Soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard’s 434th Chemical Company Return Home

(KNSI) — Around 150 members of the Minnesota National Guard’s 434th Chemical Company are back on American soil after a deployment to Kuwait.

The soldiers are based in Hastings and Red Wing but hail from towns across the state, including Big Lake, Cokato, Elk River, Glencoe, Little Falls, Mora, New London, Rogers, St. Cloud, Sartell, and Willmar. They are specially trained to respond to multiple hazards in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear event or weapons of mass destruction attack. The men and women were based in the U.S. Central Command of Operations in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.

The unit also provided CBRN response on-site at the Arab Cup in Qatar and participated in joint training exercises in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. They were also part of a joint training exercise with the United States Navy Chemical Assessment Response Team.

“The 434th Chemical Company did Minnesota proud during this deployment,” said Army Lt. Col. John McRae, battalion commander of the 434th Chemical Company’s higher headquarters. “They were a key protection asset for the theater, an enabler for high profile exercises and special events, and a trusted source of expertise for their chain of command. We are very proud of their outstanding performance during this critical mission and want to welcome them back home.”

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