News

Minnesota National Guard celebrates new year with Southeast Asian community 

Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General; Air Force Col. Jesse Carlson, 133rd Airlift Wing commander; and leaders and members of the Minnesota National Guard Asian American and Pacific Islander Special Emphasis Council participated in the Tết festivities celebrating the new year in Burnsville on Jan. 11. “Partnerships are one of our
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Air National Guard members travel the world; post-9/11 deployment era

“Always Ready, Always There” is a slogan used in the Air National Guard. When service members choose to enlist in the Air National Guard, they choose to serve their state and nation and can be deployed for military contingencies, humanitarian efforts, restoration of peace, and to support natural disasters. The Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter
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Air National Guard Defender Completes Jungle Agile Employment Course

Did you know that roughly one-third, or 500 million acres, of the U.S. is forest? And did you know that Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. that is considered a jungle? By definition, a forest has many tall trees and can usually be traveled by humans, while
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Minnesota National Guard looks back on 2024

The Minnesota National Guard had a busy 2024, supporting state activations, federal deployments and a variety of other missions. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the people who serve the organization and the state of Minnesota. “Our people are our greatest resource,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn P. Manke, the Adjutant General of the
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A Honeymoon in uniform

Deploying overseas is never easy, but for Master Sgt. Brett Pappa and Sgt. 1st Class Valerie Pappa, it means navigating both their roles as senior noncommissioned officers, and their life as a married couple—all while serving side-by-side. Both members of the Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls,” the couple is currently deployed in
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Operation Merry Meals – Bringing the Holidays to Military Families

Minnesota National Guard staff and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon partners and volunteers teamed up this month for Operation Merry Meals to provide holiday meals for Minnesota veterans, service members, and military families in need. “The holiday season often underscores the love for family, duty, and gratitude that defines military life,” said Army Col. Eduardo Suarez,
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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon reflects on 2024, looks toward 2025

As of 2024, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, also known as BTYR, has grown to include 87 companies and organizations, and 53 community networks. Their combined efforts make an impact on the lives of Minnesota’s Veterans, service members, and military families in the places where they live, work, and serve. BTYR had another busy
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Year in Review: Minnesota Military Radio

In 2024, Minnesota Military Radio entered a new chapter as Tom Lyons, the program’s host for the past 14 years, transitioned out of the role and handed the reins to Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham. Doug, a respected leader with decades of military experience, now leads the program with renewed energy and an
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Why I Serve: Twin Brothers, Sgt. Jaden Newbanks and Staff Sgt. Jorden Newbanks Develop Career Building Skills in the National Guard

Minnesotans may join the National Guard for many different reasons, but a benefit for some Soldiers is the lifelong skills and professional development they learn through their service. Twin brothers, Army Sgt. Jaden Newbanks, a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 851st Vertical Engineers and team lead in the Minnesota 55th Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear,
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Operation Turkey Drop: Bringing Thanksgiving to military community

Minnesota National Guard staff and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon partners and volunteers teamed up for Operation Turkey Drop to provide food for Thanksgiving for Minnesota military veterans, service members, and families in need. “This is a tremendous effort that can only be accomplished with the hard work, kindness, volunteerism, and generosity of so many people
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Media Advisories

Camp Ripley Hosts Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition

Little Falls, Minn. – This week, Minnesota National Guard’s Camp Ripley hosts the ArmyNational Guard Region IV Best Warrior Competition to find the best of the bestnoncommissioned officer and Soldier of the region. “Camp Ripley is a regional training center, which hosts all types of schools, events, andcompetitions, and every time we host, this installation
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Minnesota National Guard Assists Neighboring State

St Cloud, Minn. – Today, five Minnesota National Guard Soldiers departed with one CH-47 Chinook to provide heavy-lift support for flood response operations occurring in North Dakota.“This mission is to move two, 10,000-pound pumps closer to the Bourbanis Dam located on the Red River in Pembina, North Dakota,” said Army Col. Gregory Fix, Minnesota National
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Hastings-based 434th Chemical Company returns from deployment

(HASTINGS, Minnesota) — Approximately 150 Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 434th Chemical Company, based in Hastings and Red Wing, returned last week from deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. While deployed, the Soldiers provided Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve in
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Camp Ripley Leadership Provides an Update to Local Communities

April 8, 2022 (Little Falls, Minnesota) — Camp Ripley leadership begins annual community updates “Camp Ripley 101” to surrounding communities starting next week. “Providing the Camp Ripley 101 to our local communities is essential to us,” said Army Brig. Gen. Lowell Kruse, the Minnesota National Guard’s Assistant Adjutant General and Camp Ripley’s Senior Commander. “We
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Norwegian Home Guard, Minnesota National Guard Troops Train with Local Law Enforcement

April 2, 2022 (Little Falls, Minnesota) – Camp Ripley hosts local law enforcement who will provide asymmetric training to Minnesota and Norwegian Home Guard troops during the 49th Norwegian exchange. “Camp Ripley and the Minnesota National Guard have always been able to respond to any situation that the State of Minnesota requires us,” said Army
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