Moorhead-based Soldiers to be recognized by local American Legion post

December 11, 2020 (MOORHEAD, Minnesota) – The American Legion is presenting the Minnesota American Legion Enlisted Service-Member of the Year award to two non-commissioned officers who are part of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Moorhead.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Hernandez of Grand Forks was selected for development of training plans that led to a successful National Training Center rotation for the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team last summer. Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Sauvageau of Barnesville was selected for the administrative support he provided to the battalion during multiple, complex operations in 2020.

“It is amazing that these two outstanding soldiers, in the same Company, are selected as the Minnesota American Legion Enlisted Service-Members of the Year.  At the same time, their recognition is not surprising,” said Capt. Jordan Dibich, 2-136th battalion officer in charge. “They stood out amongst the crowd, displaying firm leadership and sound decision-making. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

2020 was a challenging and active year for the Moorhead-based soldiers. Events included a historic winter gunnery cycle, state activation for flood response in Oslo and civil unrest in Minneapolis, and a rotation to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the Moorhead Armory. The event is not open to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Note: Media members are welcome to attend the event. For more information, contact the Minnesota National Guard public affairs office at 651-282-4410 or mn.ng.web@mail.mil.

– About the Minnesota National Guard –

Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.