Minnesota Guardsmen to return from Artillery Mission in Afghanistan, Iraq

SAINT CLOUD, Minnesota – Approximately 65 soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s C Battery, 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Alexandria, will be returning to Minnesota Saturday July 31, 2021 after a nine-month deployment with personnel stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

The Soldiers provided security in support of critical military infrastructure and personnel through the use of the Land Based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) which intercepted enemy rocket, artillery, and mortar attacks.

“I cannot thank the Soldiers enough for their dedication and hard work throughout the deployment. Their professionalism and stellar performance left a lasting mark on our counterparts at all locations and continued the exemplary legacy of the Red Bull Division,” said Capt. Tom Bowers, C Battery commander.

The Alexandria based unit has Soldiers from more than 60 Minnesota communities.

– 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 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 communities.

Media note: Media members are invited to capture the Soldiers reuniting with their families at the St. Cloud Airport on Saturday, July 31. Return times are subject to change. Media members should RSVP to the Minnesota National Guard public affairs office in order to ensure they receive updated information. File video and photos of similar units is available for use at:

Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/579772/c-ram-night-firing

Photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/2919700/c-ram-fire

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4076139/c-ram-night-fire

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/2916753/loading-c-ram

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