An Airman assigned to Task Force-Holloman prepares to unload luggage in support of Operation Allies Welcome, Aug. 31, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. (Jessica Sanchez-Chen/U.S. Air Force)
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (Tribune News Service) Task Force-Holloman announced that donations to Operation Allies Welcome, the Afghan refugee resettlement program, has reached capacity.
"Due to the overwhelming support from the local community, donations for Operation Allies Welcome are at capacity," a Task Force-Holloman news release states.
About 100 tons of items have been donated towards Operation Allies Welcome, the news release states.
Afghan refugees started arriving at Holloman Air Force Base on Aug. 31. These refugees are seeking Afghan special immigration visas which are for those who were employed by or for the United States during the war in Afghanistan.
Airmen from Task Force-Holloman build partitions in a newly constructed living area at the Afghan personnel camp on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., August 31, 2021. (Kenneth Boyton/U.S. Air Force)
Airmen with the 635th Material Maintenance Squadron, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, and the 49th Wing set up the foundation of a housing tent as part of Task Force-Holloman, Aug. 27, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (Jessica Sanchez-Chen/ U.S. Air Force)
Col. Ryan Keeney, 49th Wing commander, welcomes Task Force-Holloman personnel Aug. 27, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (BreeAnn Sachs/ U.S. Air Force)
Tech. Sgt. Whitney O’Neill, 49th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center noncommissioned officer in charge, counts cots for Task Force-Holloman personnel Aug. 27, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (BreeAnn Sachs/ U.S. Air Force)
Airmen assigned to Task Force-Holloman prepare an in-processing line in support of Operation Allies Welcome, Aug. 31, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (Jessica Sanchez-Chen/ U.S. Air Force)
A C-130J Super Hercules carrying Afghan personnel taxis on the ramp at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., August 31, 2021. (Kenneth Boyton/ U.S. Air Force)
A U.S. Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules taxis after landing in support of Department of State-led Operation Allies Welcome, Aug. 31, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (Christopher S. Sparks/U.S. Air Force)
"As Afghan personnel arrive, they arrive with different statuses in the application process," Task Force- Holloman spokeswoman MSgt. Rachel Waller said. "As such, the visa process is different for each person or family depending on where they are in the process, and that will impact how long they will be housed here at Task Force-Holloman."
The Afghan refugees were vetted by security screenings done by U.S. intelligence, law enforcement and counter-terrorism professionals, according to a senior Biden administration official on Aug. 24.
Holloman Air Force Base is one of several military installations hosting a share of 50,000 Afghan refugees. The other military installations to house refugees are Fort Lee, Va.; Fort McCoy, Wis.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.; and Fort Pickett, Va.
The Afghan refugees are being provided transportation, temporary housing, medical screenings and other general support through the U.S. Department of Defense through U.S. Northern Command supporting the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security.
Although the community donation effort has reached capacity, there are other ways for people to support Operation Allies Welcome such as by watching for targeted donations for Afghan refugees as the needs arise through the Allies Welcome Holloman Air Force Base website and the Holloman Spouses Organization Facebook page.
To give a monetary donation, Task Force-Holloman suggests donating to: The American Red Cross, The International Rescue Committee, The Salvation Army, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, International Organization for Migration, or the National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).
For more information, call Task Force-Holloman at 575-572-1468.
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