Minnesota National Guard to send aviation assets to support Hurricane Harvey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Dayton has approved 11 soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade to support response efforts for Hurricane Harvey. The soldiers will depart today from St. Cloud via CH-47 chinook helicopters to conduct aviation operations in Texas.

“I am glad that Minnesota will be able to assist the victims of the terrible tragedy in Texas, with 11 Minnesota National Guard soldiers accompanying two Chinook helicopters to join in relief efforts,” said Governor Dayton. “I thank Major General Nash for his leadership, and the brave Minnesota soldiers, who will travel to Texas to provide this critical relief. I encourage all Minnesotans, who are able, to donate to the qualified relief efforts. Minnesota stands ready to assist in any way we can.”

The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade is an Army National Guard unit that supports disaster response operations by providing aviation capabilities – both UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

“We train for this type of mission and we’re glad that we can assist the people of Texas with this type of professional support,” said Col. Shawn Manke, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade commander.

The soldiers will join Guardsmen from across the nation who are being activated in response to Hurricane Harvey. They will stay as long as needed in order to protect the lives and property of the citizens impacted by the storm.