Dear Editor: The Early Childhood Coalition would like to thank Alan Polk for his commitment to the role of ombudsman during his tenure here in Sitka. The U.S. Coast Guard Ombudsman acts as a liaison between Coast Guard families and the Command.
Alan's participation in Sitka’s Early Childhood Coalition has been exemplary and will be missed. We are a group of educators, parents, business leaders, agency representatives, and government leaders working to improve outcomes for all of Sitka’s children, particularly in childcare. Alan participated weekly and kept us informed about the Coast Guard.
Besides for his work in the Coalition, Alan has been widely acknowledged as a volunteer and leader in the community. He has umpired, coached, and participated in service organizations. We enjoyed following a fun project last Halloween when Sitka held a candy drive to supplement trick-or-treating supplies at Coast Guard housing. Alan was behind the scenes making that happen.
We extend our gratitude to Ombudsman Alan Polk for his service and dedication. We appreciate his attention to the needs of families in the Coast Guard and in the wider community.
Kari Sagel
Early Childhood Coalition
