Pax River Ombudsmen Recognized During Appreciation Event

Ashley Hicks, NAVAIR

U.S. Navy photos by Patrick Gordon

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The ombudsman onboard NAS Patuxent River were recognized by the Navy Ombudsman Program and representatives from each of their commands during an appreciation event held at the Beach House Sept. 20.

Brittany Bennett, VXS-1

Arriving in scheduled intervals, each ombudsman was presented with an appreciation plaque and gifts from the Naval District Washington Region, as well as a token of appreciation from their individual command.

Katie Jurtas, HX-21

“Each command had an opportunity to express their gratitude to their ombudsman and then they, their families, and members of their command triad posed for pictures along with [NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer] Capt. John Brabazon and [NAS Patuxent River Command] Master Chief Abel Griego,” said Tiffany Curtis, Pax River’s ombudsman coordinator.

Nicole Koch, NAWCAD

Ombudsmen contribute to the well-being and readiness of their command by addressing issues and concerns that are unique to Navy families, and serve as a reminder to leadership that families are an integral aspect of the overall military lifestyle.

Sarah Katzaman, NTWL / VX-23

“The Ombudsman Program is a command-operated program, intended to improve communication between the command and a Sailor’s family members,” Curtis explained. “Navy Family Ombudsmen are communication links, information and referral resources, and advocates for command family members. We love our ombudsmen here at Pax River and we wanted them to know how much they are appreciated. Their hard work and dedication to our Navy families has not gone unnoticed. We are truly grateful to our heroes behind the scenes.”

Sarah Ralton, VX-20

Ombudsmen unable to attend the the event this year included Brooke DeCanio, NAS Patuxent River; Lisa Womble, FRC; Keauna Marie Metz, NMC; Patricia Mautino, VX-1.