Gov. Evers visits Fort McCoy for update on operations, shares webpage for helping refugees

FORT MCCOY (WKBT) — Gov. Tony Evers visited Fort McCoy Tuesday to get an update on the Afghan refugees in the state and unveiled a new webpage to show people how they can help.

Evers toured the operations of Operation Allies Refuge and met with Afghan people already housed at Fort McCoy along with U.S. Northern Command Gen. Glen VanHerck and Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard.

“I was glad to have the opportunity to visit Fort McCoy today to speak with military leaders helping with Operation Allies Refuge, service members in the Wisconsin National Guard, and many Afghan people who are now located at Fort McCoy. Our allies from Afghanistan have a long road ahead of them, and Wisconsin will continue to extend our support and assistance to these individuals who bravely contributed to our country’s efforts over the past two decades,” said Evers.

Evers thanked military leaders and the Wisconsin Emergency Management for their leadership and support in the mission.

“I am proud of the good work they are doing at Fort McCoy and Volk Field to respond to and assist our federal partners. Wisconsin remains ready and prepared to continue to help in any way we can to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful transition for our Afghan allies,” Evers said.

The Evers Administration is coordinating with federal partners to support the Afghan refugees and help provide personal goods and supplies for residents.

Anyone who would like to help support refugees and in the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan should visit the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families “How Can I Help?” page, which is available here.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson also visited the base Tuesday, holding a press conference at the Visitor’s Center. See what he had to say here:

Related Headlines 

• Department of Defense releases pictures of Fort McCoy as the Monroe County military installation is housing Afghan refugees 
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• Evers embraces Wisconsin’s chance to host Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy 
• 41 years later: Cuban refugees once housed at Fort McCoy 

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