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SHARED BASIS McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST – The country’s defense minister is expected to visit a community being created here for Afghan refugees.
Lloyd J. Austin III will visit the base in South Jersey on Monday, September 27, “to speak to troops and other department personnel who are supporting this important mission,” a Pentagon spokesman said.
“I think he will also have the opportunity to speak to some Afghans,” said spokesman John F. Kirby during a press conference on Friday.
Austin’s tour takes place as the base expands residential quarters for a refugee population that could reach 13,000 people. The base posted photos of construction equipment on September 21 for the expansion of an area known as Liberty Village, which already includes a large tent city.
“Future facilities that are slated for construction include the Liberty Market, where Afghans can buy groceries and household items,” said a base statement on Saturday.
It also noted the recent opening of a medical facility for the Afghan people, as well as beauty and barber shops.
Austin’s scheduled visit follows a tour on Saturday by senior Air Force leaders, including General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the military branch’s chief of staff.
“It is impressive to see what has happened here for over a month,” Brown said in the statement.
The 42,000-hectare base is said to be home to Afghans who fled their country last month after the Taliban seized power.
Refugees who have been able to stay at the base for up to a year include people who have served the U.S. Forces for 20 years and family members.
The South Jersey site is one of eight military bases that host Afghan refugees in the United States.
Jim Walsh reports on public safety, economic development, and other topics for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times, and The Daily Journal.
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