Military Families Arrive in Jacksonville From Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Stuart Phillips, Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- U.S. military family members evacuating Japan arrived at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) as part of an authorized voluntary departure of DoD dependents and Navy civilians, March 21.

The departure was authorized due to damage caused by the recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

The ten family members were met by Sailors, Navy chaplains, a Fleet and Family Service Center counselor, an individual augmentee case management coordinator and Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS JAX) Command Master Chief Brad Shepherd.

"We came to give support to the families coming in today from Japan," said Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Skidmore, NAS Jax command chaplain. "The command is fully engaged to support these family members who had to come back in a hurry. It's a time of turmoil in their lives, and we just want to provide them with a little stability, show them a friendly face and give them a hand of support."

Recipients of this show of support were quick to express gratitude.

"Seeing all these people here at the end of our trip was a big relief," said Randreaka Hodge, a Navy wife and mother of four young children ranging in ages from one to 11 years-old. "The trip was approximately 14 hours, but the hardest part was trying to stay calm for my children. It was stressful trying to keep track of the luggage and keep the kids calm while not knowing what's next."

Hodge's father, Randy Jackson, was happy to see his daughter and grandchildren safe and sound.

"I feel so much happier seeing them here," said Jackson. "I can sleep at night now. I was really worried about them over there. It was hard watching the news and hearing her cry on the telephone while I was here knowing there was nothing I could do. I'm so grateful they were able to get them home so quickly."

For question on personnel matters related to the disaster in Japan, visit http://www.navy.mil/cnp/index.asp.

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System support site at https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil.