Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer to Receive Charles Dick Medal of Merit for Support of National Guard

(KNSI) – A central Minnesota Congressman is being honored by the Minnesota National Guard.

Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer is a recipient of the Charles Dick Medal of Merit from the National Guard Association of the United States, for his longtime support of the state’s citizen soldiers. The award is given to state and federal lawmakers who have distinguished themselves as indispensable supporters of the National Guard.

Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke said, “I was pleased to learn that the National Guard Association of the United States selected Congressman Emmer for the distinguished Charles Dick Medal of Merit. Minnesota’s congressional members, which included Congressman Emmer, were pivotal in modernization efforts. These included new C-130J aircraft for the 133rd Airlift Wing, upgraded Army National Guard vehicles, and new critical infrastructure to ensure our soldiers and airmen may effectively carry out their missions.”

According to a press release, Congressman Emmer has strongly supported the National Guard since he first came to Congress in 2015. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing’s C-130 mission to help secure eight transport planes, following the death of three Minnesota National Guardsmen in a helicopter crash near St. Cloud in 2019. Congressman Emmer spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in their memory and introduced legislation to honor them.

They were 28-year-old Sgt. Kort M. Plantenberg of Avon, 28-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr. of Winsted and 30-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord of Perham.

Emmer will receive the Charles Dick Medal of Merit during the National Guard Association’s General Conference and Exhibition, taking place on August 24th through the 26th in Detroit, Michigan.

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