Emergency family assistance available for on-base disasters

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When a disaster occurs at Sheppard, family members are often left wondering whether their loved ones are safe. To help spouses and family members start looking for support and information, the base establishes the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center to address their needs and help ease some anxiety.

The EFACC is a consolidated staging area where families can obtain disaster relief assistance or support, current information from leadership and available contingency services. It also serves as a central gathering point for families awaiting information about potential casualties.

"We have personnel on hand to take care of the family's needs," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Cory, family readiness NCO.

At the EFACC, the family members have a variety of services available to them, including the Airman and Family Readiness Center to assist with child care support and other services; legal counselors to fill out required documents; chaplains to provide comfort; medical and mental health personnel to provide support and answer questions; and a variety of others. Public Affairs is on hand for the latest information on the current event and to provide advice to families regarding the media.

"If people on base are looking for general information, they should call Public Affairs at 940-676-2732," said Sergeant Cory. "For people who want specific information about their family members, they can come to the South Chapel on Sheppard and get this information as well as the support services they need."

During a mass-casualty event, the EFACC would include an additional service, the Casualty Notification Team.

"The Casualty Notification Team is typically comprised of a field grade officer, chaplain and medical representative," said Robert Wade, casualty affairs representative. "They will notify the next of kin that their active-duty relative has died."

In the event of a disaster, the EFACC is established, publicized and readily available to any family member who needs information or support. Affected family members should report to the South Chapel for information and use of the EFACC services. For direction or general questions about the EFACC, please call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 940-676-4358.