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Show NEWS U by SSgt. David P. Masko Air Philippines evacuees need clothing, household items Force News Service With the evacuation of all Department of Defense dependents from the Philippines virtually complete, U.S. officials say relief efforts are now aimed at repatriation for those people separated from their homes after the deadly Mount Pinatubo volcano All dependents of military service members at Clark AB and Subic Bay, the Philippines, had to be evacuated due to the eruptions of Mount Pinatubo. "Two families have already arrived and we don't know how many more will be coming," e Ellsworth from the Family Support Center eruptions. The Air Force and the other military services have intensified their assistance programs for people who are now back in the United States, said Joe Straub, a spokesman for the Defense Department's repatriation plans and operations. As of June 26, more than 16,000 people have been Ar-ni- said. According to Ellsworth, the families were evacuated by air and were unable to bring any household items with them. Anyone wishing to donate any kind of general household items should contact the Family Support Center at processed through the continental United States repatriation centers and have been moved to their "safe haven destination," Straub said. Safe haven is the temporary location where depenExt. 74681. dents stay and await further instructions after arriving at CONUS or approved overseas locations. The evacuation of people from the Philippines be turtles, a wolf and a pet lizard were transported. At the same time, stateside repatriation teams are gan June 16 after Defense Secretary Dick Cheney Command a commander chief Pacific in approved assuring all military people in the Philippines that request authorizing the departure of all dependents their family members are being properly cared for. and Americans evacuated from the Philippines have military and DOD civilians from the Philippines. found plenty of support available in the United A U.S. Embassy statement said it was a prudent States. Repatriation centers at Travis and Norton decision to evacuate the dependents, citing both the AFBs in California, and McChord AFB, Wash., chaos and potential danger of continued volcanic ac- served as the U.S. ports of entry for evacuees; while Andersen AB, Guam, provided temporary astivity. Mount Pinatubo eruptions forced the closure of sistance for those shuttling across the Pacific. c Clark AB and caused considerable damage to Upon arrival at the repatriation centers, the Force Air of Naval where families evacuees were greeted by base officials and providStation Bay beed information on entitlements, general evacuation members stationed at Clark were housed before States. the evacuated United to information, and data regarding filing claims under ing Besides transporting humans, some of the Navy emergency conditions. ships became modern day "Noah's Arks," having "They also received the first 30 days of safe haven ferried nearly 1,000 dogs and cats belonging to allowances, medical assistance if needed, day care for children, interpreters, food, billeting assistance, evacuees. In addition to traditional pets, a wide assortment of other animals, including exotic birds, mental health or religious counseling and transpor non-essenti- al Su-bi- SEE YELLOWSTONE tation, not only to get to their final destination but also to get to the airport or hotel if they had to stay overnight," said Raymond Robinson, DOD executive agent for repatriation plans and operations. "The volunteer agencies such as the Red Cross, USO, family support centers and family services volunteers offered a variety of services, as well as serving refreshments and offering donated clothing," Robinson said. "Their support was simply outstanding." In addition, the military services established telephone hotlines for service members, relatives and their units to stay in touch. The Pentagon said the repatriation process can offer anything a family might need to its lifestyle. "We are confident with the experience gained, having worked close to 35 evacuations over the past seven years, that any DOD evacuee arriving in this s manner," country will be taken care of in a first-clas- Robinson said. The safe haven allowances for the evacuees can continue for up to 180 days or until a decision is made by the Pentagon regarding the return, or not. of the evacuees to the Philippines, he said. "At that point, service officials will contact the evacuees to discuss their options." Claims for loss or damage from the volcano are payable up to $40,000, officials said. Meanwhile, damage at Clark is being assessed by an Air Force guard detachment of 1,500 people who will determine whether or not the Air Force will be able to return to the base. At least 160 buildings at Subic Bay were damaged by the eruptions, and roofs collapsed on 30 to 40 hangars and other buildings at Clark, officials said. 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