Latest Family News

Aug. 26, 2020

Station Grand Isle and Sector LA-Long Beach spouses honored for supporting Coast Guard families

The Coast Guard recognizes two hardworking volunteers as the Coast Guard’s Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award for 2019. Dahna Simmons and Jenna Hall distinguished themselves out of the service’s 350 ombudsman throughout the service, going above and beyond assisting fellow spouses and families during the past year. This award recognizes their outstanding contributions during a difficult 2019 as our Coast Guard families navigated an unprecedented combination of natural disasters, financial uncertainty during the government shutdown, deployments, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aug. 26, 2020

Wellness Wednesday: National Suicide Prevention Month

As we prepare for National Suicide Prevention Awareness month in September, and given the extraordinary strain the COVID-19 pandemic puts on all facets of our life, we all have a responsibility to show genuine concern for others As Cmdr. Sarah Garrett puts it, "good shipmates buoy each other in times of distress, ashore or afloat, on duty or off duty." Please join Cmdr. Sarah Garrett from HSWL SC and Ms. Christiana Montminy, Employee Assistance Program Manager on Aug. 26 from 3:00-4:00 p.m., EDT, as they talk about ways to minimize suicide-related behaviors by promoting wellness and social cohesion. 

Aug. 7, 2020

Dear Coast Guard Family: Spouse License and Certification Reimbursement Program and other employment initiatives

Military spouses embody characteristics that are highly desirable to employers.  They are dedicated, adaptable, driven, resourceful … I could go on and on (military spouses are amazing!) … yet, they experience significantly higher rates of unemployment and underemployment due to their military lifestyle.

July 31, 2020

Being Proactive about Life—Suicide Prevention Efforts at the Coast Guard

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a designated time to discuss the very real threat suicide presents to the Coast Guard and the steps we’re taking to ensure the mental health of our members and workforce.

July 8, 2020

PCSing in the time of COVID-19: Four families share their stories

In an effort to support others, four families share their PCS stories and what they’ve learned along the way.

July 8, 2020

COVID chaos? Your ombudsman can help. Here's how.

Ironically, this is an article about avoiding information overload – and finding just the resources