Why did the ombudsmen go to Oregon? Sounds like the beginning of a joke, but there’s no joke here because being an ombudsman for Navy Reserve families is definitely serious business.

The reason these ombudsmen went to Oregon was for the National Navy Reserve Family Ombudsman training in January hosted by the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Portland. Sixteen ombudsman trainees attended the two-and-a-half day event, coming from across the country, from as far away as Georgia and Alaska, to become certified as Navy reserve family ombudsman.

The training focused on learning how to assist Navy families who do not live on or near a military installation, as well as preparing each new ombudsman to feel at ease in the new role, working as an instrumental team player within the reserve unit’s command structure.

Trainer Patricia Nicholson said that because the training was held in Oregon, a state without a military installation, it allowed them to better address some of the issues faced in supporting members and their families far from military facilities.

Cmdr. Jami Mason, NOSC Portland commanding officer said taking care of families is part of operational readiness and that both her staff and other Reservists have stepped in to create a forward-leaning support program.

“Family members of deployed reservists know that they can count on the NOSC for support where needed. Anything from helping with car troubles to fixing the air conditioning,” she said. “Because families are embraced during deployments, the members upon return are ready to step back into their reserve roles and continue to serve.”

“It was a very busy, very exciting, and very great training,” said Terri Nickles, NOSC Portland command ombudsman. “I want to see our families taken care of.”