Military Families Evacuated from Middle East Receive Aid at BWI Airport

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides $200,000 in grants to support families during urgent evacuation from Bahrain

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A solitary figure of a military family member sitting alone in an airport terminal, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and resilience in the face of unexpected upheaval.A military family's quiet moment of uncertainty and resilience amid the chaos of an unexpected evacuation.Baltimore Today

In late February, a rapidly deteriorating security environment in Bahrain triggered an urgent and complex evacuation of military families from the Middle East. Many arrived at BWI Airport in Baltimore exhausted and uncertain, some with nothing more than a backpack. The Navy set up an emergency family assistance center at the airport, where the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provided $200,000 in grants to the arriving families.

Why it matters

This evacuation highlights the sacrifices and challenges faced by military families, who are often overlooked for their support of those who serve. The quick response and financial assistance from organizations like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society help provide stability and allow service members to remain focused on their missions.

The details

Families were forced to depart Bahrain with little notice, often without documentation, access to funds or even basic belongings. Many did not know where they would land or what would come next. Once the plane to Baltimore arrived, the Navy set up an emergency family assistance center at BWI. Senior leadership, Navy chaplains, family counselors, American Red Cross and USO members were on hand to assist. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society also provided $200,000 in grants to the arriving families that night.

  • In late February, a rapidly deteriorating security environment in Bahrain triggered the urgent evacuation.

The players

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

A private, nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1904 that provides aid to active and retired Navy and Marine Corps service members, their families and survivors in times of need.

Tom Jurkowsky

A retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy who served on active duty for 31 years, and the author of the book 'The Secret Sauce for Organizational Success: Communications and Leadership on the Same Page.'

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What they’re saying

“When families are supported, service members can remain focused on the mission. When a deployed sailor or Marine knows he has an organization like NMCRS to support his family, there is a level of comfort that allows him to focus on his job. And when a service member is able to focus on his job, the Navy benefits by remaining mission-ready.”

— Tom Jurkowsky, Retired Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

What’s next

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society continues to provide financial assistance and support to the military families affected by the evacuation from Bahrain as they work to rebuild their lives.

The takeaway

This evacuation from Bahrain underscores the vital role that military families play in supporting those who serve, and the importance of organizations like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in providing stability and aid during times of crisis and uncertainty.