The Coast Guard recognized Mrs. Brianna “Bree” Scurti as the 2025 recipient of the Wanda Allen‑Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award during a ceremony held July 22, 2026, at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Scurti served as a Southwest District Ombudsman for Sector San Francisco, ombudsman for Coast Guard Station Golden Gate, and co‑ombudsman for Sector San Francisco. She earned the Coast Guard’s highest recognition for ombudsman service due to her unwavering dedication, exemplary advocacy, and significant contributions to Coast Guard members and families.
The Wanda Allen‑Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award annually honors a Coast Guard ombudsman who demonstrates exceptional commitment to communication, family readiness, and connecting families with vital information and resources. Named in tribute to Wanda Allen‑Yearout—whose advocacy helped establish the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program in 1986—the award reflects the lasting importance of trained volunteers who serve as trusted links between commands and Coast Guard families.
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 Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Kevin Lunday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Philip Waldron present the Ombudsman of the Year Award to Brianna Scurti at Coast Guard Headquarters July. 22, 2026.
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Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Scurti distinguished herself by responding to complex and urgent challenges with professionalism, compassion, and decisive leadership.
She transformed housing communication within her area of responsibility by helping families understand available resources, elevate concerns, and access timely assistance. Her advocacy strengthened coordination among residents, leadership, and supporting organizations and contributed to meaningful improvements in housing conditions.
Mrs. Scurti also provided critical support during an active‑shooter incident, helping ensure families received timely, accurate information and essential support during a frightening, rapidly unfolding situation. After the event, she connected affected individuals with immediate care and resources.
During the government shutdown, Mrs. Scurti worked diligently to identify emerging family needs and link members with essential assistance. Her efforts bolstered community support and helped reduce uncertainty for families navigating an extremely challenging period.
Her impact extended well beyond her assigned units. In one particularly consequential instance, her attentiveness, empathy, and swift action helped prevent the suicide of a service member located far outside her geographic area of responsibility. Her willingness to act demonstrates the profound difference a dedicated and prepared ombudsman can make during a crisis.
“Since being presented with this award, I have had the tremendous honor of representing our entire ombudsman network at events across the country, from the Coast Guard Festival in Michigan to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in D.C.,” Mrs. Bree Scurti reflected. “I am incredibly proud to be part of a network of compassionate, dedicated volunteers, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent the extraordinary individuals who make our network so strong.”
“Our Ombudsman are an incredible group of VOLUNTEERS who dedicate significant time to train and learn about their role as part of the Command, their role as a liaison to our CG families and learn about all available resources for our members,” said Mrs. LyndaLee Lunday, Coast Guard Ombudsman-at-Large. “The support and care they provide our members and families while taking care of their own family life is nothing short of amazing. Each year, all units across our Coast Guard have an opportunity to select/nominate Ombudsman who have demonstrated excellence above and beyond the norm and then a small committee has the monumental task of selecting one individual who shines extra bright. This year’s star is Bree Scurti. I am so proud of our Ombudsman. Congrats to all who were nominated. Bravo Zulu Bree – this is a well-deserved honor.”
Ombudsmen are command‑appointed, professionally trained volunteers who provide information, referrals, and support to Coast Guard members and families. They serve as trusted communication bridges between commands and families and help leadership identify emerging needs and concerns. Their service is critical during deployments, permanent changes of station, emergencies, natural disasters, government shutdowns, and other periods of stress or uncertainty.
“I am deeply grateful and honored to receive this award,” said Mrs. Bree Scurti. “To me, it represents the dedication of ombudsmen everywhere who work tirelessly to support our Coast Guard families and service members. I have seen firsthand the positive impact this program has on people’s lives through compassionate support, effective communication, quality training, and a strong network of ombudsmen. I am especially grateful to the commands I have had the privilege of serving alongside for their unwavering support of this program, the ombudsman coordinators who continually provide guidance and encouragement, and my fellow ombudsmen across the country whose commitment inspires me every day. I also want to thank my husband, Chief Tyler Scurti, and our two daughters, Haliʻa and Kirra. They have supported me throughout this journey, and I hope that through my service I have shown them what it means to lead with a servant’s heart.”
Although the award recognizes one extraordinary volunteer, it also highlights the ongoing dedication of ombudsmen serving across the entire Coast Guard. Every day, these volunteers help families navigate military life, connect with resources, communicate with commands, and stay informed during both routine operations and crisis events.
Mrs. Scurti’s selfless service, professionalism, and lasting impact greatly enhanced family readiness and reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Coast Guard.
Congratulations to Mrs. Brianna Scurti, the Coast Guard’s 2025 Wanda Allen‑Yearout Ombudsman of the Year.
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