[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 75 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD'S 34TH INFANTRY DIVISION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the highly capable 
and courageous men and women of the Minnesota Army National Guard's 
34th Infantry Division, known as the Red Bulls, as they prepare for 
their third deployment overseas, and to commemorate the 150th 
anniversary of their predecessor, the First Minnesota Infantry. This 
May, the Red Bulls will begin their deployment to Iraq in support of 
Operation New Dawn, the drawdown phase of U.S. military operations in 
Iraq.
  Since September 11, 2001, the Red Bulls have been called to duty 
three times to join U.S. military forces in Iraq. During their current 
mission, their responsibilities will include providing convoy security, 
route protection and base defense as other troops leave the war zone in 
Iraq. The Red Bulls have made tremendous contributions to our nation 
with their honorable military service.
  The men and women of the Red Bulls comprise a highly skilled force 
which routinely accomplishes critical missions both on a federal and 
state level. During deployment from March 2006 to July 2007, they 
served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Minnesota Army National Guard's 
1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division holds the record for 
the longest serving unit in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  During the spring of 2009, more than one thousand Red Bulls were 
again tapped for deployment to Iraq. On this mission, the Division and 
their leaders were in charge of 16,000 multinational forces. The 
Division's leadership abilities were proven as they commanded all the 
coalition military operations in nine of Iraq's 18 provinces and had a 
direct partnership with more than 40,000 Iraqi Security Forces. They 
continue to display their excellence with their readiness and 
preparation for new missions.
  Each deployment of the 34th Infantry Division has provided an 
opportunity for the men and women to share their knowledge and 
leadership to other troops and help lead operational trainings. The Red 
Bulls have proven themselves again and again to be an essential part of 
the Total U.S. Army. Their dedication to United States is always 
evident through their selfless service and courage in undertaking each 
mission.
  It is a fitting historical coincidence that the current deployment 
coincides with the 150th anniversary of their predecessors, the First 
Minnesota Infantry, which heroically supported the Union Army at the 
battle of Gettysburg. The First Minnesota's great contributions and 
sacrifices during the Civil War were exemplary. They have helped to 
shape the men and women from our state and throughout the United States 
who choose to serve our great nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Red 
Bulls continue to carry on this sterling example of leadership and 
commitment to our nation.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and 
dedication of the men and women of the 34th Infantry Division, the Red 
Bulls, as they prepare for their next deployment.

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