WEBVTT 00:02.519 --> 00:04.352 All right , good afternoon . I'm 00:04.352 --> 00:06.408 Colonel Jesse Johnson , the chief of 00:06.408 --> 00:08.241 the Joint Staff of the Minnesota 00:08.241 --> 00:10.463 National Guard . I'm accompanied by the 00:10.463 --> 00:12.575 installation chaplain Major Stephanie 00:12.575 --> 00:15.149 Christoels . It is my honor and sincere 00:15.149 --> 00:18.389 pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 00:18.799 --> 00:22.239 Court of Honor induction ceremony . At 00:22.239 --> 00:24.659 this time , please rise if you are able 00:25.000 --> 00:27.222 and remain standing for the entrance of 00:27.222 --> 00:29.444 the official party fire by the plane of 00:29.444 --> 00:31.611 the national anthem and the invocation 00:31.611 --> 00:34.439 from Chapter Christoels . As this is an 00:34.439 --> 00:36.759 indoor ceremony during the national 00:36.759 --> 00:39.680 anthem , please remove any hats and 00:39.680 --> 00:41.810 refrain from swing . Mhm . 00:50.529 --> 00:53.909 So . Mm . 00:58.459 --> 00:59.459 Yeah . 01:02.540 --> 01:03.540 Mhm . 01:10.690 --> 01:11.690 Mhm . 01:22.529 --> 01:23.529 Mm . 01:32.889 --> 01:33.889 Mhm . 01:39.849 --> 01:42.540 Mm . Mm . 01:59.260 --> 02:00.593 Color post the colors . 02:14.089 --> 02:15.089 Yeah . 02:49.089 --> 02:50.089 Yeah 03:25.869 --> 03:26.869 Mm . 03:39.600 --> 03:40.600 Mhm . 03:45.419 --> 03:48.080 Ladies and gentlemen , I ask that you 03:48.080 --> 03:51.169 please bow your heads for a moment of 03:51.169 --> 03:54.320 silence for our fallen . OK . 04:05.740 --> 04:09.259 And let us pray . Lord 04:09.259 --> 04:12.720 God , we give you thanks for this day 04:12.970 --> 04:16.019 and all those who are honored . We 04:16.019 --> 04:18.929 thank you for the time they gave to 04:18.929 --> 04:22.649 serve this nation , the sacrifices they 04:22.649 --> 04:25.369 and their families made for the mission 04:25.369 --> 04:28.010 you called them to , and the leader . 04:28.774 --> 04:32.614 and mentorship be provided and continue 04:32.614 --> 04:36.135 to provide to so many . May 04:36.135 --> 04:39.334 today be a day of joy and a day of 04:39.334 --> 04:42.494 blessing as we recognize their 04:42.494 --> 04:45.894 accomplishments . We ask this in your 04:45.894 --> 04:48.600 name . Amen . Thank you , chaplain . 04:48.609 --> 04:49.665 Please be seated . 04:59.769 --> 05:01.491 Again , welcome everyone . The 05:01.491 --> 05:03.380 Minnesota National Guard has been 05:03.380 --> 05:06.600 memorializing individuals since 1933 . 05:07.190 --> 05:09.549 As stated in general order number 5 as 05:09.549 --> 05:12.149 a perpetual monument in memory of a 05:12.149 --> 05:14.829 grateful state and nation , terrain 05:14.829 --> 05:16.829 features on the Camper Blu Military 05:16.829 --> 05:19.089 reservation , Little Falls , Minnesota 05:19.709 --> 05:21.876 are hereby named in honor of Minnesota 05:21.876 --> 05:24.790 citizens , now deceased , who served 05:24.790 --> 05:27.470 honorably in our armed forces during a 05:27.470 --> 05:31.250 time of war . At that time , 159 05:31.250 --> 05:34.380 individuals were honored . Throughout 05:34.380 --> 05:36.640 the years , over several decades 05:36.640 --> 05:39.579 leading up to the early 1980s , the 05:39.579 --> 05:41.779 program was intermittent and only 8 05:41.779 --> 05:44.239 individuals , all deceased , were 05:44.239 --> 05:47.850 inducted . In 1988 , we formalized 05:47.850 --> 05:50.170 the program and began hosting induction 05:50.170 --> 05:54.070 ceremonies biannually . During 05:54.070 --> 05:57.880 the even-numbered years . In 2009 , the 05:57.880 --> 06:00.079 board amended the program to host 06:00.079 --> 06:03.890 annual induction ceremonies . To date , 06:04.260 --> 06:06.959 550 individuals have been honored with 06:06.959 --> 06:09.299 their names etched in the granite walls 06:09.500 --> 06:11.579 that line the Court of Honor at the 06:11.579 --> 06:14.019 Minnesota Military Museum on Camp 06:14.019 --> 06:16.980 Ripley . There are several 06:16.980 --> 06:19.147 distinguished individuals here today , 06:19.220 --> 06:21.331 and I'd be remiss if we didn't take a 06:21.331 --> 06:23.779 moment to recognize them . As I 06:23.779 --> 06:25.946 introduce the official party and board 06:25.946 --> 06:29.609 members , please stand . The 06:29.609 --> 06:31.442 adjutant general of the state of 06:31.442 --> 06:34.239 Minnesota , Major General John Many . 06:35.359 --> 06:38.709 Yeah . The chairman of the 06:38.709 --> 06:40.869 Memorialization board , Major General 06:40.869 --> 06:42.549 retired Neil Loyal . 06:45.230 --> 06:48.420 The senior enlisted Adviser Army 06:48.420 --> 06:50.690 Command Sar Major Jason Ross . 06:53.140 --> 06:55.140 In addition to the official party , 06:55.279 --> 06:57.390 we're joined by , joined today by the 06:57.390 --> 07:00.679 Memorialization board members . Major 07:00.679 --> 07:02.179 General Stephanie Bobath . 07:06.609 --> 07:09.049 General Brevet retired Eric Kurska . 07:12.089 --> 07:14.350 Colonel Troy Fink . Mm 07:17.100 --> 07:18.769 C5 Erahani . 07:22.579 --> 07:24.369 CW2 itchy welcome . 07:26.859 --> 07:29.019 Command Star Major retired Juan 07:29.019 --> 07:32.750 Esquivel . Commandar 07:32.750 --> 07:35.000 Major Ryan Hofstad . 07:38.040 --> 07:39.040 Mr . Tim Croft , 07:42.200 --> 07:43.978 Commandar Major Matt Erickson , 07:46.890 --> 07:50.029 and board recorder Kathy Rai . Thank 07:50.029 --> 07:51.807 you and please know that we all 07:51.807 --> 07:53.862 appreciate all the time and work you 07:53.862 --> 07:55.807 dedicate to ensuring the important 07:55.807 --> 07:57.585 tradition of the Court of Honor 07:57.585 --> 07:58.585 continues . 08:06.670 --> 08:08.781 In addition to the official party and 08:08.781 --> 08:10.781 the memorialization board , we have 08:10.781 --> 08:12.781 several distinguished guests in the 08:12.781 --> 08:16.049 audience . Lieutenant General retired 08:16.049 --> 08:16.890 John Jansen . 08:24.470 --> 08:26.500 Major General retired Sandy Best . 08:31.489 --> 08:33.719 Mayors that I retired David Hamer . 08:38.190 --> 08:39.968 Major General Stephanie Morfa . 08:44.390 --> 08:46.590 Major General retired Gerald Lang . 08:50.960 --> 08:53.549 Major General retired Richard Rollinson . 08:57.729 --> 08:59.673 And joining to see what yes I have 08:59.673 --> 09:01.840 missed . I apologize and thank you for 09:01.840 --> 09:04.890 attending today . Lastly , can you take , 09:05.109 --> 09:07.220 please take a moment to recognize any 09:07.220 --> 09:09.276 past Court of Honor inductees in the 09:09.276 --> 09:11.553 audience today . Will you please stand ? 09:23.900 --> 09:27.030 The Court of Honor , located at the 09:27.030 --> 09:28.869 Military Museum on Camp Ripley , 09:29.400 --> 09:31.520 provides a prestigious invisible area 09:31.520 --> 09:33.799 for the purpose of recognizing and 09:33.799 --> 09:35.966 remembering those individuals who have 09:36.369 --> 09:38.536 through dedicated service to state and 09:38.536 --> 09:42.320 nation , attained uncommon prestige or 09:42.320 --> 09:44.760 performed as distinguished service over 09:44.760 --> 09:48.109 an extended period of time . This year , 09:48.119 --> 09:50.549 we recognize the fallen soldiers whose 09:50.549 --> 09:52.716 names are now engraved in the court of 09:52.716 --> 09:56.599 honor . Colonel retired Michael 09:56.599 --> 09:57.239 Linz . 10:04.690 --> 10:06.190 Colonel retired introsua . 10:12.440 --> 10:14.789 Colonel retired and Angela Stewart 10:14.789 --> 10:15.789 randy . 10:20.700 --> 10:23.640 Chief Warrant Officer 5 retired James 10:23.640 --> 10:24.640 Bankston . 10:29.119 --> 10:32.000 Chief Warrant Officer 3 retired Brian 10:32.000 --> 10:32.789 Morelli . 10:37.789 --> 10:40.739 Commandar major retired Stephen Kinni . 10:46.520 --> 10:49.440 Command major retired Mitchell Hallam . 10:55.289 --> 10:58.229 Command major retired Douglas Worthham . 11:03.619 --> 11:06.229 So the major retired , Brent Henry . 11:11.299 --> 11:13.549 And first sergeant retired Shane 11:13.549 --> 11:14.549 Puddella . 