YOKOSUKA, Japan –
DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan has selected Molly Rivera to serve as its first ombudsman. On June 13, 2018, she was inducted into the Yokosuka Ombudsman community where she will serve alongside a volunteer network of men and women across various commands.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Rivera attended Old Dominion University. She earned her nursing degree in 2015 and worked primarily in a private OBGYN practice in Carlisle, Pennsylvania before moving to Japan. In her free time, she enjoys music, travel, fitness and spending time with family.
The Navy Family Ombudsman Program promotes healthy, self-reliant families. The word "ombudsman" originated in Scandinavian countries and referred to safeguarding the rights of citizens. Today the concept of the ombudsman is widely utilized in the fields of government, business and healthcare.
The ombudsman is a volunteer, appointed by the commanding officer, to serve as an information link between command leadership and navy families. They are trained to disseminate information both up and down the chain of command, including official Department of the Navy and command information, command climate issues, local quality of life improvement opportunities and “good deals” around the community. This communication link also serves well between families and single sailors stationed overseas to their extended families back home in the U.S. or elsewhere.
Ombudsman’s also provide resource referrals when needed. They are instrumental in resolving family issues before the issues require extensive command attention.
“We are excited to have Molly on the team and thank her for volunteering to strengthen the communication between our command and military personnel families,” said DLA Distribution Yokosuka deputy commander Roy Jewel. “The Yokosuka Ombudsman program will enhance the effectiveness of the organization and improve family satisfaction by providing effective, timely information and referral service for years to come.”