FORT MCCOY, Wis. — The first Afghan refuges have arrived at Fort McCoy, according to the Task Force McCoy Public Affairs Office.
In a news release around 3 p.m. Sunday, officials said the first special immigrant visa applicants, their families and other individuals at risk arrived at Fort McCoy from Afghanistan.
The release said Fort McCoy expects more arrivals throughout the day and in the coming days.
Approximately 1,000 service members from multiple units of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve have begun to assemble at Fort McCoy to provide support to Operation Allies Refuge, the release said.
Refugees have also started arriving at Fort Lee in Virginia and Fort Bliss in Texas.
The task force as Fort McCoy will also provide housing, medical, logistical and transportation support to the refugees.
“The Fort McCoy community is proud to join U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command and the Department of Defense team in supporting the State Department with this mission,” the release said. “We look forward to the opportunity to treat our temporary guests with the utmost respect and Wisconsin hospitality as they commence their Special Immigrant Visa process.”
President Joe Biden said Sunday that 11,000 individuals were evacuated from Kabul over the weekend and he remains committed to assisting all Americans who want to leave Afghanistan get out.
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