State Rep. Chris Campbell applauds Camp Atterbury for service to Afghan refugees

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) yesterday toured Camp Atterbury, which has served as a temporary home for about 7,200 Afghan refugees since September as a part of a nationwide effort known as Operation Allies Welcome.

During their tour on Thursday (December 2) Campbell and fellow House Democrats, State Reps. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette), Mike Andrade (D-Munster) and Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) learned more about the programming and resettling assistance Camp Atterbury and its fellow state agencies were providing to the refugees. The legislators were also able to see a majority of the residential areas, including the cafeteria, barracks and classrooms. 

At Camp Atterbury, Afghan refugees have had the opportunity to take English lessons and workforce development classes to help them resettle in the U.S. Camp Atterbury staff and other state agencies have also assisted in finding employment and housing for refugees resettling across the nation. 

“Camp Atterbury is a perfect example of how communities can come together to care for others,” Campbell said.

“I am proud to see Indiana step up and be a leader in supporting refugees. As these refugees settle in our state and across our country, we should continue to support them as our neighbors through understanding and inclusion.”