Processing the evacuated Published Jan. 20, 2010 By Master Sgt. Chance Babin Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- As planes continue to leave Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., full of relief supplies bound for Haiti, a great number of planes return full of evacuees coming home. These people, many of them U.S. citizens or residents, must go through evacuation in-processing at Homestead ARB. Currently this process is taking place at the fitness center here. Maj. Larry Holbrook, 482nd Services Squadron commander, is serving as the site commander for evacuation in-processing for the base. "It's been moving very smoothly so far," Major Holbrook said. "They've been through a lot. Many haven't eaten or slept in days. Their spirits are high. We treat them with respect, so they've been very appreciative of what we've been able to provide for them." Major Holbrook's team consists of reservists from the 482nd Fighter Wing, as well as others from the base. He said he is expecting volunteers from other bases in the near future as well. On Jan. 20, the fitness center was bustling as nearly 600 evacuees arrived before 8 o'clock. "It's been sporadic since this morning," Major Holbrook said. "We're ramping up expecting a thousand a day to in-process." Another matter is the possibility of receiving refugees. The major said his staff will be prepared in case this happens. In addition to the military staff on hand, representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the American Red Cross and the Florida Department of Children and Family Services, are assisting.