11:19.390 --> 11:21.112 Please join the members of the 11:21.112 --> 11:23.334 memorialization board in honoring these 11:23.334 --> 11:25.334 selected distinguished soldiers and 11:25.334 --> 11:26.334 their families . 11:37.260 --> 11:38.400 Colonel Michael G . 11:41.080 --> 11:44.080 Colonel retired Michael Johns and 35 11:44.080 --> 11:46.191 years of distinguished Service in the 11:46.191 --> 11:48.358 United States Army Reserve and Mnesota 11:48.358 --> 11:50.510 Army National Guard . He enlisted in 11:50.510 --> 11:53.469 1985 as a material storage and handling 11:53.469 --> 11:55.691 specialist and commissioned as a combat 11:55.691 --> 11:58.150 engineer officer in 1988 . Over the 11:58.150 --> 12:00.150 next three decades , he served with 12:00.150 --> 12:02.429 excellence for platoon in the 687 12:02.429 --> 12:04.619 Engineer Battalion to achieve Staff 12:04.619 --> 12:06.730 Minnesota Joint Forces headquarters . 12:06.770 --> 12:08.937 During his career was Colonel Williams 12:08.937 --> 12:11.159 on key leadership positions , including 12:11.159 --> 12:13.214 commander of the Alpha Company 687 . 12:13.214 --> 12:15.326 Engineers , the town commander of the 12:15.326 --> 12:17.895 First Battalion OCS 175th Regional 12:17.895 --> 12:20.296 Training Institute , brigade Engineer 12:20.296 --> 12:23.416 in the first of 34th HACT , and 12:23.416 --> 12:25.472 multiple senior staff assignments to 12:25.472 --> 12:27.935 the 34th Infantry Division Joint Forces 12:27.935 --> 12:30.695 headquarters . In 2006 , deployed to 12:30.695 --> 12:34.505 Iraq in the first 34th HBCT and to 12:34.505 --> 12:37.882 fight both military and slave . to 12:37.882 --> 12:39.993 strengthen outposts and soldiers from 12:39.993 --> 12:42.041 any attack , spirited innovative 12:42.041 --> 12:43.930 fortification measures that saved 12:43.930 --> 12:45.930 countless lives during the indirect 12:45.930 --> 12:48.361 fire assaults . Most notably Williams 12:48.361 --> 12:50.194 attacking and defeated the legal 12:50.194 --> 12:52.442 exulsively formed jack out threats . 12:52.562 --> 12:54.729 His ingenuity leader adopted army-wide 12:54.729 --> 12:56.882 ensured that soldiers survive attacks 12:56.882 --> 12:58.882 and destroyed armored vehicles were 12:58.882 --> 13:00.993 that prows uninjured . His leadership 13:00.993 --> 13:03.160 through the fight during the brigade's 13:03.160 --> 13:05.104 2011 deployment , where his use of 13:05.104 --> 13:06.882 advanced engineering design and 13:06.882 --> 13:09.460 protected soldiers from involving Is 13:09.460 --> 13:11.516 his contribution to force protection 13:11.516 --> 13:13.859 and survivability directly saved lives 13:13.859 --> 13:15.526 and set in during the stas of 13:15.526 --> 13:17.637 operational readiness . Following the 13:17.637 --> 13:20.179 retirement in 2020 , Erwins continues 13:20.179 --> 13:22.290 his service as head coach of the fire 13:22.290 --> 13:24.346 Lake High School , a board member of 13:24.346 --> 13:26.012 the Minnesota Valley Electric 13:26.012 --> 13:27.735 Cooperative . Project lead for 13:27.735 --> 13:29.512 thirty-Fourth Infantry Division 13:29.512 --> 13:33.109 Memorial Mars at 47 and Falls . The 13:33.109 --> 13:35.387 career reflects exceptional leadership , 13:35.387 --> 13:37.510 innovation , and emotional soldiers , 13:37.869 --> 13:39.980 and during the Lay of services in the 13:39.980 --> 13:42.036 Minnesota National government , this 13:42.036 --> 13:44.147 community , and the nation . Heism is 13:44.147 --> 13:46.979 dominated by every person comp in arms . 13:49.549 --> 13:51.660 All right , this to keep our comments 13:51.660 --> 13:53.660 brief , I think , uh , General Loyd 13:53.660 --> 13:56.419 said one minute for your service . So 13:56.419 --> 13:58.586 I'll try to keep it , I'll try to keep 13:58.586 --> 14:00.697 it well under that . Uh , I'm honored 14:00.697 --> 14:02.919 and humbled to be inducted the Corps of 14:02.919 --> 14:05.252 Honor . I think you , uh , General Kura , 14:05.252 --> 14:06.975 the nomination , the selection 14:06.975 --> 14:09.197 committee for the induction . Thank you 14:09.197 --> 14:11.308 to all those throughout my career who 14:11.308 --> 14:13.479 provide mentorship opportunities . A 14:13.479 --> 14:15.701 special thanks to my wife , Laura , and 14:15.701 --> 14:17.812 our sons , Thomas , Joe and Will . My 14:17.812 --> 14:19.757 35 years of service could not have 14:19.757 --> 14:22.799 happened without your support . One of 14:22.799 --> 14:24.919 the great strengths of the National 14:24.919 --> 14:27.359 Guard is that we all bring our civilian 14:27.359 --> 14:29.760 skill sets to the battlefield . During 14:29.760 --> 14:31.849 our 22 month long deployment , I'll 14:31.849 --> 14:33.960 reached my background , experience in 14:33.960 --> 14:36.469 facility design , construction . And 14:36.469 --> 14:38.636 project management to lead the efforts 14:38.636 --> 14:40.858 to improve our remote radio relay point 14:40.858 --> 14:43.025 garrisons . This is my experience with 14:43.025 --> 14:45.559 3D computer aided design software , 14:46.169 --> 14:48.113 combined with the Army engineering 14:48.113 --> 14:50.530 training and booby traps and explosives , 14:50.969 --> 14:53.080 diverse engineer the roadside bombs , 14:53.080 --> 14:55.700 and figure out a way to defeat them . I 14:55.700 --> 14:57.780 proposed that we needed to radically 14:57.780 --> 14:59.502 change our current tactics and 14:59.502 --> 15:03.190 procedures . The challenge was this new 15:03.190 --> 15:06.869 idea that violated all doctrine and 15:06.869 --> 15:09.150 training . That put our command in a 15:09.150 --> 15:12.789 really tough spot . Keep doing what 15:12.789 --> 15:15.340 we're trained to do . In accordance 15:15.340 --> 15:17.900 with published doctrine guidance and 15:17.900 --> 15:20.011 what a higher headquarters told us to 15:20.011 --> 15:22.099 keep doing , and we're gonna keep 15:22.099 --> 15:25.479 having casualties . Our command team 15:25.840 --> 15:28.159 could put their careers and possibly 15:28.159 --> 15:31.390 more on the line and implement a new 15:31.599 --> 15:34.159 unproven tactic that just might save 15:34.159 --> 15:37.520 lives . If it works , everyone's a 15:37.520 --> 15:40.320 hero . If it doesn't work , there may 15:40.320 --> 15:42.679 be repercussions for violating guidance 15:42.679 --> 15:45.419 and training . The command team at the 15:45.419 --> 15:47.697 time , Colonel Serial , Colonel Kurska , 15:47.789 --> 15:49.733 Lieutenant Colonel Herky , Command 15:49.733 --> 15:51.845 Sergeant Major Jolene , they made the 15:51.845 --> 15:53.619 tough call and implemented my 15:53.619 --> 15:57.299 recommendations . The result for 20 15:57.299 --> 15:59.419 vehicle hits between two deployments 15:59.419 --> 16:02.390 without a single casualty . As many 16:02.390 --> 16:04.501 customers in the military , these are 16:04.501 --> 16:06.779 not the results of just one individual , 16:07.190 --> 16:09.246 the efforts of a great staff working 16:09.246 --> 16:11.246 together to solve problems and save 16:11.246 --> 16:13.710 lives . Moneybags Bill Hammond was our 16:13.710 --> 16:15.710 controller and my battle buddy Dave 16:15.710 --> 16:17.630 Munson , our anti-terrorism force 16:17.630 --> 16:19.463 protection officer . They worked 16:19.463 --> 16:21.574 tirelessly to get the funds needed to 16:21.574 --> 16:24.344 prove our RRP force protection . Our GA 16:24.344 --> 16:26.344 officer Tom Hagan helped me win the 16:26.344 --> 16:28.566 legal arguments that we're spending the 16:28.566 --> 16:30.788 correct funds to save soldiers' lives . 16:30.788 --> 16:32.955 I actually had to make that argument . 16:32.955 --> 16:35.066 I had to argue that we're spending US 16:35.066 --> 16:37.233 dollars to save US lives . Our S3 shop 16:37.233 --> 16:39.511 led by Eric Kurska , with Bob Interest , 16:39.511 --> 16:41.400 Rick Shute , implementing the Zoo 16:41.400 --> 16:43.622 tactic throughout the brigade , all the 16:43.622 --> 16:45.622 staff sections laid by our chief of 16:45.622 --> 16:47.566 staff , the late Larry Herky , who 16:47.566 --> 16:49.400 contributed multiple ways to the 16:49.400 --> 16:51.677 brigade's success . Early in my career , 16:51.677 --> 16:53.844 I ran across a poster that always that 16:53.844 --> 16:56.066 I always remembered . It's a picture of 16:56.066 --> 16:57.955 a tired soldier in the field with 16:57.955 --> 17:00.066 following caption . He hasn't read FM 17:00.066 --> 17:02.960 100 S5 . He has no idea what IPB means . 