How many people know who the ombudsmen are in their commands today? Who knows what services their command ombudsmen can provide them? What does an ombudsman have to do with the squadron itself?

At VQ-2 there are three genuine and dedicated ombudsmen who have volunteered to help meet the needs of the squadron family members. They are Kandice Dickover, Marcy Fundalewicz, and Melissa Wissel.

The Navy family Ombudsman program was established in 1970 by then Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt.

The purpose of the Ombudsman program is to ensure the lines of communication are maintained between the command leadership and the families of the sailors in the command. This communication varies from information concerning a spouse on detachment to family issues at home.

Each of these ladies have only been ombudsmen for a short time, but are eager to jump in and “give back to the squadron on a level of being a resource,” Wissel said.

“We are all in a unique situation, all in the same boat because of the move. We are all sharing in the experience and supporting each other together,” said Dickover.

They have chosen to be command ombudsmen because they enjoy helping others and the pride and responsibility that comes along with that. Having received their training from former ombudsmen who come to the Fleet and Family Support Center, these ladies are well equipped for all situations.

They are the liaison between the family members and the command leadership.

“People can approach us with any problems, questions, or family issues,” said Dickover. “Everything is held in strict confidentiality unless permission is given by the family member to tell the command leadership.”

“We’re not counselors, but we are there to refer and provide resources that can give the help that is needed,” said Fundalewicz.

It is easy to fall into the misconception that the Ombudsmen are primarily for the spouses of married Sailors, but ombudsmen are here for all family members directly related to the service member, especially those of the single Sailors. This includes parents, siblings, and grandparents.

On Nov. 9 the ombudsmen held a gathering at the military wives meeting place on Midway Blvd. It was an event in which they were able to meet with the families face to face and allow the family members to get to know who they are. Topics such as holiday leave periods, Christmas parties, and playgroups were discussed.

The VQ-2 ombudsmen work very hard and sacrifice a lot of their personal time in order to serve and meet the needs of the family members in the squadron. They are resources eager to aide in whatever way they can.

It is essential, with the detachment cycles the way they are in VQ-2, for family members to know whom their ombudsmen are and what services they are able to provide.