Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division Artillery Uncases its Colors in Formal Ceremony

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
April 13, 2023

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Saturday, the Minnesota National Guard will conduct a uncasing flag ceremony, standing up the first division artillery headquarters in the Army National Guard since the divestiture of all Army division artillery units between 2005 to 2007.

“The uncasing of the 34th DIVARTY guidon is a recognition of the significant history and culture of the field artillery within Minnesota,” said Army Col. Eric Wieland, the 34th Division Artillery Commander. “It is also a recognition of the future challenges and the organizational changes the U.S. Army is making to meet those challenges. There’s a pride in the hard work of the Soldiers, both in the DIVARTY and across the division, who have assisted in getting us this far. We are the first in the National Guard. We are creating a path for the other DIVARTYs across the National Guard.”

The Army National Guard chose Minnesota’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division to become the first of eight National Guard division artillery headquarters to be established over the next several years. The previous 34th Infantry Division Artillery was deactivated on Sep. 10, 2005.

Applications were received from 15 states seeking consideration to become the first division artillery headquarters. Selection criteria were analyzed, reviewed, and compared based on numerous variables such as long-term readiness, recruiting demographics, life cycle management, and infrastructure and enable support.

“I am very proud of the 34th Division for being the first National Guard division to stand up its very own 34th Division Artillery,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Jon Trost, 34th Division Artillery Commander from 1997 to 2000. “I know the division has many quality artillery men and women eager to organize and function as a division artillery. We see the value of long-range fires on today’s battlefield, and the addition of the 34th Division Artillery adds tremendous capabilities to the division. Now is a great time to return the 34th Division Artillery to operational status!”

Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event on April 15 at 3 p.m., located at
the General Vessey Readiness Center, 4800 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, Minn. Media
can RSVP to Maj. Jackie Stenger at jackie.l.stenger.mil@army.mil or 651-435-0857.

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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