CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Approximately 150 Indiana National Guard members and employees continue to work at Camp Atterbury to support Afghan nationals in the Operation Allies Welcome program.
The Department of Homeland Security initiative provides Afghan partners essential support at secure locations, where they and their families can complete immigration processing safely.
Guardsmen work in various roles such as warehouse operations, administrative support and facility maintenance for the active duty service members and federal employees managing Operation Allies Welcome at Camp Atterbury. State employees are working around the clock to ensure Camp Atterbury facilities and infrastructure are in good working order to provide the Afghans with a safe and comfortable place to stay.
"Camp Atterbury has spearheaded a whole of government effort that encompasses the best of our Hoosier values. Indiana National Guardsman in conjunction with state agencies and individual volunteers from all walks of life continue to perform beyond my expectations," said Col. Michael Grundman, Camp Atterbury commander. "They have truly put their heart and soul into supporting our Afghan guests as well as our active duty partners involved with Operation Allies Welcome."
The Indiana National Guard also supports the state's initiative to collect donations to the people who evacuated from Afghanistan. Guardsmen are staffing nine armory locations where donations can be dropped off and Guard members are transporting them to Camp Atterbury. The Indiana Guard Reserve, Indiana's all-volunteer state defense force, has nearly 80 volunteers assisting with sorting, packaging and distribution of donations.
Team Rubicon, a national organization that mobilizes veterans to help during humanitarian crises, has coordinated donations with the Indiana National Guard.
The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening and general support for Afghan evacuees at installations across the United States. The Department of Homeland Security maintains responsibility for the well-being and support of Afghan personnel.