Christmas Comes Early for 13 Airmen and Their Families

November 30, 2021 (ST. PAUL, Minnesota) — Minnesota National Guard families will enjoy a special Christmas
delivery on Wednesday with the return of 13 Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing. These Airmen
return home approximately 60-days earlier than anticipated – and just in time for Christmas.
“I cannot thank the Airmen enough for their dedication and hard work throughout the
deployment,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Winter, Mission Support Group Commander.
“Their professionalism left a lasting mark on our counterparts, and their accomplishments can
be celebrated with their families during the holidays.”

This team of Security Forces “Defenders” provided base security in Kuwait, assisting with base
closure operations following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. They also conducted joint training
on Air Base Defense operations during their tour and assisted with evacuating Afghan civilians.
At home, the 133rd Airlift Wing’s Security Forces Squadron has taken the lead in multiple
domestic operations in the Twin Cities, providing support to civil authorities during civil unrest.
A handful of members have not told their families, so tomorrow’s return will come as a surprise
for some loved ones. Airmen will arrive at the 133rd Airlift Wing, 631 Minuteman Dr. St. Paul,
Minn., at approximately 9 a.m. on December 1, 2021.

Media note: Media members are invited to capture the return tomorrow at the 133rd Airlift Wing.
Media members must RSVP to Capt. Andrea Kostiuk at andrea.kostiuk@us.af.mil or 651-331-
8041 if they are interested in attending the event.
Media members must be cleared through security prior to accessing the 133rd. Please include
the media member’s full name, date of birth and driver’s license number and state of issue with the RSVP to facilitate this process.

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 citizensoldiers
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.