17:03.159 --> 17:05.520 Never ownestman , will never make a 17:05.520 --> 17:07.520 consolidated staff recommendation . 17:07.979 --> 17:10.579 Doesn't know that you exist . Do your 17:10.579 --> 17:13.239 job well , battle staff officer . His 17:13.239 --> 17:16.060 fate depends on your skills . So I get , 17:16.160 --> 17:18.439 I dedicate my induction to the Court of 17:18.439 --> 17:20.520 Honor , to Ion majors , the battle 17:20.520 --> 17:23.520 captains , the staff NCOs , those who 17:23.520 --> 17:25.687 toil away in the command posts , staff 17:25.687 --> 17:28.800 sections , often unnoticed , who do 17:28.800 --> 17:30.680 their job well and come up with 17:30.680 --> 17:32.791 recommendations to save soldier lives 17:32.880 --> 17:34.658 and the brave command staff who 17:34.658 --> 17:36.658 implement those ideas . Thank you . 17:46.170 --> 17:47.614 His honor is Colonel Troy 17:50.859 --> 17:54.839 G . Supa . Colonel Troy J . Supa's 17:54.839 --> 17:57.160 31 year career reflects unwavered 17:57.160 --> 17:59.327 service , battlefield leadership , and 17:59.327 --> 18:01.599 a legacy of dedication to soldiers and 18:01.599 --> 18:03.959 the community . His journey began in 18:03.959 --> 18:06.839 1988 . ROTC cadet in 18:06.839 --> 18:09.479 simultaneous membership program with 18:09.479 --> 18:12.270 the first in the 125th Fleet artillery 18:12.560 --> 18:14.560 commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 18:14.560 --> 18:17.770 June 1990 . He served on active duty in 18:17.770 --> 18:20.479 the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii 18:20.479 --> 18:22.479 before returning to Minnesota to 18:22.479 --> 18:24.423 continue a career of distinction . 18:24.423 --> 18:26.760 National Guard , Colonelsuuper ban 18:26.760 --> 18:29.729 battalion , brigade , division , and 18:29.729 --> 18:32.290 state level commands . Notable signs 18:32.290 --> 18:34.457 include commander of Charlie Battery , 18:34.457 --> 18:36.550 first of the 125th Field artillery , 18:36.609 --> 18:38.900 battalion commander versus the 125th 18:38.900 --> 18:41.011 Field Artillery , brigade commander , 18:41.089 --> 18:43.569 84th Troop Command , division Chief of 18:43.569 --> 18:46.329 Fires , 34th Infantry division , and 18:46.329 --> 18:48.440 Director of Intelligence and Security 18:48.440 --> 18:50.973 Joint . headquarters in Minnesota . He 18:50.973 --> 18:53.152 deployed multiple times , including 22 18:53.152 --> 18:55.432 months in Iraq during Operation Iraqi 18:55.432 --> 18:57.543 Freedom , where he earned the Ro Star 18:57.543 --> 19:00.072 Medal in combat action and as a 19:00.072 --> 19:02.183 battalion commander in Kuwait , where 19:02.183 --> 19:04.294 he led both his battalion and Patriot 19:04.294 --> 19:06.662 operations in support of Operation Yon 19:06.662 --> 19:09.233 and Enduring Freedom . As brigade 19:09.233 --> 19:11.473 commander , Colonel Suka also commanded 19:11.473 --> 19:14.015 the state's sea and enhanced . support 19:14.015 --> 19:17.095 package , leading with guard 15 and 19:17.095 --> 19:20.286 overseeing key deployments to CEO , Yon , 19:20.436 --> 19:22.845 and Cellcom . His leadership directly 19:22.845 --> 19:24.734 improved combat readiness , civil 19:24.734 --> 19:26.567 support , and global partnership 19:26.567 --> 19:28.936 missions . His awards include Asgion of 19:28.936 --> 19:31.296 Merit , two Bronze Star medals , 2 19:31.296 --> 19:33.352 meritorious service medals , and the 19:33.352 --> 19:35.574 Ancient Order of Saint Barbara . Beyond 19:35.574 --> 19:37.816 the uniform , Colonel Sua served as . 19:38.709 --> 19:40.487 to Maple Grove youth football , 19:40.487 --> 19:42.880 lacrosse and hockey , mentor and 19:42.880 --> 19:45.400 volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and 19:45.400 --> 19:47.567 veteran organizations such as the Over 19:47.567 --> 19:49.839 Gunners chapter of the Field Arivity 19:49.839 --> 19:53.719 Association and A Manor in support of 19:53.719 --> 19:56.400 urging the government in New Orleans , 19:56.449 --> 19:59.280 Louisiana . Pero's career exemplified 19:59.280 --> 20:01.002 selfless service , operational 20:01.002 --> 20:03.169 excellence , and a lifelong commitment 20:03.169 --> 20:05.199 to soldiers , vision , and . His 20:05.199 --> 20:07.366 induction into the Court of Honor is a 20:07.366 --> 20:09.255 fitting tribute to a leader whose 20:09.255 --> 20:11.032 impactful endured . Parasuo was 20:11.032 --> 20:14.060 nominated by Robert W . Waitres , Peter 20:14.060 --> 20:14.739 and Fred . 20:20.619 --> 20:24.420 Mhm Well , 20:24.520 --> 20:26.520 good afternoon . This , uh , wasn't 20:26.520 --> 20:28.687 originally part of my speech because I 20:28.687 --> 20:30.909 did not have a speech , but , uh , Mike 20:30.909 --> 20:33.076 Lins , as you can tell by the pictures 20:33.076 --> 20:35.076 that were posted of me , uh , I was 20:35.076 --> 20:37.242 part of that deployment to Iraq and as 20:37.242 --> 20:39.353 a battalion operations officer at the 20:39.353 --> 20:41.464 time , so you could tell by my combat 20:41.464 --> 20:43.576 looking photos that I , I was there , 20:43.576 --> 20:46.060 and all of our soldiers are , uh , duly 20:46.060 --> 20:48.282 noted the efforts that were made at the 20:48.282 --> 20:50.504 brigade level uh and pushed down to the 20:50.504 --> 20:52.616 battalion so we could execute to save 20:52.616 --> 20:54.838 lives on those types of missions . So , 20:54.838 --> 20:56.893 Thank you , Mike Linz , and prior to 20:56.893 --> 20:58.949 that , uh , Mike Linz and I actually 20:58.949 --> 21:01.116 were captains together on the division 21:01.116 --> 21:03.393 staff . So we go a long ways back . So , 21:03.393 --> 21:05.504 uh , anyway , thank you and thank you 21:05.504 --> 21:07.671 for those comments . Uh , then I'll go 21:07.671 --> 21:10.869 on to my chat GPT comments . Um , so , 21:10.880 --> 21:13.589 uh , I just really wanted to begin 21:13.839 --> 21:15.950 overall , uh , thanking the Minnesota 21:15.950 --> 21:17.728 National Guard and thanking the 21:17.728 --> 21:19.839 Minnesota National Guard for the last 21:19.839 --> 21:22.359 31 years of my service , it's given me 21:22.359 --> 21:24.400 the opportunity to lead and do 21:24.400 --> 21:26.344 something that's a lot bigger than 21:26.344 --> 21:28.880 myself . It's really a profound honor 21:28.880 --> 21:30.991 at this time , you know , a few years 21:30.991 --> 21:33.829 after retirement to be inducted into 21:33.829 --> 21:36.479 the court of Honor . So thank you very 21:36.479 --> 21:38.479 much for this recognition and for 21:38.479 --> 21:41.239 allowing , allowing me to be this part 21:41.239 --> 21:44.150 of this uh renewed . And proud 21:44.150 --> 21:47.170 tradition . I also wanted to 21:47.170 --> 21:50.170 congratulate those all in the front 21:50.170 --> 21:52.114 left or right of these rows to the 21:52.114 --> 21:54.530 Court of Honor inductees . Um , it 21:54.530 --> 21:56.697 really , you represent what service is 21:56.697 --> 21:58.863 about to this organization and to this 21:58.863 --> 22:01.030 nation . I see a lot of friendly faces 22:01.030 --> 22:03.252 and faces that we've gone through a lot 22:03.252 --> 22:05.252 of different things , uh , on those 22:05.252 --> 22:07.586 types of deployments . And to my family , 22:08.160 --> 22:10.104 uh , thanks for standing with me . 