News

Minnesota National Guard celebrates new year with Southeast Asian community 

Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General; Air Force Col. Jesse Carlson, 133rd Airlift Wing commander; and leaders and members of the Minnesota National Guard Asian American and Pacific Islander Special Emphasis Council participated in the Tết festivities celebrating the new year in Burnsville on Jan. 11. “Partnerships are one of our
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Air National Guard members travel the world; post-9/11 deployment era

“Always Ready, Always There” is a slogan used in the Air National Guard. When service members choose to enlist in the Air National Guard, they choose to serve their state and nation and can be deployed for military contingencies, humanitarian efforts, restoration of peace, and to support natural disasters. The Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter
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Air National Guard Defender Completes Jungle Agile Employment Course

Did you know that roughly one-third, or 500 million acres, of the U.S. is forest? And did you know that Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. that is considered a jungle? By definition, a forest has many tall trees and can usually be traveled by humans, while
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Minnesota National Guard looks back on 2024

The Minnesota National Guard had a busy 2024, supporting state activations, federal deployments and a variety of other missions. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the people who serve the organization and the state of Minnesota. “Our people are our greatest resource,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn P. Manke, the Adjutant General of the
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A Honeymoon in uniform

Deploying overseas is never easy, but for Master Sgt. Brett Pappa and Sgt. 1st Class Valerie Pappa, it means navigating both their roles as senior noncommissioned officers, and their life as a married couple—all while serving side-by-side. Both members of the Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls,” the couple is currently deployed in
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Operation Merry Meals – Bringing the Holidays to Military Families

Minnesota National Guard staff and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon partners and volunteers teamed up this month for Operation Merry Meals to provide holiday meals for Minnesota veterans, service members, and military families in need. “The holiday season often underscores the love for family, duty, and gratitude that defines military life,” said Army Col. Eduardo Suarez,
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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon reflects on 2024, looks toward 2025

As of 2024, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, also known as BTYR, has grown to include 87 companies and organizations, and 53 community networks. Their combined efforts make an impact on the lives of Minnesota’s Veterans, service members, and military families in the places where they live, work, and serve. BTYR had another busy
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Year in Review: Minnesota Military Radio

In 2024, Minnesota Military Radio entered a new chapter as Tom Lyons, the program’s host for the past 14 years, transitioned out of the role and handed the reins to Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham. Doug, a respected leader with decades of military experience, now leads the program with renewed energy and an
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Why I Serve: Twin Brothers, Sgt. Jaden Newbanks and Staff Sgt. Jorden Newbanks Develop Career Building Skills in the National Guard

Minnesotans may join the National Guard for many different reasons, but a benefit for some Soldiers is the lifelong skills and professional development they learn through their service. Twin brothers, Army Sgt. Jaden Newbanks, a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 851st Vertical Engineers and team lead in the Minnesota 55th Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear,
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Operation Turkey Drop: Bringing Thanksgiving to military community

Minnesota National Guard staff and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon partners and volunteers teamed up for Operation Turkey Drop to provide food for Thanksgiving for Minnesota military veterans, service members, and families in need. “This is a tremendous effort that can only be accomplished with the hard work, kindness, volunteerism, and generosity of so many people
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Media Advisories

YMCA of the North to be Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release May 15, 2023 ST. PAUL, Minn. – The YMCA of the North, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, will be recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event tomorrow. “The
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Minnesota City, County Networks Gather to Support State’s Military Community

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate ReleaseMay 10, 2023 LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – Almost 100 individuals representing the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community networks in cities and counties across Minnesota will attend the annual Joining Community Forces event on Friday at Camp Ripley to share best practices in supporting military veterans, service members, and their families. “Our
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Minnesota National Guard Soldiers Deploying to Middle East

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate ReleaseMay 6, 2023 BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Tomorrow, the 147th Human Resources Company will hold a departure ceremony for Soldiers deploying to Kuwait. “The 147th HRC has been a high-demand unit with multiple overseas deployments as well as state active duty in their lineage, and I have no doubt they will be
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Minnesota National Guard to Recognize Airmen of the Year for 2023

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release May 4, 2023 ST. PAUL, Minn. – Saturday, Minnesota National Guard leaders will recognize five Airmen for their outstanding performance at St. Paul’s Veterans Service Building. “Taking a moment to recognize the individual Airmen who have gone above and beyond in their primary duties is vital as people are the
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34th Red Bull Infantry Division Association to Unveil Memorial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release May 4, 2023 MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – This Saturday, a monument sponsored by the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Association will be unveiled at the Minneapolis-based Fort Snelling National Cemetery in honor of past, current, and future members of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. “This all started with a small
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