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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines about the importance of Operation Allies Welcome while visiting Fort Pickett, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2021. The purpose of the visit was to receive a tour of Fort Pickett, meet with service members across the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines about the importance of Operation Allies Welcome while visiting Fort Pickett, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2021. The purpose of the visit was to receive a tour of Fort Pickett, meet with service members across the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Horr, (Left), sergeant major of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit speaks with Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, (Right), the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, while touring an Afghan village on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2021. The purpose of the visit was to receive a tour of Fort Pickett, meet with service members across the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Horr, (Left), sergeant major of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit speaks with Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, (Right), the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, while touring an Afghan village on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2021. The purpose of the visit was to receive a tour of Fort Pickett, meet with service members across the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dennis W. Sampson, (Left), commanding officer of the 26th Marine Expeditionary speaks with Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, (Right), the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, while touring an Afghan village on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2021. The purpose of the visit was to receive a tour of Fort Pickett, meet with service members across the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dennis W. Sampson, (Left), commanding officer of the 26th Marine Expeditionary speaks with Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, (Right), the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, while touring an Afghan village on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2021. The purpose of the visit was to receive a tour of Fort Pickett, meet with service members across the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a flag football tournament on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. The football tournament, one of the activities hosted during the festivities, pitted 15 teams against each other in order to build camaraderie, unit cohesion, and celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a flag football tournament on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. The football tournament, one of the activities hosted during the festivities, pitted 15 teams against each other in order to build camaraderie, unit cohesion, and celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a flag football tournament on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. The football tournament, one of the activities hosted during the festivities, pitted 15 teams against each other to build camaraderie, unit cohesion, and celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a flag football tournament on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. The football tournament, one of the activities hosted during the festivities, pitted 15 teams against each other to build camaraderie, unit cohesion, and celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a flag football tournament on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. The football tournament, one of the activities hosted during the festivities, pitted 15 teams against each other to build camaraderie, unit cohesion, and celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a flag football tournament on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. The football tournament, one of the activities hosted during the festivities, pitted 15 teams against each other to build camaraderie, unit cohesion, and celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

Interagency personnel and service members with Task Force Pickett participate in a Turkey Trot 5k on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Interagency personnel and service members with Task Force Pickett participate in a Turkey Trot 5k on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

Task Force Pickett personnel pose for a photo before participating in a Turkey Trot 5K on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Task Force Pickett personnel pose for a photo before participating in a Turkey Trot 5K on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 25, 2021. Interagency partners and service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and 919th Military Police Company, New Mexico National Guard, participated in several activities in celebration of Thanksgiving. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jacob Sugg, deputy director, Communication Strategy and Operations, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays chess with an Afghan evacuee on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2021. The event is part of a variety of activities available to Afghan individuals as they await the next steps in their resettlement process. Task Force Pickett personnel joined the tournament to develop friendships in a competitive environment. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jacob Sugg, deputy director, Communication Strategy and Operations, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays chess with an Afghan evacuee on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2021. The event is part of a variety of activities available to Afghan individuals as they await the next steps in their resettlement process. Task Force Pickett personnel joined the tournament to develop friendships in a competitive environment. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews)

Photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews

Afghan individuals play chess on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2021. The event is part of a variety of activities available to Afghan evacuees as they await the next steps in their resettlement process. Task Force Pickett personnel joined the tournament to develop friendships in a competitive environment. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews)

Afghan individuals play chess on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2021. The event is part of a variety of activities available to Afghan evacuees as they await the next steps in their resettlement process. Task Force Pickett personnel joined the tournament to develop friendships in a competitive environment. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews)

Photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Richardson, religious program specialist, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays chess with an Afghan evacuee on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2021. The event is part of a variety of activities available to Afghan individuals as they await the next steps in their resettlement process. Task Force Pickett personnel joined the tournament to develop friendships in a competitive environment. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Richardson, religious program specialist, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays chess with an Afghan evacuee on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2021. The event is part of a variety of activities available to Afghan individuals as they await the next steps in their resettlement process. Task Force Pickett personnel joined the tournament to develop friendships in a competitive environment. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews)

Photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews

U.S. Marines Corps Cpl. Christophe Strickland (Left), and Cpl. Ethan Gentry (Right), both mortarmen with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment (1/23), play with Afghan children on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 18, 2021. Marines and Sailors of 1/23 recently replaced 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and began to build bonds with Afghan individuals awaiting the next steps in their resettlement process. 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Corey Mathews)

