December 11th, 2008 - Washington, D.C. - Senator Norm Coleman today commended the service of the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division as the unit prepares to deploy again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 1,037 soldier unit will depart Minnesota for training on February 13, 2009, leave for Iraq in April 2009, and are expected to return in February 2010. There are four Minnesota National Guard units deploying from the communities of Rosemount, Inver Grove Heights, Faribault, and Stillwater.
The Red Bulls returned from an active duty tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in May 2007 as the longest serving unit deployed in Iraq. During their tour, they drove over 4,500 round trip convoy missions logging 2.2 million miles of convoys in Iraq. In other areas they fought al-Qaida and provided critical security to our military bases, saving countless lives of their comrades in arms. Approximately 50 of the troops being deployed now were part of the previous Red Bulls deployment.
“Throughout my time in office, I have seen firsthand how the Red Bulls have bravely served their country with honor and valor,” said Coleman. “I know their legacy of excellence will continue as they deploy to Iraq once again. The selfless men and women of the 34th Infantry Division – and their families – have once again been called upon to make incredible sacrifices, and I know that I speak for all Minnesotans when I say that I am humbled by their willingness to service our great nation. I know that all Minnesotans will join me and their loved ones in praying for their security and their safe return.”
The Red Bulls will provide the leadership, command, control, and in-depth staff analysis for a 16,000-person multinational Task Force. These servicemen and women will be responsible for eight of Iraq’s 18 provinces and will be working directly with more than 40,000 Iraqi Security Forces, including the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Police, and the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement.
Contact(s):
Leroy Coleman, (202) 224-5641
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