By Dec. 29, the office had processed more than 140 claims, but the number is expected to rise sharply since people have had time to research the damage costs and get the required estimates to substantiate their claim, according to Capt. Yvette Schue, base claims officer. Legal representatives have given briefings four times daily to Andersen members. To date, more than 500 people have attended the briefings. During these, legal office officials give people rules about when, how and where to file claims.
Representatives also discuss the oddities, including how to file for items swept away by the storm.
Because Paka's wrath brought wind gusts of 236 mph, many claims involve vehicle damage, with costs reaching lofty figures. Tonya Williams, a claims examiner on temporary duty from Eielson AFB, Alaska. Many other claims stem from food spoilage, since the island was without power for several days following the typhoon. But not all claims have been simple to process. Darrel Hixon, on temporary duty from Kadena Air Base, Japan.