Task Force Navy Family Helps Families Rebuild

Task Force Navy Family is coordinating and augmenting community service operations in order to provide a rapid return to a stable environment for Navy family members affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Approximately 500 families have been temporarily housed in Navy visitors quarters, with the total number of people at around 1,600, including 700 bachelor members. Many of the displaced families are staying in temporary housing at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Members checking in receive maps, discount coupons, Hurricane Disaster Relief telephone numbers, and schedules of base services. A hangar on base is filled with items donated for displaced families. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs are geared toward entertaining the children. MWR also has planned family movie and dinner nights and coloring contests for grades two through six, and has erected playground equipment. Navy family members who need additional information should call (877) 414-5358, or visit www.navy.mil.