The Minnesota National Guard’s Court of Honor recognizes Soldiers and civilains annually at Camp Ripley, while the Minnesota National Guard’s Flight of Honor recognizes Airmen and civilians, alternating annually between Saint Paul’s 133rd Airlift Wing and Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing.

Court of Honor

The Court of Honor Memorialization Board accepts nominations of Soldiers and civilians as candidates to be inducted into the Minnesota National Guard’s Court of Honor Induction Program each year until April 1st.

Eligibility requirements:

• Heroism. Soldiers of the Minnesota
• National Guard who are officially recognized for acts of valor or heroism at the risk of one’s life.
• Time frame. At least two years following the heroic action or a minimum of three years following retirement or separation of service.
• They have served in their community, serving on boards/veteran service organizations. Continue to contribute to the welfare of veterans and Soldiers.

Timetable for nomination reviews:

• Nominations must be received by April 1st. Nominations received after this date will be retained for future consideration.
• Nominations are forwarded to the Adjutant General with recommendations from the Memorialization Board by April 15th.
• Approvals and recommendations are returned to board by May 25th.
• The 2025 ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Camp Ripley.

History:

Memorialization first began in 1933 at Camp Ripley, and between 1933 and 2024, a total of 532 individuals have been memorialized at Camp Ripley. Policies and procedures were set forth governing the permenant recognition or memorialization of individuals who have distinguished themselves in service to the Minnesota National Guard.

The Flight of Honor

The Minnesota National Guard’s Flight of Honor Memorialization Board accepts nominations of Airmen and civilians as candidates to be inducted into the Flight of Honor Induction Program each year until April 1st.

Eligibility and criteria:

• Military Personnel. Minnesota National Guard Airmen are considered on the basis of heroism or distinguished professional achievement and service.
• Military Personnel (Died in Line of Duty). Aimen who die in the line of duty as the result of enemy actions, accident, injury, or illness.
• Civilian employees are eligible for memorialization on the basis of distinguished professional achievement and service.
• At least two years following the heroic action or a minimum of three years following retirement or separation from service to the Minnesota National Guard.

Timetable for nominations and reviews:

• Nominations must be received each year by April 1st. Nominations received after this date will be retained for future consideration. Sponsors do not have to resubmit nomination package.
• Nominations are forwarded to the Adjutant General with recommendations from the Memorialization Board by April 15.
• Approvals and recommendations are returned to board by May 15th.
• The next ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at the Minnesota National Guard’s Saint Paul-based 133rd Airlift Wing.

Documents:

• Memorialization Regulation JFMNR 36-3108
• Nomination Form
• Eligibility Quick Guide
• Memoralization History (past memoralizations)

Tips for filling out the nomination form:

• Section two: Describe the nominee’s civilian leadership positions held that demonstrate the concept of Citizen-Airman. Describe the nominee’s involvement in their community, including after retirement or separation from the Minnesota National Guard. This paragraph is strengthened by specific examples of leadership positions held, activities performed, and achievements as opposed to mere organizational association.
• Section one: Describe the nominee’s military service. Specifically include: a) any acts of heroism and b) distinguished professional military achievements and service which demonstrate the nominee’s “uncommon prestige.” Cite specific “positions of responsibility” or “positions of great responsibility,” the associated challenges overcome, and achievements in those positions. Awards, commendations or other documents that support the above requirement can be included with the nomination.

Nominations and questions can be:

• Emailed to: Ryan.Ringwelski@us.af.mil & Jeremy.Fish@us.af.mil
• Mailed to:

Department of Military Affairs
ATTN: Office of the Adjutant General (4th Floor)
20 West 12th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155-2004