Indiana Guard continues deployment to aid Afghan refugees

Weeks after the arrival of Afghan evacuees at Camp Atterbury, the Indiana National Guard continues its work there in support of Operation Allies Welcome.

According to reports from the Guard, about 150 members are working in a variety of roles, including warehouse operations, administrative support, and facility maintenance for the active duty service members and federal workers who are managing the operation.

“Camp Atterbury has spearheaded a whole of government effort that encompasses the best of our Hoosier values,” said Col. Michael Grundman, Camp Atterbury commander, in a press release. “Indiana National Guardsman in conjunction with state agencies and individual volunteers from all walks of life continue to perform beyond my expectations.

“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 is also working to help collect donations for the Afghan nationals. This includes nine armory locations for donation drop-off, staffed by Guard members for the collection of donations. Guard members are also transporting those donations to Camp Atterbury.

The Indiana Guard Reserve has nearly 80 volunteers helping with sorting, packaging, and distribution of donations.

Photo credit: Pfc. Jordan Corfman, an Infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, Bravo Company, plays thumb war with an Afghan child while supporting Operation Allies Welcome at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Oct. 25, 2021.  U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trinity Carter / 14th Public Affairs Detachment