22:10.430 --> 22:12.790 Through multiple deployments and 22:12.790 --> 22:15.030 multiple duty missions and duty 22:15.030 --> 22:18.270 stations , including overseas in Scania , 22:18.349 --> 22:21.459 Iraq , Camp Patriot , Kuwait , and uh 22:21.790 --> 22:23.920 more than one mission to uh NATO 22:23.920 --> 22:25.920 Composite force mission in northern 22:25.920 --> 22:28.910 Norway . You all carried the weight for 22:28.910 --> 22:31.869 me while I was forward deployed and you 22:31.869 --> 22:34.750 took care of primarily my wife , my now 22:34.750 --> 22:37.699 young , they were young kids now , uh , 22:37.709 --> 22:39.979 2 adult children and 2 17-year-olds 22:40.270 --> 22:42.949 have developed their own way in their 22:42.949 --> 22:45.550 budding young lives . This is an honor 22:45.550 --> 22:47.772 that does not just belong to me , but , 22:47.772 --> 22:50.880 but to all of my teammates , mentors , 22:51.310 --> 22:54.109 friends , and family . Thank you for 22:54.109 --> 22:56.310 sporting along the way . And thank you 22:56.310 --> 22:59.439 for this incredible recognition attack . 23:11.099 --> 23:14.060 It is Colonel Angela and Stewart 23:14.060 --> 23:16.790 Randall . Colonel retired Angela 23:16.790 --> 23:18.829 Stewart Randall's 3rd . career in 23:18.829 --> 23:20.773 Minnesota Army National Guard is a 23:20.773 --> 23:22.829 testament to rileway in leadership , 23:22.829 --> 23:24.885 devotion to soldiers , and endurance 23:24.885 --> 23:26.940 service , rising through the race to 23:26.940 --> 23:28.885 become the highest ranking African 23:28.885 --> 23:31.107 American woman in the guard's history , 23:31.107 --> 23:32.829 she broke barriers and set new 23:32.829 --> 23:35.051 standards for excellence in metrition , 23:35.051 --> 23:37.273 diversity , and operational readiness . 23:37.273 --> 23:39.329 Commissioned in 1988 for the ROTC at 23:39.329 --> 23:41.551 the College of Saint Benedict and Saint 23:41.551 --> 23:43.885 John's University , Colonel Stewart ran . 23:43.885 --> 23:45.939 began as an ambulance of the 204th 23:45.939 --> 23:48.099 Medical Battalion . She went on to 23:48.099 --> 23:50.043 serve with the station in critical 23:50.043 --> 23:51.988 roles , including commander of the 23:51.988 --> 23:53.877 134th Forward Support Battalion , 23:53.877 --> 23:56.043 Inspector General of the 34th Infantry 23:56.043 --> 23:58.210 Division , Director of Human Resources 23:58.210 --> 24:00.266 and Personnel at JFHQ , Deputy State 24:00.266 --> 24:02.699 Surgeon , and brigade Executive officer 24:02.699 --> 24:05.680 of the 347 Regional Support Group . Her 24:05.680 --> 24:08.170 overseas appointments to Koso and Iraq 24:08.170 --> 24:10.337 showcasing her innovation and result . 24:10.449 --> 24:12.650 In Iraq , she created an interactive 24:12.650 --> 24:14.539 sexual assault prevention program 24:14.539 --> 24:16.410 adopted across the planes . As 24:16.410 --> 24:18.521 inspector General , she resolved more 24:18.521 --> 24:21.160 than 110 complex soldier cases , 24:21.170 --> 24:23.448 strengthening accountability and trust . 24:23.770 --> 24:25.650 Colonel Stuart Randall pioneered 24:25.650 --> 24:27.983 Guard's first formal mentorship program , 24:28.010 --> 24:30.410 fostering pathways for soldiers of all 24:30.410 --> 24:32.521 backgrounds and was instrumental in . 24:32.890 --> 24:35.280 Adversity , suicide prevention , and 24:35.280 --> 24:37.280 medical readiness initiatives . Her 24:37.280 --> 24:39.447 guidance helped shape future leaders , 24:39.447 --> 24:41.280 including a protege who became a 24:41.280 --> 24:43.391 brigadier general . Her distinguished 24:43.391 --> 24:45.890 awards include the Merit , Bronze Star 24:45.890 --> 24:48.239 Medal , multiple meritorious Service 24:48.239 --> 24:50.439 medals , and both Iraq and coastal . 24:52.050 --> 24:54.161 Since retired , she has continued her 24:54.161 --> 24:56.328 legacy of service to senior leadership 24:56.328 --> 24:58.383 in state and nonprofit organizations 24:58.383 --> 25:00.489 such as Human Resources director for 25:00.489 --> 25:02.930 the state of Minnesota , COVID response 25:02.930 --> 25:05.449 team supervisor for Ramsey County , and 25:05.449 --> 25:07.560 served as director of human resources 25:07.560 --> 25:10.079 and vice president of talent equity and 25:10.079 --> 25:11.857 Culture for neighboring and . A 25:11.857 --> 25:13.660 nonprofit serving diverse and 25:13.660 --> 25:15.939 underserved communities while actively 25:15.939 --> 25:18.459 supporting veteran groups like Women's 25:18.459 --> 25:20.681 Veterans Initiative Working Group , the 25:20.681 --> 25:22.515 Minnesota Assistance Council for 25:22.515 --> 25:24.626 Veterans , died out over the National 25:24.626 --> 25:26.737 Association of Black Military Women , 25:26.737 --> 25:28.848 disabled American Veterans , veterans 25:28.848 --> 25:31.099 of Foreign Wars , American military 25:31.099 --> 25:34.040 officers . of America and both National 25:34.040 --> 25:35.959 Guard Associations at state and 25:35.959 --> 25:38.479 national level , faith and community 25:38.479 --> 25:40.535 programs . Colonel Sue Rado's career 25:40.535 --> 25:42.479 reflects integrity , courage , and 25:42.479 --> 25:44.590 vision . Her induction into the court 25:44.590 --> 25:46.646 of honor as a favtribute to a leader 25:46.646 --> 25:48.812 who like C will inspire generations to 25:48.812 --> 25:50.701 come . Colonel Stuart Randall was 25:50.701 --> 25:53.160 nominated by retired Major General 25:53.160 --> 25:55.839 Jerry Lane , Conrad in arms , and 25:55.839 --> 25:57.329 Captain Peian Hunt . 26:07.520 --> 26:09.687 Well , I was provided some guidance on 26:09.687 --> 26:12.800 this , but , uh , from a mentor and uh 26:12.800 --> 26:15.109 today I was told that I don't need to 26:16.160 --> 26:18.760 continue with that guidance , so thank 26:18.760 --> 26:22.300 you sir . Um , 26:22.520 --> 26:24.631 distinguished guests , fellow service 26:24.631 --> 26:26.464 members , family , friends , and 26:26.464 --> 26:29.530 honorees , good afternoon . Standing 26:29.530 --> 26:31.752 before you today is one of the greatest 26:31.752 --> 26:34.920 honors of my life to be inducted into 26:34.920 --> 26:37.031 the Minnesota National Guard Court of 26:37.031 --> 26:40.479 Honor alongside so many of our state's 26:40.479 --> 26:43.449 most selfless and courageous military 26:43.449 --> 26:46.329 professionals is very humbling beyond 26:46.329 --> 26:49.540 words . I want to begin by offering my 26:49.540 --> 26:51.651 sincere thanks to those who nominated 26:51.651 --> 26:55.500 me for this distinction , and 26:56.099 --> 26:57.821 the two nominations there were 26:57.821 --> 26:59.869 co-authors with that , so I wanna 26:59.869 --> 27:02.410 include those in my my thank yous . 27:03.119 --> 27:06.000 Major General Larry Jerry Lang . Who 27:06.000 --> 27:09.640 even after my exuberant and carefree 2 27:09.640 --> 27:13.040 1/2 3 year old daughter , Marica was 27:13.040 --> 27:15.151 playing around on the drill floor and 27:15.151 --> 27:18.079 being pregnant with my son James , my 27:18.079 --> 27:21.040 second born child , he still selected 27:21.040 --> 27:24.430 me as his S1 commander . 27:25.359 --> 27:28.640 HHD and S1 commander , the 134th 27:28.640 --> 27:31.760 FSB , which was my first company 27:31.760 --> 27:34.479 command position . Thereafter I had the 27:34.479 --> 27:36.800 honor to serve under his command and 27:36.800 --> 27:39.000 various other positions throughout the 27:39.000 --> 27:42.010 4 34th Division Support command , the 27:42.010 --> 27:44.800 DISCO . Thank you , Major General Lane 27:45.560 --> 27:48.430 to Major General Neil Loyle . My first 27:48.430 --> 27:51.030 encounter with him as I came on 27:51.030 --> 27:53.790 full-time force with Joint Force 27:53.790 --> 27:55.457 headquarters as a state equal 27:55.457 --> 27:57.680 Employment Manager , and he and his 27:57.680 --> 27:59.819 role as a labor relations officer . 