FORT MCCOY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Afghan refugees started arriving at Monroe County’s Fort McCoy this afternoon, according to military officials.
Fort McCoy said special immigrant visa applicants, their families and other individuals at risk arrived Sunday afternoon. The arrivals are expected to continue throughout the day, and in coming days.
As for other military installations taking in refugees, McCoy lists Fort Lee in Virginia and Fort Bliss in Texas.
Approximately 1,000 service members from the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve were sent to Fort McCoy to provide support to the effort, called “Operation Allies Refuge”.
The task force at Fort McCoy will provide the housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support.
“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,” a press 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.”
U.S. Northern Command is working to build additional capacity Fort McCoy, at Fort Lee, Fort Bliss, Texas, and potentially other military locations as required.
