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Klobuchar, Coleman Pass Resolution Honoring Minnesota National Guard

Motion commends longest serving U.S. military unit during the Iraq War

July 17, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) announced the passage of S.Con Res 41commending Minnesota’s returning National Guard soldiers on their completion of the longest continuous deployment of any United States military unit during the Iraq war.  The resolution was introduced last Friday and passed unanimously in the Senate last night.  Minnesota’s Senators were all joined in honoring the 1st Brigade Combat Team by all Minnesota Representatives Walz, McCollum, Ramstad, Ellison, Oberstar, Peterson, Kline and Bachmann, who introduced the same legislation in the House of Representatives.

“I’m proud that the full Senate joins all Minnesotans in welcoming home the men and women of the 1st Brigade Combat Team and thanking them for their outstanding service,” said Klobuchar. “These National Guard soldiers known as the Red Bulls have shown tremendous dedication and made great sacrifices, as have their families.”

“Members of the 1/34th Brigade Combat Team of the Minnesota National Guard have demonstrated a level of commitment and sacrifice beyond anything our country could ask of them,” said Coleman.  “I am extremely thankful that these soldiers and their families will be reunited after such a long time apart, and I am pleased that the Senate has recognized the enormous sacrifices they have made on behalf of each and every one of us. As we welcome these brave service members home in the coming weeks and months, it is crucial that each of us – from families to legislators to schools to employers – do all we can to help ensure a smooth reintegration process for each of them who have given so much.”

The 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division mobilized in September 2005 and deployed to Iraq in March of 2006.  They served as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom for 22 consecutive months.  During their time in Iraq, they completed thousands of combat logistics patrols and secured millions of convoy miles.  The unit helped start local Iraqi newspapers and produced documentaries on the work of the U.S. military in Iraq.  The 1st Brigade Combat Team completed 137 reconstruction projects while capturing some 400 detainees.  In January of this year, the unit’s mission was extended by 125 days, making theirs the longest continuous deployment of any United States military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Resolution awaits action by the House of Representatives.

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