Minnesota National Guard Soldiers Heading to D.C. for Biden Inauguration

Minnesota National Guard

(KNSI) – More than 130 Minnesota National Guard soldiers will travel to Washington, D.C. this week to support the security detail at President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

The soldiers heading to D.C. include members from the 1st Squadron, 94th Cavalry Unit and the 148th Fighter Wing, both based in Duluth.

The guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing will transport these soldiers, and this coming weekend happens to be the 100th anniversary of the 133rd’s federal recognition as the first Air National Guard unit in the nation.

The number of Minnesota National Guard soldiers deployed to support inaugurations has varied in the past, says director of operations Colonel Scott Rohweder. Sometimes Minnesota has sent zero Guardsmen, and other times as many as 350.

“Every four years, National Guardsmen from throughout the country are called to assist local units supporting the inauguration,” Rohweder said. “We are proud and ready to serve the nation at this historic event.”

The news comes almost a week after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, an event that resulted in six deaths. Biden’s inauguration will take place on January 20th.