Minnesota National Guard Soldiers to deploy to Sinai

April 8, 2016 (MANKATO, Minnesota) — Nearly 400 Soldiers from the Minnesota Army National Guard’s Mankato-based 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment will deploy for a nine-month peacekeeping mission to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt in support of the Multi-National Force and Observers.

“Our soldiers are well trained, experienced and ready when called upon,” said Lt. Col. Jon Ostercamp, battalion commander. “Now that we have received our mobilization orders, we can provide some clarity for our families and employers on the year ahead and focus our training on this important mission.”



The mission of the nearly 2,000-strong Multi-National Force and Observers is to enforce the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Divided into four zones, the Sinai Peninsula is host to 12 nations in support of the MFO.

The southern Minnesota units will mobilize in July and depart for pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas. They will begin their mission in Egypt by the end of the summer.

The deploying battalion includes companies headquartered in Rochester, Winona and West Saint Paul.

Departure ceremonies will be held in each of these communities in early July. Once details are finalized, family members, media and the public will be invited to attend those events.



For more information on the Minnesota National Guard, visit www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org.