28:00.380 --> 28:02.540 That led to many more encounters in 28:02.540 --> 28:05.099 various positions , including the 28:05.099 --> 28:08.260 deployment and eventually became a very 28:08.260 --> 28:11.219 trusted advisor and senior mentor where 28:11.219 --> 28:13.619 now as a board member I have the 28:13.619 --> 28:16.219 privilege to work again with him and 28:16.219 --> 28:19.180 his amazing Minnesota Assistant counsel 28:19.180 --> 28:22.140 for Veterans team as they work to end 28:22.140 --> 28:25.500 Minnesota veterans homelessness to 28:25.500 --> 28:29.130 Captain Takeisha Hunt . So 28:29.130 --> 28:32.640 proud and honored to be able to witness 28:33.010 --> 28:36.089 firsthand after she completed back to 28:36.089 --> 28:38.489 back deployments with the thirty-fourth 28:38.489 --> 28:40.890 Red Bull Infantry Division and the 28:40.890 --> 28:44.530 834th Aviation Support Battalion , her 28:44.530 --> 28:46.939 taking command of the 147th Human 28:46.939 --> 28:49.930 Resources Company , and one of the 28:49.930 --> 28:51.652 positions that I had as far as 28:51.652 --> 28:55.319 overseeing when I was in the 3347th RSG 28:55.319 --> 28:57.880 command . Thank you , Captain Hunt . 28:59.369 --> 29:01.670 Master Sergeant Farah Kennedy from 29:01.670 --> 29:04.119 working with her when she was just an 29:04.119 --> 29:07.729 E4 HR assistant to now joint force 29:07.729 --> 29:10.209 headquarters NCOIC of the finance 29:10.209 --> 29:14.170 section and a master sergeant E8 29:14.170 --> 29:16.359 in the Minnesota Army National Guard . 29:16.650 --> 29:18.761 Thank you , Master Sergeant Kennedy . 29:19.729 --> 29:21.719 To the Camp Ripley Memorialization 29:21.719 --> 29:24.170 board members , amongst the many 29:24.170 --> 29:26.689 nominations you receive , to have been 29:26.689 --> 29:28.300 one of the selectees of this 29:28.300 --> 29:30.930 prestigious recognition , I am deeply 29:30.930 --> 29:33.760 honored and sincerely grateful . Thank 29:33.760 --> 29:36.969 you . Thank you 29:36.969 --> 29:40.969 for all your belief and confidence 29:40.969 --> 29:44.209 in me over the years for your trust and 29:44.209 --> 29:46.689 for taking the time to put together and 29:46.689 --> 29:48.911 submit the nomination packet forwarding 29:48.911 --> 29:51.010 my name . I'm truly appreciative of 29:51.010 --> 29:53.290 your support , and this means more than 29:53.290 --> 29:56.880 you know . This honor is not 29:56.880 --> 30:00.310 mine , not mine alone . It belongs to 30:00.310 --> 30:03.099 the countless soldiers , all the NCOs , 30:03.229 --> 30:05.451 the warrant officers , and commissioned 30:05.451 --> 30:07.709 officers . I had the privilege to serve 30:07.709 --> 30:10.550 alongside , whether in the field , in 30:10.550 --> 30:13.390 combat zones during sleepless nights of 30:13.390 --> 30:16.030 domestic operations or in training 30:16.030 --> 30:17.709 professionals and leadership 30:17.709 --> 30:20.339 development or making policy changes 30:20.630 --> 30:23.420 from Kosovo to Iraq , from the motor 30:23.420 --> 30:25.750 pool , medical treatment facility 30:25.750 --> 30:28.454 visits . Across the state being down 30:28.454 --> 30:31.055 range on a or on a flight line or 30:31.055 --> 30:33.525 airfield to the confines of a 30:33.525 --> 30:36.265 conference room or one on one in an 30:36.265 --> 30:38.854 office , every accomplishment 30:38.854 --> 30:42.405 attributed to me has been made possible 30:42.614 --> 30:45.375 by all the soldiers and people around 30:45.375 --> 30:48.824 me , those who challenged me to 30:48.824 --> 30:52.694 soldier soldier soldier to soldier with 30:52.694 --> 30:56.619 me . mentored me and lifted me up when 30:56.619 --> 30:58.563 the mission demanded more than one 30:58.563 --> 31:01.959 could bear or carry along . To the 31:01.959 --> 31:04.420 enlisted soldiers who are the backbone 31:04.420 --> 31:06.839 of the military and the heartbeat of 31:06.839 --> 31:09.359 every formation , you taught me what 31:09.359 --> 31:12.439 resilience truly means your commitment 31:12.439 --> 31:15.390 to each other , your diligence to duty 31:15.839 --> 31:17.506 and to the mission , and your 31:17.506 --> 31:20.079 willingness to teach and train a newly 31:20.079 --> 31:22.719 assigned butter bar and willingness to 31:22.719 --> 31:25.130 take the time to continue this practice 31:25.400 --> 31:28.439 throughout my career inspired me every 31:28.439 --> 31:31.729 single day . Thank you . To the warrant 31:31.729 --> 31:33.810 officers who have been pivotal in 31:33.810 --> 31:35.921 bridging the gap between the enlisted 31:35.921 --> 31:38.089 and officer leadership , bringing your 31:38.089 --> 31:40.819 technical expertise and craftsmanship 31:41.089 --> 31:43.599 that upholds and advances our mission , 31:44.050 --> 31:46.272 your tactfulness and making sure that . 31:46.334 --> 31:49.925 Every T is crossed and I was dotted and 31:49.925 --> 31:51.765 ensuring that I understood the 31:51.765 --> 31:54.155 importance of these essential lessons , 31:54.685 --> 31:57.005 especially with personal actions and 31:57.005 --> 31:59.405 throughout the my logistic logistical 31:59.405 --> 32:02.364 community . Thank you to the 32:02.364 --> 32:04.765 commissioned officers , both junior and 32:04.765 --> 32:08.324 senior officers and my peers that I 32:08.324 --> 32:10.685 served with , you helped shape my 32:10.685 --> 32:13.535 perspective , sharpened my leadership . 32:14.130 --> 32:17.400 Your guidance and counsel , mentorship 32:17.890 --> 32:20.170 and abiding to the task of holding me 32:20.170 --> 32:22.800 accountable and your professionalism 32:22.969 --> 32:26.000 pushed me to think deeper , lead better 32:26.000 --> 32:28.170 and remain grounded in our shared 32:28.170 --> 32:30.880 values in the mission . Thank you 32:32.209 --> 32:35.810 and to my family , the quiet strength 32:35.810 --> 32:39.000 behind my service . The long 32:39.000 --> 32:41.810 nights , missed birthdays and holiday 32:41.810 --> 32:44.020 gatherings , school activities and 32:44.020 --> 32:46.540 special events where you went on to 32:46.540 --> 32:50.459 shine , although I was not there when 32:50.459 --> 32:52.900 asked by other children , why did your 32:52.900 --> 32:56.339 mom leave you ? I said standing up 32:56.339 --> 32:59.130 straight and telling them she didn't 32:59.130 --> 33:02.089 leave me , she's helping other people 33:02.380 --> 33:05.510 and serving our country . The silent 33:05.510 --> 33:08.390 sacrifices you endured , I know were 33:08.390 --> 33:10.750 hard on you , and please know they 33:10.750 --> 33:14.180 never went unnoticed . He not only gave 33:14.180 --> 33:17.030 me the space , but the unconditional 33:17.030 --> 33:20.550 support for me to be able to lead , to 33:20.550 --> 33:23.630 serve , and to grow , and I hope that I 33:23.630 --> 33:26.349 was able to be the best and loving 33:26.349 --> 33:29.150 mother for you , for my children 33:29.150 --> 33:31.790 Marisha and James , and my now new 33:31.790 --> 33:35.180 daughter-in-law . Your support and 33:35.180 --> 33:37.500 understanding were unwavering . Your 33:37.500 --> 33:40.359 continuous and constant love was and 33:40.359 --> 33:43.810 still is my compass . Thank you . 33:44.979 --> 33:47.900 You see this induction represents more 33:47.900 --> 33:49.678 than an acknowledgement of past 33:49.678 --> 33:51.939 accomplishments . It's a moment that 33:51.939 --> 33:54.420 validates a lifetime of striving to 33:54.420 --> 33:56.619 lead the organization better than I 33:56.619 --> 33:59.140 found it , whether it was establishing 33:59.140 --> 34:01.500 a mentorship program , expanding 34:01.500 --> 34:03.530 diversity and inclusion efforts , 34:03.859 --> 34:05.619 resolving soldier issues as an 34:05.619 --> 34:08.020 inspector general , or leading medical 34:08.020 --> 34:11.495 rating . across the force developing 34:11.495 --> 34:13.774 programs to ensure proper resources and 34:13.774 --> 34:15.774 services for our military youth and 34:15.774 --> 34:19.564 family were there in place . Each 34:19.564 --> 34:22.264 initiative was rooted in a deep belief 34:22.655 --> 34:24.655 that we are at our best when we are 34:24.655 --> 34:27.455 lifted up by another when we make space 34:27.455 --> 34:30.054 for every voice and when we lead with 34:30.054 --> 34:32.448 both strength and compassion . To be 34:33.489 --> 34:36.069 etched in stone here at Camp Ripley , 34:36.458 --> 34:38.658 where I first was introduced to this 34:38.658 --> 34:42.249 53,000 acre training site conducting 34:42.249 --> 34:45.938 bilac exercises as an ROTC cadet at 34:45.938 --> 34:47.938 College of Saint Benedict's , Saint 34:47.938 --> 34:50.160 John's and Saint Cloud State University 34:50.160 --> 34:53.989 trio program . And since the age of 20 , 34:55.159 --> 34:57.520 save the two deployments , spend every 34:57.520 --> 35:00.159 single birthday to include the year I 35:00.159 --> 35:03.479 retired to the muta 5s or muda 6s being 35:03.479 --> 35:06.120 conducted on the first weekend of this 35:06.120 --> 35:08.429 beautiful month of May , which 35:09.120 --> 35:11.287 conveniently coincide with the date of 35:11.287 --> 35:14.159 my birth . And on the very grounds 35:14.159 --> 35:16.699 where so many of us trained or 35:16.699 --> 35:19.800 transformed . And forged unbreakable 35:19.800 --> 35:23.600 bonds , it's more than a tribute it's a 35:23.600 --> 35:26.330 reminder of the legacy we all leave 35:26.330 --> 35:30.159 behind as I look at this honor , I 35:30.159 --> 35:32.689 don't see a final chapter . I see a 35:32.689 --> 35:35.639 renewed responsibility to continue 35:35.639 --> 35:38.429 mentoring , to keep building bridges , 35:38.679 --> 35:40.949 and to ensure the next generation of 35:40.949 --> 35:44.320 soldiers sees themselves in the legacy 35:44.320 --> 35:47.600 we leave to those who serve . 