Flexibility, teamwork key to smooth transition for DOD families from Japan
Posted 4/1/2011
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by Tom Saunders
Air Forces Northern Command Public Affairs
4/1/2011 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. (AFNS) -- As family members of service members stationed in northern Japan made their way across the Pacific Ocean bound for the United States, scores of representatives from various agencies awaited them at the Joint Reception Coordination Center here, led by members of U.S. Army North.
A network of experts from the Army, Air Force and Navy, along with civilians from the Transportation and Safety Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the San Francisco Police Department and United Air Lines joined forces to assist Defense Department families transiting from Japan after the nation was rocked by anearthquake and subsequent tsunami March 11.
To date, more than 2,500 passengers have processed through the JRCC that was temporarily set up here to execute Operation Pacific Passage, DOD's response to help alleviate the strain on infrastructure and demand for food, water, medical care and other resources in northern Japan.
"This operation is a perfect example of excellent interagency cooperation between a multitude of DOD, federal and civilian agencies," said Col. Warlinde Richardson, the defense coordinating officer for the JRCC. "This effort clearly demonstrates the compassion of our nation as a whole, and the tireless work of those who want to assist our military families."
As the DCO, Colonel Richardson has command and control of the JRCC, which has the responsibility of processing military family members through the airport and assisting them as they transition to their next location. In addition to transportation support, the family members have access to financial assistance, medical aid, veterinarian expertise and child care while processing the necessary paperwork to reach their follow-on destination.
"Our goal is to take care of our families and treat them as if they are our own parents, sisters, brothers and children," Richardson said. "Our efforts should mirror the treatment and attention the troops who are redeploying from the battlefield overseas receive. With that mentality, we can't go wrong."
The JRCC will remain in place until its purpose is no longer needed.
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