Barksdale helps hurricane evacuees, families Published Sept. 6, 2005 By Airman 1st Class Justasia Lehmann 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFPN) -- The family assistance control center here continues to help relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina.Hundreds of servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians have fled to the Bossier City and Shreveport area in northern Louisiana seeking a safe haven, said Theresa Marvin, family support center director here.“People are in the state of shock,” Ms. Marvin said. “We’re providing a comforting and relaxed atmosphere where the evacuees can receive the help they need because they are drained emotionally and physically.”Many families lost most or everything to Hurricane Katrina, and while they are uncertain about their futures, they are grateful for the help they are receiving.“We were evacuated from Destrehan, La., which is 20 miles west of New Orleans,” said Carol Stacey, whose husband is a retiree. “We’ve been here since (Aug. 28), and though our area didn’t flood, there’s no water or electricity and the sewage is backed up. We were told there’s debris everywhere, but we just don’t know what the damage to our house is. We haven’t been able to get in contact with the sheriff’s office to find out the extent of the damage, and are still being told not to return yet. We don’t know how long we’ll be here.”After evacuating the area, they came to the control center to get diapers and baby food to help out their daughter and her three children.“We’re taking care of her as well as ourselves,” Mrs. Stacey said. “I haven’t been able to get in touch with the company I work for, and the last we heard my husband’s company is closed indefinitely. It’s a very uncertain time for us.”The control center provides information and resources to DOD people during times of crisis or disaster. It comprises representatives from life skills, the chapel, the comptroller squadron, FSC, security forces, the Air Force Aid Society, the services squadron and first sergeants.Ms. Marvin said that whatever the need is, the FSC is providing assistance to help ease the burden of retirees, military members and families who have suffered a loss.“Our discovery resource center, equipped with computers and phones, has been very helpful for the evacuees,” Ms. Marvin said. “We also are providing clothing, baby formula, diapers and toys.”Ms. Marvin said the FSC has helped numerous evacuees find local employment and worked with local school districts to ensure children of evacuees are quickly enrolled into school. In addition, they have networked with the Red Cross and helped relay vital information to DOD people.“We’re here helping people to get whatever they need, whether it’s information, getting shelter, making phone calls or providing food,” said Tech. Sgt. Steve Phillips, FACC director.Other parts of the FACC deal with evacuees’ financial issues. Representatives from the comptroller squadron are helping evacuees with pay issues.“We help ascertain whether people have access to their accounts and if not, help them get access,” said Tech. Sgt. Chad Bailey, the noncommissioned officer in charge of customer service for the squadron. “For evacuees from Keesler (Air Force Base, Miss.), we compute per diem rates, including dependents and provide them with that amount. We are also providing check cashing services.”Chaplain (Capt.) Tandy Hanson listens to evacuees and their stories and provides crisis counseling if needed.“I’m just glad to help people and administer to their needs,” the chaplain said. “It’s hard to imagine what they’re going through. I’m grateful to be working with them. It made me realize that everything can be taken away. It’s sobering.”However, the chaplain said it seems like all the families are trying to stay positive.“It blesses me to see that kind of strength,” Chaplain Hanson said.