Issue 36: 17 Years Ago: County Coordinates Repatriation of Released HostagesThis is a featured page


County workers assist released hostages at Dulles Airport


When 47 freed American hostages from Iraq stepped off the plane at Dulles Airport 17 years ago, on September 2, 1990, they were greeted and given assistance by 30 staff members from the Loudoun County Department of Social Services and other county agencies.

The county's Department of Social Services – which was renamed the Department of Family Services last year – was designated the lead agency in assisting the former hostages with transportation, lodging, food, clothing and other needs.

"Some of the hostages arrived at
Dulles Airport with no money and no way to get home," Carmen Nazario, then-Director of Social Services, said at the time. "They were tired, hungry, and needed assistance which we were happy to be able to provide."

Altogether, 30 county employees assisted in the process.

Social Services staff members made air travel arrangements for 11 adults, eight children and four pets. One adult and one child were provided food and lodging at a hotel in Loudoun County. Four adults were given financial assistance totaling $650.

Social Services staff helped provide direct repatriation services to the freed hostages. The Sheriff’s Office assisted with security. The Department of Fire and Rescue provided communication systems.

Parks and Recreation staff provided child care services for the children. The Public Information Officer helped coordinate information and media relations at the airport. The Victim Witness Office provided counseling for the former hostages and support to the Red Cross.

Volunteers from the Red Cross of Loudoun County coordinated the physical setup of the repatriation processing center and the provision of canteen services, lunches and comfort kits for the released hostages. Sterling Rescue Company 15 and Dulles Fire/Rescue Company 64 also helped at the airport.

The repatriation process, as set forth in the Social Security Act, provides temporary financial and other assistance for United States citizens and their dependents who return to the country during a crisis situation. The Virginia Department of Social Services designated the Loudoun County Department of Social Services to serve as the lead agency for the repatriation of U.S. citizens arriving at Dulles Airport.




This is one of a series of weekly releases from the Loudoun County Office of Public Information highlighting landmark events in the Loudoun County government during its 250-year history.

Sources: Loudoun County Press Release
Image: County workers assist released hostages at Dulles Airport; photo by Jim Barnes


bmason
bmason 		Latest page update: made by bmason , Feb 14 2008, 12:32 PM EST (about this update About This Update bmason Edited by bmason


view changes
- complete history)
Keyword tags: None
More Info: links to this page

Threads for this page

There are no threads for this page.  Be the first to start a new thread.