[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  THE MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD--NORWEGIAN HOME GUARD TROOP RECIPROCAL 
                            EXCHANGE PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the 
Minnesota National Guard--Norwegian Home Guard Troop Reciprocal 
Exchange Program. The program is the longest running military exchange 
between two nations, and it has strengthened the ties between our 
countries while enriching the lives of the young men and women who have 
participated in it.
  Each February, over 200 soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard 
and Norwegian Home Guard leave their homes and join the guards of each 
other's nation. They spend two to three weeks in the other country, 
training with the host military, visiting cultural sites, and getting 
to know their new peers. The exchange guards even spend a weekend with 
a host family, to enrich their experience in the host nation.
  The Minnesota National Guard--Norwegian Home Guard Troop Reciprocal 
Exchange Program is of great value to both our peacekeeping and 
cultural goals. By training in Norway, members of the Minnesota 
National Guard gain experience operating in a foreign environment. At 
the same time, participants from both countries have an opportunity to 
explore a new culture and to travel at a young age. The Norwegian-
Americans of the Minnesota National Guard also have a chance to explore 
their family roots in Norway. Finally, the coordination between our 
nations' militaries reinforces our mutual dedication to working for 
world peace.
  I am pleased to recognize the Minnesota National Guard--Norwegian 
Home Guard Troop Reciprocal Exchange Program for its 25 years of 
accomplishments, and I wish the program its continued success in the 
future.

                          ____________________