As early as this weekend, more than 5,000 Afghanistan evacuees are expected to arrive in Indiana as the state was chosen as one of the temporarily locations for the people.
According to officials, support is becoming from everywhere in order to prepare the Camp Atterbury in Johnson County as their new temporary home.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin authorized the move Tuesday as part of Operation Allies Refuge, according to a statement from U.S. Northern Command.
Several other locations across the country were also appointed as temporary home for the evacuees. According to latest information, as of now Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and Virginia sites Fort Pickett, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Lee are confirmed locations to host the evacuees.
Indiana Gov. Holcomb said that they were struggling with workforce in order to prepare the camp on time. Following his announcement, some federal partners including the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense and State and the National Counterterrorism Commission, are supporting the vetting processes.
The total number of people who will come to support will exceed 800 people and they will be part of the military police, medical support, life support and logistics.
All of the evacuees will be medically examined which is expected to last no more than 14 days. According to Holcomb, everyone will be tested for Covid-19 and everyone will be vaccinated shortly after arrival. All other health resources will also be provided.
Meanwhile, the local police department will partner will other federal security agencies in order to identify possible security concerns. Physical and security awareness measures have also been heightened around the camp, Lyles said, but there are no known threats or information suggesting the camp could be a security target at this time.
At this point, there is no formal way Hoosiers to help the camp and the evacuees. However, officials are working to solve this issue and everyone interested to help can call the guard at 317-247-3559 in meantime an inform how and when they want to help.
Holcomb said he wants the state to help those who assisted and aided the country during the war. He said he wants to make sure the state is being safe, smart, going the extra distance and using everything at the state’s disposal to welcome evacuees.
“We need to be there for folks who were there for us period,” Holcomb said.
