Minnesota National Guard

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, we remember the fallen.

“The overwhelming feeling of internal gratitude I felt for helping out people who were so appreciative of our services and the honor it gave me for wearing the US Army uniform," said Col. Jason Bjerketvedt. "I really feel like we were making the world a better place."

Minnesota National Guard medical professionals recently joined the Utah National Guard and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces during Exercise African Lion 2026, providing humanitarian medical and dental care to communities across Morocco.

We recently hosted Sam Eckholm at Camp Ripley for an inside look at the M1 Abrams tank with 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment. Check it out! youtube.com/watch?v=Jtkg2D…

Readiness is built through training. Soldiers of the 834th Aviation Support Battalion recently sharpened their weapons proficiency and medical response capabilities, strengthening the skills and preparedness needed to answer the call when it matters most.

Happy Mother's Day!

"Molly works as a Preventionist for the 1/34 Armor Brigade Team. She continues to be the foundation of our family, enduring a lot during my 29 years of service, including two deployments, multiple training exercises, and hundreds of drill weekends.”

My wife Molly and I have been married since 2004 and have three children, William, Graydon, and Ava," said Sgt. Maj. Joseph Vogel. On this Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we're honoring people like Molly Vogel. Want to celebrate your own spouse? Share a photo below!

Last week, our State #bestwarriors competed in the 2026 Region IV Best Warrior Competition at Fort Custer, Michigan. Check out the highlights!

The Minnesota National Guard’s relationship with Norway spans over 50 years. The State Partnership Program is the Department of War’s asymmetrical advantage executing security cooperation missions across the globe all year long.

The Minnesota National Guard, US Army Europe, US Air Force Europe, the Norwegian Mil Group met with the Norwegian Army, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and the Norwegian Home Guard to plan upcoming events and engagement at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters in Bodo, Norway.

Today we wear denim. On Denim Day, members of the Minnesota National Guard show support for survivors of sexual assault. We are committed to a culture of dignity, respect, and accountability across our force.

From 70 degrees to snow in just days, 27 service members pushed through mud, miles and mission-driven lanes for a chance to claim the title of the 2026 Best Warrior. This isn't just a competition; it's a crucible. Read the full story: dvidshub.net/news/563270/ir…

Behind every competitor at the 2026 MNBWC is a team of support personnel. Evaluators, safety personnel, role players, and support staff ensured each lane was executed to standard, creating a realistic and challenging environment for competitors at Camp Ripley.

These Soldiers and noncommissioned officers demonstrated exceptional skill, endurance, and leadership, earning the opportunity to represent Minnesota at the Region IV Best Warrior Competition later this month.

Congratulations to Staff Sgt. John Parsons and Spc.Thomas Ogdahl, who were recognized as the Minnesota Best Warrior NCO and Soldier of the year. Staff Sgt. Derek Kotzer and Spc. Hunter Goetsch were the runners-up for each category.

Our competitors completed the final push of the 2026 Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley Training Center on day three.

Soldiers and Airmen, alongside service members from Canada and Croatia, tested their warfighting skills during the #MnBWC26. Competitors covered nearly 30 miles while completing 18 events, including movement under fire, hand grenade identification, and a wet gap crossing.

Griffiths is one of four service members competing in the international category during the 2026 Minnesota Best Warrior Competition, where allied partners train, compete, and strengthen interoperability alongside the Minnesota National Guard.

"It was a thrill to be selected, not only for myself, but for my regiment, and country," said Sgt. Ryan Griffths, 38th Canadian Brigade Group. "Being here to represent my brothers and sisters in arms, has been an immense honor."