35:48.094 --> 35:51.735 Before me , beside me are serving 35:51.735 --> 35:54.905 now and will serve in the future after 35:54.905 --> 35:58.004 all of us . Thank you for allowing me 35:58.004 --> 36:00.115 to be part of this great and enduring 36:00.115 --> 36:03.655 military family to continue to live the 36:03.655 --> 36:06.205 live the army values of loyalty , 36:06.774 --> 36:10.294 duty , respect , selfless 36:10.294 --> 36:13.804 service , honor , integrity , 36:14.375 --> 36:15.604 personal courage . 36:18.219 --> 36:20.441 May we always remember and never forget 36:20.441 --> 36:24.020 the sacrifices , the stories told and 36:24.020 --> 36:26.820 untold , the friendships and the bonds 36:26.820 --> 36:29.360 that we made , and the people who make 36:29.360 --> 36:33.250 our service so meaningful . Ken , I 36:33.250 --> 36:35.459 thank you for this incredible and 36:35.459 --> 36:38.949 humbling honor . God speak . 36:52.199 --> 36:55.070 Store is Chief Warrant Officer 5 , 36:55.399 --> 36:58.750 James D . Bankston . Chief Warrant 36:58.750 --> 37:00.919 Officer 5 , James Bankston began his 37:00.919 --> 37:03.669 distinguished military career in 1967 37:03.669 --> 37:05.836 as a warrant officer candidate at Fort 37:05.836 --> 37:07.836 Walters , Texas , and Fort Rutger , 37:07.836 --> 37:10.002 Alabama . He served with the nation in 37:10.002 --> 37:13.679 Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 as a UH1 37:13.679 --> 37:15.719 aviator and later at Fort Carson , 37:15.840 --> 37:17.896 Colorado as the commanding general's 37:17.896 --> 37:20.189 pilot and instructor . Following active 37:20.189 --> 37:23.510 duty , CW 5 Baston joined the Minnesota 37:23.510 --> 37:27.229 Army National Guard in 1971 as a UH-1 37:27.229 --> 37:30.750 pilot with Alpha Company 147th Aviation 37:30.750 --> 37:32.909 Battalion . He balanced his military 37:32.909 --> 37:34.798 service with a career as a police 37:34.798 --> 37:36.820 officer . The City of Fridley for 37:36.820 --> 37:39.540 serving full time as a UH1 instructor 37:39.540 --> 37:41.651 pilot for the Minnesota Army National 37:41.651 --> 37:43.659 Guard . Throughout his 33 years of 37:43.659 --> 37:45.780 service , 28 of them in the Minnesota 37:45.780 --> 37:48.709 Army National Guard , CW5 bank and held 37:48.709 --> 37:50.780 every key warrant officer aviation 37:50.780 --> 37:52.570 staff position at the company , 37:52.780 --> 37:55.564 battalion , and brigade levels . roles 37:55.564 --> 37:57.453 include aviation safety officer , 37:57.604 --> 37:59.604 standardization instructor pilot , 37:59.725 --> 38:02.044 instrument examiner , and aircrew 38:02.044 --> 38:05.125 coordination instructor . In 1992 , he 38:05.125 --> 38:07.347 became the first warrant officer in the 38:07.347 --> 38:09.125 Minnesota Army National Guard , 38:09.125 --> 38:11.236 promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 . 38:11.604 --> 38:14.645 CW5 Paxton accumulated 8,3 . 38:14.989 --> 38:18.070 38 accident-free flight hours including 38:18.070 --> 38:22.010 4,138 as an instructor pilot 38:22.010 --> 38:25.750 and 1,155 hours in combat . It 38:25.750 --> 38:28.270 was by a rotary wing aircraft OH . 38:29.290 --> 38:33.129 UH1 OH58 and AH1 38:33.129 --> 38:37.030 and fixed wing aircraft T42 , UA and 38:37.030 --> 38:40.080 U21 is leadership , integrity , and 38:40.080 --> 38:42.149 innovation set during benchmarks for 38:42.149 --> 38:44.949 Army aviation readiness , safety and 38:44.949 --> 38:48.030 training . In return , CW5 Bain remains 38:48.030 --> 38:49.949 active in service . He is a vital 38:49.949 --> 38:52.116 member and board director of the Upper 38:52.116 --> 38:54.227 Midwest chapter of Vietnam Helicopter 38:54.227 --> 38:57.290 Pilots . volunteers with hospice care 38:57.290 --> 38:59.457 and community food show and has served 38:59.457 --> 39:01.679 with the Boy Scouts of America . He and 39:01.679 --> 39:03.512 his wife Kari reside in Hudson , 39:03.512 --> 39:05.679 Wisconsin , where they enjoyed their 5 39:05.679 --> 39:07.457 children and 11 grandchildren , 39:07.457 --> 39:09.512 including Specialist Liberty Grant , 39:09.512 --> 39:11.568 currently serving with the Minnesota 39:11.568 --> 39:13.623 Army National Guard . CWI Basson was 39:13.623 --> 39:16.459 nominated by retired Major General Rick 39:16.459 --> 39:20.050 Burleson and Brigadier General Ey Moore . 39:29.209 --> 39:31.770 Thank you very much . I appreciate that . 39:32.290 --> 39:35.320 Um , I have a lot of thanks to give for , 39:35.570 --> 39:38.459 for today and , and all of my family 39:38.770 --> 39:41.169 are here today , which is an event just 39:41.169 --> 39:44.729 to begin with . And , uh , um , 39:45.169 --> 39:47.225 through the 57 years that we've been 39:47.225 --> 39:49.810 married , um , there's been a lot of 39:49.810 --> 39:51.679 occasions . Thank you . 39:55.399 --> 39:57.679 A lot of occasions , uh , when I was in 39:57.679 --> 40:00.159 the National Guard that , uh , I was 40:00.159 --> 40:02.959 always away doing training or elsewhere 40:02.959 --> 40:05.399 during the times that , uh , activities 40:05.399 --> 40:07.909 were happening at home . Um , 40:09.449 --> 40:13.320 so thank you for carrying on . Thank 40:13.320 --> 40:16.419 you for , for holding the fort down , 40:16.679 --> 40:17.250 Connie . 40:20.870 --> 40:24.590 58 years ago , I found myself uh as a 40:24.590 --> 40:27.879 19 year old , um , standing in an 40:28.389 --> 40:30.929 army recruiter's office . Highly 40:30.929 --> 40:34.439 encouraged by the draft board , uh , 40:34.969 --> 40:38.409 to make a decision . And , uh , I , I 40:38.409 --> 40:41.010 talked to a recruiter , army recruiter 40:41.010 --> 40:43.209 at that time . Um , I still remember 40:43.209 --> 40:46.080 his name , Staff Sergeant Carter , and , 40:46.169 --> 40:48.058 uh , I told him I wanted to be an 40:48.058 --> 40:51.870 airborne ranger and kind of smirked on 40:51.870 --> 40:54.290 the side of his cheek and , and he said , 40:54.409 --> 40:56.465 well , you gotta take some exams and 40:56.465 --> 40:58.520 And then we'll figure out what would 40:58.520 --> 41:01.429 work out best for you in the army . And , 41:01.439 --> 41:03.879 uh , took the exams and went back after 41:03.879 --> 41:06.157 he checked all those out , and he says , 41:06.157 --> 41:08.669 you know what , you need to join the , 41:08.810 --> 41:11.520 um , army and go to warrant officer 41:11.520 --> 41:13.399 candidate school and become a 41:13.399 --> 41:16.649 helicopter pilot . Now , that was a 41:16.649 --> 41:20.120 giant leap of faith for me , as I 41:20.120 --> 41:22.287 didn't know what a warrant officer was 41:22.287 --> 41:24.398 to begin with . And uh the other part 41:24.398 --> 41:26.699 of it was , I never flown before . 