ALCOAST 024/24 - JAN 2024 SOLICITATION FOR THE 2023 WANDA ALLEN-YEAROUT OMBUDSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

R 191142Z JAN 24   MID120000815435U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 024/24
SSIC 1754
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE 2023 WANDA ALLEN-YEAROUT OMBUDSMAN OF
THE YEAR AWARD
A. Coast Guard Ombudsman Program, COMDTINST 1750.4 (series)
1. COMDT (CG-1K12) is soliciting nominations for the 2023 Wanda
Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award.
2. This award recognizes the unit ombudsman who has demonstrated the
greatest contribution to the Coast Guard through the families and
units served. To be eligible, an ombudsman must:
     a. Have served as an ombudsman for at least six consecutive
months at the nominating command by 31 December 2023. Their service
must have started on or before 1 July 2023.
     b. Be registered and assigned in the Coast Guard ombudsman
registry.
     c. Have successfully completed Coast Guard Ombudsman Training
(CGOT) or approved alternative.
     d. Be compliant with reports in accordance with REF (A).
3. Nominations should be in standard memorandum format using
12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins, not to exceed
two pages. The memorandum should specify how the nominee has
demonstrated the following in bullet format:
     a. Enhanced connection between the families and command.
     b. Served as a principal source of preparation, assistance, and
support to Coast Guard families during times of local or national
emergency, mobilization, deployment, evacuation, and crisis.
     c. Assisted in identifying unit family support needs and provided
appropriate information regarding referral services to address
family concerns.
     d. Promoted a healthy sense of community for the families and
command through the accomplishment of special projects that bring
value to those served. These activities represent the profound
impact possible when a force working for the greater good marries
effectiveness and efficiency. They provide a model for community
building that other ombudsmen may follow and are a credit to the
Coast Guard.
     e. Exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and
confidentiality.
4. All units within the geographic boundaries of a District who
desire to nominate their ombudsman must submit nominations to their
Regional Ombudsman Coordinator (ROC) by 26 January 2024.
Information, nomination criteria, and required documents for the
District level are outlined at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

www.dcms.uscg.mil/ombudsman/OOY

5. ROCs are responsible for:
     a. Reviewing nomination packages for alignment with policy and
tracking.
     b. Screening nominations for eligibility and Ombudsman Program
compliance.
     c. Forwarding all packages to the appropriate District Command
Master Chief by 16 February 2024 for a panel selection of each
District Ombudsman of the Year.
     d. Forwarding District nominations to COMDT (CG-1K12).
6. Each District nomination package must be received at COMDT
(CG-1K12) by COB 5 March 2024 and must include:
     a. The District Commander's endorsement indicating that all
eligibility requirements and selection criteria have been met.
     b. The nomination, which addresses the selection criteria in
Paragraph 3.
     c. Biographical information, to include information about the
spouse and family.
     d. A draft citation.
7. A Coast Guard Headquarters selection panel will review District
nominations and select the 2023 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the
Year.
8. The Ombudsman of the Year and their spouse will be invited to
Coast Guard Headquarters to be presented the award, conditions and
funding permitting.
9. Ombudsmen serve at the behest of their Commanding Officers. This
is your opportunity to recognize a shining star by submitting award
nominations to recognize the selfless service and noteworthy impact
made by of their unit ombudsmen. It is an equally important
opportunity to consider how best to develop and support your
ombudsmen in the coming year.
10. The POC for Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year award is
Ms. Christine Degraw, COMDT (CG-1K12) at 571-607-5593 or e-mail:
Christine.M.Degraw@uscg.mil.
11. The POCs for district nominations are Ms. Lori Gordy, Atlantic
Area Regional Ombudsman Coordinator, Lori.A.Gordy@uscg.mil,
757-670-5886 and Mr. Ryan Fahlenkamp, Pacific Area Regional
Ombudsman Coordinator, Ryan.J.Fahlenkamp2@uscg.mil, 510-437-3782.
12. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety
and Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.
13. Internet release is authorized.