State Rep. Sheila Klinker: Camp Atterbury is the embodiment of ‘Hoosier hospitality’

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-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) Klinker and fellow House Democrats, State Reps. Chris Campbell (D-West 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. 

“I applaud Camp Atterbury for being one of the best refugee operations in the nation,” Klinker said.

“Camp Atterbury is a true embodiment of ‘Hoosier hospitality.’ I am thankful for the tireless efforts of service members, government employees and volunteers for their efforts to resettle vulnerable Afghans. I wish our new neighbors all the best as they settle into their new lives.”

The Indiana House of Representatives is currently holding a donation drive to benefit the remaining Afghan refugees at Camp Atterbury. New, unbranded items for men, women and children of all ages, including winter apparel, baby clothes, and powder baby formula, are being collected. Items can be dropped off in donation bins outside of the House Chamber at the Indiana Statehouse.