What's an Ombudsman and FRG and how to contact them

This is great information to share with the families. I was used to working with Ombudsman as a Navy wife and they are SO valuable to the families, especially if it is for a deployed ship. They are the communication link to our sailors!

Are there Ombudsman for A and C schools as well?

Lisa Ann, In my short experiences with you. I think you would really enjoy this important role and more importantly I think you could do a really great job of it as well. You are so supportive and welcoming to sailors around you.

Meg - Lisa Ann's husband is in A school at GL. It is self paced but generally will last 5 -7 months and then he will be getting PCS orders for C school. Between his A and C schools combined he could spend 12 -18 months in schools but two different commands. Would the Command consider her for an Ombudsman position while her hubby is in school? My concern would be as soon as she gets a chance to be trained, it would be time for her to move on. I would suspect that there might be a requirement for how long you will be attached to a duty station.

I'm not familiar with that Compass Course but it may have started after my hubby left the Navy. I am going to look at it as well as I'm always meeting new Navy spouses and like to have valuable information for them.

Most schools don't issue orders for the families but Lisa Ann's husband is in the AECF program and it requires a six year enlistment as they can spend almost 18 - 24 months in school. So lots of schooling on the front end.
Our ETs and FCs come from this program

Great information Margaret. I've just read thru the Gocompass site and book marked it and will check the wives club out too. Love to have materials to reference when the need is there. Like the new avatar!

Short on time today, on my way to GL this afternoon to see our sailor graduation from A school. He is in the same program as Lisa's husband and we have not seen him in eight months!

I am the OMBUDSMAN for the Rodney M Davis, as a rule for myself, I only answer questions through the OMBUDSMANS email account. Protects not only myself, but the families as well. General questions on the workings of Navy life are welcomed by me and by our FSG (Family Support Group) As OMBUDSMANS we bring not only the education that we receive, but the experience we have as spouses. I myself was in the Navy and my husband has been in for 17 years. We bring a lot to the table, but we are always learning.

Meg,funny you should mention that. I am heading toa meeting for COMPASS today. I am signing up to become a mentor and teach some classes. I have heard to many good things about it, I just had to check it out.

Well training isn't until February, so i'll let you know.

Cheryl,
Is there something that maybe one of us can help you with? Maybe the email address you have is in correct?

Cheryl,
Well I hope it gets solved for you! But for security reasons, the OMBUDSMANS are not not allowed to give out dates and times about ships movements in emails or over the phone, unless they are given permission from the command to do so. I hope that whomever is the OMBUDSMAN get in touch with you.

seanie, usually email works by the sailors last name, then first initial @ whatever the haul number of the ship then dot navy.mil
for example: smithj@ddg56.navy.mil
Here is the OMBUDSMANS email address, she can contact the Command Master Chief, and they can get you the email address for your wife
boxerombudsman@yahoo.com

Good Morning Gail, I suggest that you give the Fleet and Family Service Center a call at 360-396-4115 , and ask for the OMBUDSMANS information for the USS Maine.

Karla, The OMBUDSMAN can help put you in contact with the command. What I might suggest is having him go and speak with a JAG officer (navy legal), on his options and so he can be advised legally. Not knowing what the situation is with your son and the circumstances to his (involuntary seperation, as it sounds) seperation, that is the only advice I can give you at this time.

Karla,
I suggest for you to call the Fleet and Family Support Center and they will be able to direct you to the OMBUDSMAN for your sons command. (847) 688-3603

He can call the Fleet and Family Support Center and get the information for the Command OMBUDSMAN, the number is (808) 474-1999

Annmarie,
I suggest for you to call the Fleet and Family Support Center and they will be able to direct you to the OMBUDSMAN for your sons command. (847) 688-3603

Alice,
Here is the information you are seeking.( SUSAN ) HST_OMB_3@HSTRUMAN.NET

Annmarie, I posted the number to the Great Lakes FFSC, below Meg's response. Is your son in boot camp?

Well Annmarie, Start with the speaking to the OMBUDSMAN and see what she can do. If your son is not sure what to do and just needs his questions answered, he can always got to base legal. If he feels his treatment is not what it should be, they have patient reps for our active duty members to speak too. He doensn't need to be afraid to ask questions, just needs to remember to do it respectively. Sometimes its hard for our Jr. Sailors to ask these questions, and do need help. He himself can also go to the Fleet and Family Support Center. I also recommend he speak with a Chaplain, they are the best people to speak with and its confidentail as the OMBUDSMANS are. There is a lot of help out there, its just knowing where to go and get it. He also always, always need to keep his chain of command informed.

Hey Meg - thank you again, I got a e-mail for the Chair for the group at Bangor (WA). I wanted to share the e-mail if anybody else is looking for it to save a little of the searching time. I sent the -mail and am waiting and praying that they respond. The e-mail is: group9ombudsman@yahoo.com. Thank you again Meg - your help eased my heart! God Bless.

THanks Regina - I'm waiting for their response. I would love to know about a ships newsletter, etc. Our sailor said in passing that he got a letter but he is such a quiet person and doesn't talk much - I was hoping to check out past issues and learn more about what he is doing and all of that. If you know of a web site (I am learning that I'm not very good at the searching thing-I'm sure it is because of my patience level.). Any information would be so welcomed. We are working with my inlaws (both 87) doing the family history - and building a chapter on vets. So, Grandpa wants to know what the sailor has been up to. Of course, we haven't been able to ask the 'sailor'. Thanks again - blessings~s