PA Air National Guard Activated To Support Afghan Evacuees

PENNSYLVANIA — Members of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard are joining the effort to support Afghan ally refuge efforts in the United States.

Gov. Tom Wolf said 43 Pennsylvania Air National Guard members are on federal orders through the end of September to provide general base support such as security, firefighting, and ground transportation duties as needed at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, New Jersey; Volk Field, Wisconsin; and at the Pentagon.

"We are fortunate to have the diverse resources of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard to assist with the monumental yet compassionate task," Wolf said. "Pennsylvania will do whatever it takes to provide the resources and the open arms for the Afghan people to feel safe and welcomed."

According to the City of Philadelphia, 2,386 evacuees from Afghanistan have come to the United States through the Philadelphia International Airport as of Tuesday.

On Monday alone, 1,503 evacuees came through the airport

The city said hundreds more were expected to arrive Tuesday, but has not provided figures on how many flew in.

"Pennsylvania’s airmen possess a variety of skills and they are well-trained to support our federal partners," said Brig. Gen. Michael Regan, deputy adjutant general for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. "Many of our airmen have served in Afghanistan and this mission is one that is particularly meaningful to support."

In Philadelphia, evacuees have an array of city, state, and federal agencies as well as local hospitals and non-profit partners are in Terminal A-East providing various services after evacuees deplane and are cleared by customs.

These include culturally appropriate food, comfort items, diapers, and hygiene products; a general medical evaluation that includes a required COVID test, physical and mental health support services, and the opportunity to get a COVID vaccination; escorts to retrieve luggage; and transportation to their next destination.

The city is also providing on-site interpretation in Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and Farsi, and has a space in baggage claim for reflection, meditation, prayer and religious observance.