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GREETINGS FROM YOUR OMBUDSMEN
Deborah McFadden
My name is Deborah McFadden and I have been an Ombudsman since 1997. My very first command as an Ombudsman was Naval Hospital Bremerton and I am thrilled to be returning “home”, as it were.
I have had many unique adventures with the Navy. My father was a career Naval Officer, so I grew up as a Navy “brat”, moving often and all across the world. After high school, I enlisted in the Navy and spent the next several years as an active duty Sailor. While on active duty, I married my husband Paul and we experienced the challenges of a dual-military couple. I left active duty to start our family and have enjoyed the last 12 years as a Navy spouse. From Washington to Japan and on to San Diego, from ship to shore, we have participated in many deployments and the tests each one brings.
As an appointed representative of the command, I am bound by the Code of Ethics and maintain direct contact with the Chain of Command. With many local and national resources available to me, I am standing by to assist our military families.
I can be reached at (360) 509-8612.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to working with you!
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WHAT IS AN OMBUDSMAN?
Navy Ombudsmen are appointed by the commanding officer to work as advocates, information and referral resources, and a link in the communication chain between the command and the families of Active Duty Service Members. As an official command representative, the Ombudsman is a point of contact for all family members of Active Duty personnel connected to the command - including spouses, parents, and extended family members. The Ombudsman Code of Ethics guarantees professionalism and confidentiality, within program guidelines. The ombudsman is not a mediator and does not get involved in chain-of-command matters. Rather, the ombudsman can quickly direct you to the right resource to provide help with your particular concern.
The Ombudsman program is essential and can be an extremely useful tool for command families. As your Ombudsmen we can assist you in finding a vast amount of resources such as employment opportunities, healthcare and counseling services, local area events and attractions and much, much more.
OMBUDSMEN CONTACT INFORMATION
For those times when you need help finding the right resource or information, here are the contact numbers for your Ombudsmen.
Deborah
Phone: 360-509-8612
Hours: 9am - 9pm
Emergencies 24 hours
While it is part of the Ombudsmen Code of Ethics to maintain confidentiality, there are 4 instances that require immediate action and must be reported to the appropriate official – these are known as the “Mandatory Reportables” and include:
1. All suspected child abuse/neglect
2. Alleged spouse abuse
3. Suspected/potential homicides, violence or life endangering situations
4. All suspected/potential suicidal risks
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