Shipmates,
We were pleased and honored to present the First
Ombudsman of the Year Award to Mrs. Nichole McLeod who represents the USCGC NORTHLAND and their team. Nichole has been a tireless advocate for the crew and their families and has been a source of support during long deployments. She has earned the respect and admiration of the command who has come to depend on her to activate notifications networks and support our deployed Guardians.
We had a formal award presentation at Headquarters followed by a tour of the White House and a BBQ at our Quarters this evening.
We were also graced by the presence of ADM Jim and Randi Gracey. ADM Gracey began the ombudsman program on his watch as Commandant with the help of Randi.
We were also honored to have Wanda Allen-Yearout with us. Wanda sent a letter to ADM Gracey when he was Commandant and recommended he establish an ombudsman program in the Coast Guard. Over thirty years later she is still training ombudsmen and advocating for Coast Guard families. She is particularly qualified for this role as the daughter of a Coast Guard enlisted World War II veteran and the spouse of a retired Coast Guard Captain.
I am proud because she is my sister.
A great day for Nichole McLeod and the Coast Guard and thank you to ADM Gracey and Wanda.
ADM A
