[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 31, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E77-E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 50TH ANNUAL NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOPS EXCHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2023

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th annual 
Norwegian Reciprocal Troops Exchange between the Minnesota National 
Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard. Known as NOREX, this annual 
exchange between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Norway 
is the world's longest-running military partnership, an enduring 
tradition which continues to strengthen the bonds between our two 
countries. Not only is this anniversary a cause for celebration, but it 
is particularly fitting that it occur as the Minnesota National Guard 
and the Norwegian Home Guard prepare to formalize this friendship as 
official partners in the National Guard State Partnership Program.
  This month, more than one hundred Soldiers and Airmen of the 
Minnesota National Guard will travel to Norway and conduct winter 
operations training with the Norwegian Home Guard, known as 
Heimevernet. This unique training opportunity takes place over five 
days in Norway's countryside and includes skiing techniques, avalanche 
training, emergency food rationing, bivouac routines, constructing a 
lean-to, and building and lighting a fire. Meanwhile, members of the 
Norwegian Home Guard will travel to Camp Ripley in Minnesota, to learn 
joint domestic response exercises with local law enforcement.
  In addition to military training, our Soldiers and Airmen will 
participate in cultural exchanges by spending a weekend with Norwegian 
host families and visiting cultural sites. Similarly, the visiting 
Norwegian troops will enjoy American cultural experiences such as 
attending a Minnesota Wild hockey game, visiting the Mall of America, 
enjoying walleye at a local VFW fish fry, and being the guests of honor 
at an official dinner hosted by the Saint Paul-based civic organization 
Serving Our Troops.
  Of course, it is especially fitting that the Minnesota National Guard 
participate in this exchange. Thousands of immigrants from Norway came 
to Minnesota during the 1800s. Today, over 850,000 Minnesotans claim 
Norwegian ancestry--myself included. Minnesota has more Norwegian-
Americans than any other state and these Minnesotans keep alive many 
proud traditions passed down from their Nordic ancestors. In Congress, 
I have been proud to honor Norwegian-American heritage

[[Page E78]]

as a co-chair of the Friends of Norway Caucus.
  Additionally, as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense 
in the 117th Congress, I had the incredible privilege last year to 
travel to Norway to meet with senior leadership of the Norwegian Armed 
Forces and conduct oversight on prepositioned stocks of U.S. military 
equipment in country. As Vladimir Putin continues his unprovoked, 
unjust, and illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever 
that the United States stand in support of our democratic allies. That 
includes those with geographic vulnerabilities to Russian aggression, 
like Norway.
  Formalizing the Minnesota National Guard's relationship with Norway 
through the State Partnership Program will serve to strengthen Norway's 
military readiness in the face of the Russian threat. And the 
continuation of NOREX will enhance our own military readiness and 
further cooperation between the United States and a key NATO ally, all 
while promoting goodwill and mutual respect between our nations.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of 
this special military and cultural partnership with a traditional 
Nordic salute: Skol.

                          ____________________