrs. Molly Hayes and Amber Hillis, USCGC TAHOMA,
   B. District Five, Mrs. Allison Garfield, Base Elizabeth City,
   C. District Seven, Mrs. Misty Gilbert and Mrs. Amie Perry, USCGC HAMILTON,
   D. District Eight, Dr. Stephanie Rodzewicz, USCGC DAUNTLESS,
   E. District Nine, Mrs. Sarah McClelland, CG STA Oswego, CG STA Sodus Point, CG STA Grand
Haven, and CG STA Ludington,
   F. District Eleven, Mrs. Jenna Hall, Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach (LA-LB), Base LA-LB, and
eleven sub units, and
   G. District Seventeen, Mrs. Melissa Bobotas, Sector Anchorage
5. The selection panel members were:
   A. Master Chief, George Williamson, COMDT (CG-00B)
   B. Master Chief Charles Bushey, COMDT (CG-00B),
   C. Master Chief, James Bach, LANTAREA,
   D. Master Chief, Adwoa Hendricks, PACAREA, and
   E. Dr. Marta Denchfield, COMDT (CG-111)
6. I applaud all the nominees for their accomplishments and their commanding officers for
taking the time to submit well-deserved nominations. I encourage all leaders to recognize their
ombudsman by submitting nominations next year for the 2019 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the
Year Award. The 2018 awardee demonstrated outstanding professionalism in carrying out her duties.
Bravo Zulu for a job well done!
7. COMDT (CG-1112) POC is Ms. Christine DeGraw, Ombudsman Program Manager, (202) 475-5142;
Christine.M.Degraw@uscg.mil.
8. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety, and Work-Life sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.