Minnesota Guardsmen activated for flood response in Norman County

April 19, 2019 (HALSTAD, Minnesota) — Today 14 soldiers from 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery moved into Halstad in Norman County to support civil authorities in flood response.

The Minnesota National Guard remains activated in northwestern Minnesota in response to flood waters after Governor Tim Walz signed an Emergency Executive Order last week.

Additionally, 17 Minnesota National Guard soldiers will remain on state activation through Easter Sunday in Marshall County. The only mode of transportation into Oslo, Minnesota is the tactical vehicles of the 2-136th Combined Arms Battalion. Civil authorities anticipate the need to rely on the Minnesota National Guard well into next week.

When ordered to state activation, the Minnesota National Guard responds as a supporting agency at the request of local authorities and the direction of the governor. Troops provide support to civil authorities as long as needed in order to ensure the safety of people, property and the environment.

Last weekend, a total of 178 Minnesota Army National Guard soldiers were on activation orders. The winter storm response in Freeborn, Mower and Steele counties lasted three days, from April 11- 14.

The mission in Norman County is the fifth State of Emergency for the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2019.  Other activations include a winter storm response on April 11 in Freeborn, Mower and Steele counties; Feb. 23-24 in multiple counties, and Feb. 7-8 in Renville County. Additionally, the Minnesota National Guard provided Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) assistance to the State of Nebraska from March 19-28.

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 61 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 committees. News, insights and perspectives from the Minnesota National Guard are available at MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.