Our state and nation are safer and more secure thanks to the citizen soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard.

Since coming to Congress in 2015, we have worked hard to support Minnesota’s National Guard. We were proud to have played a role in securing eight new C-130J transport planes for the 133rd Airlift Wing in 2023. This was a nonpartisan accomplishment, many years in the making, working with the entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation to secure these aircraft.

In 2019, following the death of three Minnesota National Guardsmen in a helicopter crash near St. Cloud, we took to the floor of the House of Representatives to honor their sacrifice and introduced legislation to remember their service.

Earlier this week, we were honored by the National Guard Association of the United States with the Charles Dick Medal of Merit Award. The award is named for Major General Charles Dick who served as the National Guard Association of the United States’ President. He was also a United States Congressman and Senator. The award is given to state and federal lawmakers who have distinguished themselves as indispensable supporters of the National Guard.

I am deeply honored to have received this prestigious award. As the 119th Congress approaches, I will continue working to support the brave men and women of the Minnesota National Guard.