TOMAH, WI (WSAU-Wisconsin Radio Network) – A Facebook post from Fort McCoy reports the first Afghan refugees started arriving last weekend.
Special immigrant visa applicants, their families, and other individuals at risk are included in the group arriving at the military facility near Tomah. Afghan citizens have been flying into Volk Field Air National Guard base, then being transported to Fort McCoy.
It’s not known how many refugees will be at Fort McCoy or how long they’ll stay. They’ve being housed in barracks that are normally used for active duty troops.
About one thousand service members from the U-S Army and U-S Army Reserve will provide support to Operation Allies Refuge. Officials with the Tomah School District has been advised that the children of some refugees may be attending class once the school year begins.
The Pentagon had approved a request from the Army to house and support the refugees at the base. Others are being housed at military bases in Texas and Virginia.