41:27.330 --> 41:31.090 Never been in an aircraft . And uh when 41:31.090 --> 41:33.368 I mentioned that to him , he says , oh , 41:33.368 --> 41:35.479 that doesn't matter . Um , take these 41:35.479 --> 41:37.701 books home and study them and you'll be 41:37.701 --> 41:41.489 just fine . Well , It all happened in 41:41.489 --> 41:44.729 that giant leap of faith . Um , I did 41:44.729 --> 41:47.689 complete , uh , flight school and , and 41:47.689 --> 41:49.856 Warrant Officer Candidate School . And 41:49.856 --> 41:51.967 for the warrant officers today , um , 41:52.129 --> 41:54.296 Warrant Officer Candidate School was 9 41:54.296 --> 41:56.407 months back then , and while you were 41:56.407 --> 41:58.629 trying to fly , learn how to fly , so a 41:58.629 --> 42:01.449 little bit different than today , um . 42:02.989 --> 42:05.629 After my tour in Vietnam , um , I 42:05.629 --> 42:07.851 served in Colorado , as was mentioned , 42:08.030 --> 42:11.399 as a , the , um , commanding general's 42:11.399 --> 42:14.909 pilot , and , uh , had an opportunity 42:14.909 --> 42:17.350 to visit lots of places with lots of 42:17.350 --> 42:20.360 VIPs as Fort Carson at the time was one 42:20.360 --> 42:24.189 of the , uh , arrowhead point for the 42:24.189 --> 42:27.310 new Var Army . So we had all kinds of , 42:27.320 --> 42:30.649 uh , People coming by politicians and 42:30.649 --> 42:33.810 such to uh to have the opportunity to 42:33.810 --> 42:36.143 see what , what the , the post is doing . 42:36.143 --> 42:38.477 Of course , we are a volunteer army now , 42:38.477 --> 42:40.588 and we , the draft is no longer being 42:40.588 --> 42:44.370 used for , for our um Men and 42:44.370 --> 42:46.481 women to join the join the military , 42:47.770 --> 42:51.550 um . Uh , through , through 42:51.550 --> 42:54.350 my time frame as , as , as a warrant 42:54.350 --> 42:58.030 officer and um through the challenges 42:58.030 --> 42:59.989 that were given to me um by , by 42:59.989 --> 43:01.989 serving in the active duty army and 43:01.989 --> 43:05.149 also with the National Guard , um , I 43:05.149 --> 43:07.310 had , I have very good commanders and 43:07.310 --> 43:10.350 um they helped me to , to do more and 43:10.350 --> 43:13.419 to be more uh than I thought I could be . 43:14.790 --> 43:18.469 I have since I heard a 43:19.120 --> 43:22.479 statement that was made that kind of 43:22.479 --> 43:25.280 became my , my goal in , in my , my 43:25.280 --> 43:28.760 career . There's no chance , there's no 43:28.760 --> 43:31.679 fate , there's no destiny that can 43:31.679 --> 43:35.169 circumvent or hinder or control 43:35.560 --> 43:38.389 the firm resolve of a determined soul . 43:39.830 --> 43:41.879 All the inductees I sure here today 43:41.879 --> 43:45.030 have used that , uh , not so many words 43:45.030 --> 43:47.510 as that , but , but we're determined 43:47.510 --> 43:51.449 souls and we're determined to , uh , be 43:51.639 --> 43:53.639 the best that they could be in , in 43:53.639 --> 43:56.350 their , um , in their units and for 43:56.350 --> 43:58.459 their community also . 43:59.409 --> 44:02.939 Um , I'd like to thank those that I've 44:02.939 --> 44:05.161 served with that are here today , which 44:05.161 --> 44:07.830 aren't that many of us around , um , 44:07.939 --> 44:10.659 but , uh , um , there , we do have some 44:10.659 --> 44:12.715 here and some that are being honored 44:12.715 --> 44:15.610 today too . Um , and thank you for your , 44:16.959 --> 44:19.729 uh , for your support and , and all the , 44:19.739 --> 44:22.600 uh , good and bad times that we've had , 44:22.969 --> 44:26.699 um , in our , in our careers . Um , 44:27.129 --> 44:29.240 thank you again for this , this great 44:29.240 --> 44:32.040 honor and uh I appreciate that . 44:33.310 --> 44:34.310 Who are me . 44:49.419 --> 44:52.449 Scholar read is Chief Warrant Officer 3 , 44:52.620 --> 44:56.010 Brian P . Morelli . Chief Warrant 44:56.010 --> 44:58.620 Officer 3 , Brian Morelli , faithfully 44:58.620 --> 45:00.731 served over 30 years in the Minnesota 45:00.731 --> 45:02.898 Army National Guard , culminating in . 45:03.060 --> 45:05.360 Career defined by technical expertise , 45:05.479 --> 45:07.629 innovation , and selfless service , 45:07.800 --> 45:10.909 enlisting in 1990 as a field artillery 45:10.909 --> 45:14.000 fire finder radar operator , who began 45:14.000 --> 45:17.239 his career with ETA 151 Field 45:17.239 --> 45:19.060 Artillery in Brooklyn Park . 45:19.520 --> 45:21.631 Recognizing his exceptional technical 45:21.631 --> 45:23.687 skills , he transitioned to the 34th 45:23.687 --> 45:27.120 infantry . G7 information operations 45:27.120 --> 45:29.580 section and reclassified as an 45:29.580 --> 45:31.636 information technology specialist in 45:31.636 --> 45:34.580 2005 . His expertise soon brought him 45:34.580 --> 45:36.691 into the active guard reserve Force , 45:36.691 --> 45:38.747 where he became indispensable to the 45:38.747 --> 45:41.024 division's command and control systems , 45:41.024 --> 45:43.760 appointed . Warrant officer in 2012 , 45:44.050 --> 45:47.600 he was promoted to CW-2 in 2013 45:47.850 --> 45:50.889 and CW-3 in 2017 . From 45:50.889 --> 45:54.879 2003 to 2019 , CW-3 Morelli 45:54.879 --> 45:56.879 was a constant presence on advanced 45:56.879 --> 45:58.899 parties for waging war fighter and 45:58.899 --> 46:01.729 joint exercises across the US , Europe , 46:01.929 --> 46:04.449 Asia , and the Middle East . His work 46:04.449 --> 46:06.060 ensured reliable battlefield 46:06.060 --> 46:08.227 communication . Enabling commanders to 46:08.227 --> 46:10.005 execute critical operations and 46:10.005 --> 46:12.116 maintain common operational picture . 46:12.116 --> 46:13.949 His innovations during Operation 46:13.949 --> 46:16.129 Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom 46:16.129 --> 46:18.510 dramatically improved tactical networks , 46:18.530 --> 46:20.530 earned widespread recognition and 46:20.530 --> 46:22.850 combinations , including a proud Star 46:22.850 --> 46:25.409 Medal , Verritory Service Medal , and 46:25.409 --> 46:27.409 Joint Service Accommodation Medal , 46:27.409 --> 46:29.298 equally respected as a leader and 46:29.298 --> 46:32.290 mentor , CW Fre Morelli received the 46:32.290 --> 46:34.729 Vincent Leadership Award and the war . 46:35.905 --> 46:37.864 and guided numerous junior foreign 46:37.864 --> 46:40.385 officers in the G6 section . Since 46:40.385 --> 46:42.985 retiring in 2020 , he has continued his 46:42.985 --> 46:45.041 service to veterans as an operations 46:45.041 --> 46:47.264 manager with the VA as a small business 46:47.264 --> 46:49.431 owner , and as an active member of the 46:49.431 --> 46:53.264 VFW posts 7555 , where he 46:53.264 --> 46:55.504 supports operations , technology , and 46:55.504 --> 46:57.945 community outreach . CW 3 Morelli's 46:57.945 --> 47:00.001 legacy is one of technical mastery , 47:00.165 --> 47:02.385 leadership , and unaware of dedication 47:02.385 --> 47:05.590 to soldiers , veterans , and CW 47:05.590 --> 47:08.350 Gorrelli was nominated by Cynthia 47:08.350 --> 47:11.310 Calvers and Major General Stephanie 47:11.310 --> 47:12.310 Hopa . 47:21.709 --> 47:23.820 Good afternoon , everyone , and thank 47:23.820 --> 47:26.060 you for being here . First , I want to 47:26.060 --> 47:28.171 thank Major General Stephanie Horvath 47:28.580 --> 47:30.524 and Command Sergeant Major retired 47:30.524 --> 47:32.636 Cynthia Kalberg for nominating me for 47:32.636 --> 47:34.524 the Court of Honor . It's truly a 47:34.524 --> 47:36.691 privilege . And it's truly an honor to 47:36.691 --> 47:38.636 be here today , especially with my 47:38.636 --> 47:40.580 family and guests for this special 47:40.580 --> 47:43.939 occasion . When I received the call 47:43.939 --> 47:45.995 about being inducted in the Court of 47:45.995 --> 47:48.179 Honors , I started looking into the 47:48.179 --> 47:51.139 past honorees , uh , who the past 47:51.139 --> 47:53.300 honorees were in the list of today's 47:53.300 --> 47:56.530 honorees . We're about 2 dozen + 47:56.530 --> 47:58.752 honorees I knew well and worked closely 47:58.752 --> 48:01.199 with during my 30 years of service . 48:01.770 --> 48:04.120 All of them in one way or another , 48:04.689 --> 48:06.911 have had a positive impact on my career 48:06.911 --> 48:10.239 and my success in one way or another . 