CNRH Establishes Support Programs for Families Arriving from Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Hawaii set up support programs March 21 for family members of active duty service members arriving from Japan at the Honolulu International Airport.

CNRH is teaming with the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's Warfighter and Family Services (WFS) office, and Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) to help families that have been displaced by the recent events in Japan.

"We currently have staff members at a reception desk at the airport to accommodate any families arriving from Japan and Guam. We are here to reach out to them and provide any services they may need," said WFS Director Margaret Scurfield. "It is important for us to greet these families upon arrival and facilitate their needs after they've had to leave their home and take a long flight back to the U.S."

While there has not been a large number of families arriving in Hawaii, WFS staff will remain at the airport to support, according to Scurfield.

"So far we've only had a handful of people arrive here in Hawaii, but we expect that number to increase," Scurfield said. "It is important for these families to know that we are here to support them in whatever they may need."

WFS provides counseling services, assistance with lodging, relocation, child care, new parent support and phone contact information.

Paul Belanger, director of NMCRS Pearl Harbor, said his organization offers a variety of services to incoming families.

"Currently we are offering short term immediate assistance to all of the families arriving from Japan, including loans and access to our thrift shop at minimal cost," Belanger said. "NMCRS is here to support our active duty service members and their families in this time of need."

Service members and families can contact the Warfighter and Family Services Office at 808-474-1999 or call 808-473-1222 on weekends.

For more information on the voluntary authorized departure for eligible DoD family members from designated areas in Japan, read NAVADMIN 093/11 at www.npc.navy.mil.>

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System support site at www.navyfamily.navy.mil to ensure the Navy can track and assess support requirements for all parties affected. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center has a 24-hour hotline available to provide family support information at 866-854-0638.