Maj. Michael Kuiper, executive officer, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, walks with Matiullah Matie, an Afghan guest who worked alongside him in Helmand province, Afghanistan, and his son on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Oct. 24, 2021. - Maj. Michael Kuiper, executive officer, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, walks with Matiullah Matie, an Afghan guest who worked alongside him in Helmand province, Afghanistan, and his son on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Oct. 24, 2021. After 12 years and traveling over 7,000 miles Matie was reunited with Kuiper on 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 Sgt. Corey Mathews)