MADISON, Wis. — Saying Americans owe it to the Afghan people after they helped keep our troops safe, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says the state is ready to accept refugees.
“Many Afghan people now fleeing their homes have bravely contributed to work in Afghanistan over the past two decades,” Evers said in a statement Tuesday. “Just as they protected us in serving our country and helped keep our troops safe, we owe it to them to protect and keep them safe.”
Reports surfaced Monday that Fort McCoy near Sparta was among the U.S. military bases across the country preparing to house thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan as the Taliban regained control following the withdrawal of American troops.
Evers says he’s been in contact with the federal government about the resettlement efforts.
“As we learn more information, Wisconsin is ready to assist these efforts and help these individuals who served our country and are now seeking refuge,” Evers said.
The governor also acknowledged some of the reports and images coming from Afghanistan over the last few days may be hard for those who served there in the last 20 years to see.
“We also know some Wisconsinites who served in Afghanistan alongside these allies — as well as some of those who have sought safety in our state previously — may be experiencing trauma and anxiety as they watch these events unfold,” Evers said.
“We are thinking of them and are reminded today and in the days ahead to offer each other support, patience, and kindness and treat one another with empathy, respect and compassion.”
Pentagon officials say the Department of Defense may relocate up to 30,000 Afghan people as part of the effort, although it is currently unclear how many would stay at Fort McCoy. As of late last week, 1,200 people were reportedly already in the U.S. as part of “Operation Allies Refuge.”
This would not be the first time Fort McCoy was used to give shelter to refugees. The base took in about 14,000 refugees from Cuba in 1980.
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