U.S. Marines Corps Cpl. Christophe Strickland (Left), and Cpl. Ethan Gentry (Right), both mortarmen with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment (1/23), play with Afghan children on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 18, 2021. Marines and Sailors of 1/23 recently replaced 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and began to build bonds with Afghan individuals awaiting the next steps in their resettlement process. 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Corey Mathews)

Photo by Sgt. Corey Mathews

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, plays soccer with an Afghan child on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 17, 2021. Marines and Sailors of 1/23 recently replaced 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and began to build bonds with Afghan individuals awaiting the next steps in their resettlement process. 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, plays soccer with an Afghan child on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 17, 2021. Marines and Sailors of 1/23 recently replaced 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and began to build bonds with Afghan individuals awaiting the next steps in their resettlement process. 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dylan Kasten, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, plays with an Afghan child on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 17, 2021. Marines and Sailors of 1/23 recently replaced 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and began to build bonds with Afghan individuals awaiting the next steps in their resettlement process. 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dylan Kasten, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, plays with an Afghan child on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 17, 2021. Marines and Sailors of 1/23 recently replaced 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and began to build bonds with Afghan individuals awaiting the next steps in their resettlement process. 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marines with 3rd battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (3/6), 2d Marine Division board a bus to depart Fort Pickett on Nov. 15, 2021. Marines and Sailors with 3/6 conducted a relief in place and transfer of authority with Marines and Sailors from 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. The approximately 500 Marines also included augments from 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jonathon Wiederhold)

U.S. Marines with 3rd battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (3/6), 2d Marine Division board a bus to depart Fort Pickett on Nov. 15, 2021. Marines and Sailors with 3/6 conducted a relief in place and transfer of authority with Marines and Sailors from 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. The approximately 500 Marines also included augments from 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion. 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jonathon Wiederhold)

Photo by Sgt. Jonathon Wiederhold

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas Kostovny, a company commander with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, currently assigned to Task Force Pickett, gives a welcome aboard brief to new Afghan evacuees aboard Fort Pickett, Virginia, Oct. 9, 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas Kostovny, a company commander with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, currently assigned to Task Force Pickett, gives a welcome aboard brief to new Afghan evacuees aboard Fort Pickett, Virginia, Oct. 9, 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

U.S. Marines assigned to the Female Engagement Team with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, walk with an Afghan individual on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Sept. 24, 2021. The Female Engagement Team is comprised of volunteer female members of appropriate experience and maturity to develop trust-based and enduring relationships with the Afghan guests at Fort Pickett. 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Corey A. Mathews)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Female Engagement Team with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, walk with an Afghan individual on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Sept. 24, 2021. The Female Engagement Team is comprised of volunteer female members of appropriate experience and maturity to develop trust-based and enduring relationships with the Afghan guests at Fort Pickett. 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Corey A. Mathews)

Photo by Cpl. Corey Mathews

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment play soccer with Afghan civilians during a soccer camp hosted by the Charlotte Eagles in support of Operation Allies Welcome in Fort Pickett, Virginia, Sept. 17, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan evacuees essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. The Charlotte Eagles is a volunteer organization based out of Charlotte, N.C., which works to bring people together through teaching and coaching soccer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric A. Ramirez)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment play soccer with Afghan civilians during a soccer camp hosted by the Charlotte Eagles in support of Operation Allies Welcome in Fort Pickett, Virginia, Sept. 17, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for up to 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan evacuees essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. The Charlotte Eagles is a volunteer organization based out of Charlotte, N.C., which works to bring people together through teaching and coaching soccer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric A. Ramirez)

Photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean W. Andrascik, an adjutant with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to recite Gen. John A. Lejeune's Marine Corps birthday message during a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 246th Marine Corps birthday on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2021. The birthday message was originally scripted by Lejeune on Nov. 1, 1921, and has since been a tradition practiced at Marine Corps birthday celebrations across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean W. Andrascik, an adjutant with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to recite Gen. John A. Lejeune's Marine Corps birthday message during a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 246th Marine Corps birthday on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2021. The birthday message was originally scripted by Lejeune on Nov. 1, 1921, and has since been a tradition practiced at Marine Corps birthday celebrations across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

A group of U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit run the final miles of the colors run on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2021. In honor of 246 years of faithful service, Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit carried the U.S. Marine Corps colors 246 miles over the course of 41 hours, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

A group of U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit run the final miles of the colors run on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2021. In honor of 246 years of faithful service, Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit carried the U.S. Marine Corps colors 246 miles over the course of 41 hours, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit