President Biden reaches out to San Diego-based #AfghanEvac Coalition

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A domestically based coalition, that is helped 1000’s safely evacuate from Afghanistan, received a cellphone name from President Joe Biden Monday.

The founder and CEO of #AfghanEvac, Shawn VanDiver, took the 23-minute cellphone name.

“He’s not calling about me, he is calling concerning the mission, he is calling concerning the 200 organizations that decision #AfghanEvacuate dwelling,” says VanDiver.

The coalition has helped roughly 50,000 Afghans evacuate from the nation after the U.S. withdrawal final August.

VanDiver says President Biden thanked the coalition volunteers, acknowledging the problem of the final yr whereas additionally committing to persevering with relocation efforts for Afghans that also wish to come to the U.S.

“He additionally empathized with us and stated that he understood the ache and the burden and the ethical damage that comes with this withdrawal,” explains VanDiver.

The coalition is non-partisan however VanDiver says, whereas some admire the decision others are nonetheless offended and need extra from the administration.

“An entire bunch of San Diegans went over there, made a bunch of guarantees, and stated hey you’re employed with us for a yr or two and you’ll come understand your American dream with me, you possibly can come be my neighbor and it is time to pay that debt,” says VanDiver.

On Tuesday, a number of buildings together with the county admin constructing might be lit up in blue purple, and inexperienced to honor everybody impacted by the withdrawal final yr.