Minnesota National Guard Holds Mission Day Event for High School Students

MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
March 19, 2024

FARIBAULT & WOODBURY, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard will host events in Faribault, Minn., tomorrow and in Woodbury, Minn., on Friday, providing high school students the chance to experience military occupational specialties in the Guard.

“In the Minnesota National Guard, we live here, we work here, and we serve here,” said Army Lt. Col. Chris Bingham, Minnesota National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander. “The Minnesota National Guard offers more than 120 military occupational specialties, leadership skills, career opportunities, and healthcare and education benefits. Mission Day allows students to build confidence by engaging in realistic Guard missions.”

Mission Day tests students’ critical thinking, strength, and intelligence. Students will enter the scenario-based footprint comprised of simulated disasters, people in need, and challenges. The participants will experience four missions designed to highlight military specialties within the National Guard using virtual reality. Missions include HAZMAT cleanup, Wildfire Response, Night Vision Rescue, and Field Clinic.

Owatonna and Faribault High School students will attend the event tomorrow at the Faribault Armory. Mission Day will occur at Woodbury High School on Friday for students from Woodbury and the surrounding area. Most Guard applicants are 25 years old or younger. The Guard is the only service component that allows 17-year-olds the opportunity to join with a parent’s or guardian’s permission.

Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event on March 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., located at the Faribault Armory, 3000 West Airport Road, Faribault, Minn., 55021, or March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., located at the Woodbury Highschool fieldhouse, 2665 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, Minn, 55125. Media must RSVP to Maj. Jodine Eells at 952-237-3136 or jodine.l.eells.mil@army.mil.

-About Mission Day Army National Guard: Mission Day Tour on Vimeo Password: TMA

– 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. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.

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