DATE: September 28, 2021 8:10:34 AM GMT-0400

Afghans Receive Cultural Awareness Training at Fort Lee

Story by Sgt. Andre Taylor
Operation Allies Welcome – Operation Allies Refuge

FORT LEE, Va. — Cultural awareness training, held three days a week, are offered to Afghan personnel by Task Force Eagle services as part of Operation Allies Welcome on Fort Lee, Virginia. The courses help newly arrived Afghans learn about employment opportunities and how to transition into American culture.

Pamela Morris, an employee at the United States Agency for International Development, works with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help find people jobs. She also assists with transitioning Afghan personnel into society using modules about transportation, cultural awareness, acclimation, and the rights they have in the places they live.

In addition to these programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are being held for personnel who want to increase their language proficiency.

Lee Blaser, a contracted employee for the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), holds English classes and cultural adjustment courses. The classes provide basic English, such as introducing yourself and writing your name, to more advanced English to help Afghans navigate their new life in the U.S.

“We try to use a strengths-based approach to this,” said Blaser. “A lot of these folks speak multiple languages and so we want to acknowledge that they have a lot of skills and experience already.”

Andrew Doty, a volunteer with HHS, also joined in with Blaser to provide services with specific goals in mind as Afghans transition to life in the United States.

“[The] big goal is to get people to have basic conversations when they’re entering new communities,” explained Doty. “They can introduce themselves and show they are excited when entering new communities.”

Both classes continue to be available on Fort Lee for Afghans before resettlement in the U.S.

“The classes support those in need while helping anyone willing to learn,” concluded Doty.” “[With the] understanding that it’s going to be a lot of ups and downs as they adjust to things.”

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 at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

 

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<p style=”text-align: center;”><em>Fort Lee is the Army’s Home of Sustainment and supports the training, education and development of adaptive Army logistics professionals. The installation supports more than 90,000 Soldiers, retirees, veterans, family members and civilian employees in the local area. Fort Lee has a regional economic impact of about $2.25 billion per year. Major organizations on the installation include the Combined Arms Support Command, Army Logistics University, U.S. Army Ordnance School, U.S. Army Quartermaster School, U.S. Army Transportation School, Defense Commissary Agency and Defense Contract Management Agency. </em></p>

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<p style=”text-align: center;”>Fort Lee Public Affairs Office | 804.734.7451 | ArmyFortLee.PAO@mail.mil</p>
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Lee Blaser, a contracted employee for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, points to a picture of an urgent care facility during an English as a Second Language (ESL) class for a group of Afghan personnel in the living support area as part of Operation Allies Welcome on Fort Lee, Virginia, Sept. 24, 2021. 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 at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ty Baggerly)
An Afghan personnel looks over a handout of common health symptoms during an English as a Second Language class in the living support area as part of Operation Allies Welcome at Fort Lee, Virginia, Sept. 24, 2021. 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 at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ty Baggerly)