Local agencies prepare to assist Afghan refugees in Wisconsin

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- More local agencies say they're prepared to help potentially 22-thousand Afghan refugees as we continue to wait to hear more from the federal government and Governor Evers on what the situation could look like.

Those refugees' first steps in the process could be at Fort McCoy -- a place that has housed thousands of refugees over the decades.

Social services workers, and those who have been involved in Afghanistan in the past, say they're ready to help.

"They're going to be a very traumatized group of people having come from such a violent end of their home and their government, and they're going to require some extra TLC, and we know that the community can step up and help us with that," said Mary Flynn, program manager at Lutheran Social Services.

Flynn says as refugees escape the violent Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, they'll need help adjusting to life here in America.

Her organization could be asked to be part of their 5-year long transition into US citizenship.

"This is a very fluid situation. Things can change from hour to hour. We're all watching closely, along with the rest of the world," said Flynn.

Sam Rogers, former Army interrogator and intelligence officer, says Afghanistan veterans are prepared to help too.

Rogers is part of the Wisconsin branch of Concerned Veterans for America.

He says they're invested in continuing the Wisconsin tradition of giving assistance and homes to refugees.