Minnesota National Guard Unit to be Honored with Three Prestigious Awards
MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
September 5, 2024
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – Friday, the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment based in Brainerd, Minnesota, will receive the U.S. military’s highest unit award, the Presidential Unit Citation, for their efforts in the Kabul evacuation along with two other prestigious awards.
“These awards are not just symbols of what the Soldiers have achieved—they are reminders of the lives they saved, the people they protected, and the difference they made in the world,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General.
The unit deployed in March 2021 and returned in January 2022. During their deployment, they supported Operations Freedoms Sentinel and Spartan Shield. Task Force 1-194 was essential in supporting our Allies and the citizens of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan. Working alongside the Air Force and Marines, they ensured a safe and successful evacuation of vulnerable Afghan citizens and Allied personnel.
The unit will receive three awards: the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) award, and Superior Unit Award (SUA). The PUC is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous condition to set it apart and above other units. The last time a PUC was issued to this Battalion was during WWII. The MUC is for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding achievement. The SUA is awarded to Army units that display outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission under extraordinary circumstances.
The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. with a dinner to follow provided by the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
“The prestige of these awards are significant milestones in the lineage and rich history of this battalion, but awards come with a cost and a sacrifice that only the Soldiers and families of the deployed truly understand,” said Army Lt. Col. John Hobot, 1-194 Armor Battalion Commander. “I am honored to participate in this recognition to celebrate the accomplishments of the Soldiers who made up Task Force Bastard.”
Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event on Sept. 6 at 5 p.m., located at the Area 8 Parade Field at Camp Ripley Training Center, 15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, Minn. 56345. Media can RSVP to Maj. Jodine Eells at 320-4230-5571 or jodine.l.eells.mil@army.mil.
– 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.