FORT PICKETT, Va. (Sept. 15, 2021) Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Theodore Marcus, assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), interacts with Afghan children during Operation Allies Welcome in Fort Pickett, Virginia, Sept. 15, 2021. The MEU command element and other supporting units from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division are providing support to 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 Cpl. Eric A. Ramirez)