Military Families Return From Japan; LA Mayor Convenes Aid Panel
SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) — Thousands of family members of American service personnel stationed in Japan arrived at air bases in California as officials warn the need for aid following the earthquake and tsunami is still alarmingly high.
The U.S. Northern Command said Tuesday that about 2,600 arrived through Travis Air Force Base, Calif., or San Francisco International Airport.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport received 2,100 people. Another 500 returned through Denver International Airport.
Meanwhile, an effort led by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa along with the U.S. Japan Council and over 30 civic organizations is underway to coordinate aid to Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Irene Hirano Inouye, president of the U.S. - Japan Council tells KNX 1070 that despite some encouraging progress in the disaster-ravaged nation, the Japanese still need help.
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Reception centers at Travis and the Seattle and Denver airports are helping the families arrange temporary lodging, food, pet care and other accommodations.
Northern Command, based at Colorado's Peterson Air Force Base, is responsible for the military defense of U.S. soil and supporting civilian agencies in natural or human-caused disasters.
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