Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division Returns Home

(KNSI) — Over 550 Citizen-Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls are returning to Minnesota this week after a ten-month deployment to the Middle East.

During their deployment, the division was responsible for operations across seven countries. Their responsibilities included working with partner nations in the region to increase military capacity, promote self-reliance, increase security and conduct military-to-military exercises with partner nation forces. The division also modernized its communications equipment, becoming one of the most technologically advanced units in the U.S. Army.

The unit includes men and women from Becker, Big Lake, Buffalo, Cold Spring, Foley, Monticello, Paynesville, Princeton, Rice, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, St. Michael, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids.

“I am incredibly proud of our 34th Infantry Division ‘Red Bulls’ who successfully completed their Operation Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve mission,” said Army Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, 34th Infantry Division commander. “I am likewise immensely grateful for our wonderfully supportive families, employers, and communities. Your Soldiers can only do what the country and our state need us to do because of your unwavering support.”

A welcome home ceremony will be held this week.

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