Little Rock, Tyndall, Guard Bureau helping evacuees Published Sept. 2, 2005 SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- As recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Air Force bases are opening their doors to help evacuees."We will do everything we can to get (families) situated here and to be comfortable," said Brig. Gen. Joseph M. Reheiser, 314th Airlift Wing commander at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.Little Rock activated a 24-hour reception center for Airmen and their families who have evacuated. Located in the base conference center, is a consolidated information point for military personnel flight, finance, lodging, medical, chapel and family support services."We are making as many assets and resources available as possible," the general said.As of Sept. 2, the center has provided services for more than 20 Air Force families.At Tyndall AFB, Fla., several agencies are helping evacuees.The family support center will help all servicemembers, civilians and their families with a valid Department of Defense identification card. Call (850) 283-4204 for assistance and referrals.The 325th Medical Group has set aside times at the base clinic for medical appointments to all Department of Defense cardholders. Evacuees should call the clinic appointment line at (850) 283-2778 and identify themselves to receive aid.DOD identification card holders may attend entitlement briefings by the finance and legal offices Sept. 9 to 12 at 1 p.m. For more information, call the legal assistance office at (850) 283-4681.For recorded information about Tyndall programs that apply to all evacuees, call the Tyndall Straight Talk Center toll free at (877) 529-5540. For more information on support and services for evacuees, call the family support center at (850) 283-4204.The National Guard Bureau at Arlington, Va., has set up the National Guard helpline for the families of deployed guardsmen affected by Hurricane Katrina. They should call the helpline at (888) 777-7731 as soon as possible.Calling the number allows the Guard to contact the deployed guardsman and let them know of the family’s current situation.“There are four ways to connect with their servicemember. Either through the family assistance center, state family program director, wing family program coordinator or through the rear detachment of their unit,” said Col. Anthony Baker, National Guard Bureau family programs chief. “We will bridge that gap for them by making sure they have all of the information necessary. In cases where they can’t make that contact, we will make it for them.”Deployed servicemembers can also call the hotline to contact their families.“If a servicemember calls in and asks us to find their family, we’ll call one or all of the services in that state and say, ‘please connect, find the family and get back to us,’ so we can let that service member know that they are all right,” Colonel Baker said.Deployed servicemembers who cannot call one of the toll-free numbers, can make contact through www.army.mil/ako or www.guardfamily.org Web sites.Colonel Baker and his team of coordinators have already been successful in contacting deployed servicemembers with family information. And operators at the hotline can help families get help and services from federal, state and local agencies.No matter what the problem or issue, family programs can find, contact and connect the family with the proper service.Other numbers to call: (888) 777-7731 for emergencies; and (800) 342-9647 to find a nearby family program office.