48:10.810 --> 48:12.610 I've had a uh I'm sorry , had a 48:12.610 --> 48:14.610 positive impact on my career and my 48:14.610 --> 48:16.666 success , which I attribute to being 48:16.666 --> 48:19.209 here today because it's not about me , 48:19.489 --> 48:21.489 it's about the organization and the 48:21.489 --> 48:24.270 people I work with . This also includes 48:24.270 --> 48:26.381 many past and present soldiers here , 48:26.381 --> 48:28.381 uh , in the audience that I've seen 48:28.381 --> 48:31.540 today . First , I wanna thank my father , 48:31.709 --> 48:33.931 retired Sergeant First Class Al Moroi . 48:36.479 --> 48:38.399 For inspired me to join the Army 48:38.399 --> 48:41.090 National Guard at an early age . I 48:41.090 --> 48:43.840 think I was around 13 or 14 years old 48:44.290 --> 48:46.290 when he started having me shine his 48:46.290 --> 48:48.457 boots before drill weekend and loading 48:48.457 --> 48:50.568 the family station wagon with all his 48:50.568 --> 48:52.679 military gear when he would leave for 48:52.679 --> 48:54.734 annual training . There were several 48:54.734 --> 48:56.957 times when I went to drill weekend with 48:56.957 --> 48:59.012 him at the Noa armory . Little did I 48:59.012 --> 49:01.068 know that I would be drilling out of 49:01.068 --> 49:03.760 that same armory for about 10 years . 49:04.290 --> 49:06.929 So thank you , Dad , for inspiring me 49:06.929 --> 49:09.729 with your boots . To my lovely wife , 49:09.739 --> 49:13.139 Amy . Thank you for your understanding 49:13.139 --> 49:15.780 and support . When I had to be gone for 49:15.780 --> 49:19.419 days , weeks , months , and years . You 49:19.419 --> 49:21.586 knew how important the military was to 49:21.586 --> 49:24.699 me , which meant a lot to me . I also 49:24.699 --> 49:26.643 want to thank my mother , Pam , my 49:26.643 --> 49:28.755 brothers Kevin , Darren , and Aaron , 49:28.755 --> 49:30.979 my sister-in-laws , Kim and Courtney 49:30.979 --> 49:33.146 for supporting me and help me with the 49:33.146 --> 49:35.312 house and my dog , Chelsea while I was 49:35.312 --> 49:37.257 gone for those same days , weeks , 49:37.257 --> 49:39.590 months , and years . There's not enough 49:39.590 --> 49:41.757 time to thank everyone that influenced 49:41.757 --> 49:43.590 me personally and professionally 49:43.590 --> 49:45.701 throughout my 30 years career , but I 49:45.701 --> 49:48.500 need to mention a few . First Sergeant 49:48.500 --> 49:51.939 Major retired Stephen Karna . When you 49:51.939 --> 49:55.780 were my reenCO at ETA 151 in 49:55.780 --> 49:58.610 Anoka , you called me in late 1995 , 49:58.820 --> 50:01.620 early 1996 , somewhere in there , and 50:01.620 --> 50:03.231 told me a primary leadership 50:03.231 --> 50:05.287 development course spot opened up at 50:05.287 --> 50:07.453 the last minute and that I should go . 50:08.169 --> 50:10.909 I did in completing that course was 50:10.909 --> 50:12.687 such a great experience that it 50:12.687 --> 50:14.550 motivate motivated me to pursue 50:14.550 --> 50:16.661 leadership roles in the Army National 50:16.661 --> 50:18.717 Guard . Uh thank you for that call . 50:20.310 --> 50:23.550 Major Joe Vogel . When I transferred to 50:23.550 --> 50:25.790 division headquarters in Rosemont back 50:25.790 --> 50:29.729 in 2002 , I didn't know anybody . The 50:29.729 --> 50:32.007 first person I met was , was you , Joe . 50:32.969 --> 50:35.136 You're the radio NCO at the time . You 50:35.136 --> 50:37.330 welcomed me , uh , to division and got 50:37.330 --> 50:39.409 me all squared away . Throughout the 50:39.409 --> 50:41.576 years , I continued to work with Joe . 50:41.729 --> 50:43.507 I was always impressed with his 50:43.507 --> 50:45.340 professional , professionalism , 50:45.340 --> 50:47.562 motivation , and passion and everything 50:47.562 --> 50:50.419 he did . Major retired Dan Hamilton , 50:50.949 --> 50:53.060 thank you for mentoring and challenge 50:53.060 --> 50:55.229 me while we're on ADOS order support 50:55.229 --> 50:57.389 multiple exercises with the Army Ba 50:57.389 --> 51:00.620 computer systems . We're really busy , 51:00.870 --> 51:02.981 but we always had a lot of laughs and 51:02.981 --> 51:06.590 good times . Sergeant Major retired 51:06.590 --> 51:09.189 Jeffrey Karna . I enjoyed working 51:09.189 --> 51:11.350 closely with you while in the G3 51:11.350 --> 51:13.517 section and during all the exercises . 51:13.709 --> 51:15.830 Your strong work ethic and dedication 51:15.830 --> 51:18.709 were truly inspiring . I also really 51:18.709 --> 51:20.376 enjoyed your sense of humor . 51:21.850 --> 51:24.128 Lieutenant General retired John Jensen , 51:24.290 --> 51:26.346 uh , Lieutenant Colonel Tim Grundy , 51:26.409 --> 51:28.969 Colonel retired Matt Boter , Command 51:28.969 --> 51:31.080 Sergeant Major retired Doug Wortham . 51:31.810 --> 51:34.129 Thank you for uh all , uh thank you all 51:34.129 --> 51:36.351 for providing mentorship , leadership , 51:36.351 --> 51:38.629 and supporting me throughout the years . 51:38.889 --> 51:40.833 You are great leaders that I truly 51:40.833 --> 51:42.610 admire . Lastly , 51:45.709 --> 51:48.350 CW3 , uh retired Kevin Deutschman , 51:48.550 --> 51:50.959 Masergeant retired James Colbert . 51:51.629 --> 51:53.740 Thank you for your camaraderie , your 51:53.740 --> 51:55.796 teamwork , and friendship throughout 51:55.796 --> 51:58.510 the years . Working with both of you 51:58.510 --> 52:01.070 helped lessen the stresses of exercise 52:01.070 --> 52:03.669 and deployments . We spent long days 52:03.669 --> 52:05.780 together , but you two provided hours 52:05.780 --> 52:07.790 of laughter that was well needed 52:07.790 --> 52:11.709 throughout those times . Thank you . 52:27.260 --> 52:29.979 So . Command Sergeant Major Stephen D . 52:29.989 --> 52:33.620 K . Command Sergeant Major Stephen D . 52:33.659 --> 52:36.020 Cain dedicated more than 3 decades of 52:36.020 --> 52:38.379 exemplary service to the United States 52:38.379 --> 52:40.540 Army and the Minnesota Army National 52:40.540 --> 52:42.979 Guard . He began his career back on 52:42.979 --> 52:46.780 June 17 , 1986 , listed as an attack 52:46.780 --> 52:48.891 helicopter repairman and serving with 52:48.891 --> 52:51.058 the station at Fort Hood , Texas , and 52:51.058 --> 52:53.179 later with the 3rd squadron , 6th 52:53.179 --> 52:55.231 cavalry regiment following . His 52:55.231 --> 52:57.453 Honorable discharge from active duty in 52:57.453 --> 52:59.721 1989 , he joined the Minnesota Army 52:59.721 --> 53:02.241 National Guard in 1990 , beginning a 53:02.241 --> 53:05.392 remarkable 27 year career of leadership 53:05.392 --> 53:08.322 and service . Through his tenure , C 53:08.322 --> 53:10.681 Kin held key leadership roles at every 53:10.681 --> 53:13.721 echelon . He deployed to Iraq in 2007 53:13.721 --> 53:17.082 and 2008 with the 2147 assault 53:17.082 --> 53:18.693 helicopter attempt where his 53:18.693 --> 53:20.860 operational oversight was instrumental 53:20.860 --> 53:23.664 in executing large airsol . to date and 53:23.664 --> 53:25.497 ensured the safe return of every 53:25.497 --> 53:28.904 soldier from 2011 to 2012 as senior 53:28.904 --> 53:31.354 logistics operations sergeant May the 53:31.354 --> 53:33.803 347 Regional Support group . His 53:33.803 --> 53:35.692 leadership elevated readiness and 53:35.692 --> 53:37.859 propelled the union to the top ranking 53:37.859 --> 53:39.692 in the state , as Minnesota Army 53:39.692 --> 53:42.343 National Guard GJ3 Operation Sergeant 53:42.343 --> 53:45.783 Major in 2014 to 2017 , he oversaw 53:45.783 --> 53:47.583 operational support for 10,000 53:47.583 --> 53:49.783 personnel , executing a $70 million . 53:49.936 --> 53:53.285 at a 99% rate while achieving national 53:53.285 --> 53:55.845 recognition and readiness and resource 53:55.845 --> 53:57.766 management . And currently , as 53:57.766 --> 53:59.966 commands major of the 34th Combat 53:59.966 --> 54:03.006 Aviation Brigade , he led 1800 soldiers 54:03.006 --> 54:05.325 to the number one ranking among 8 54:05.325 --> 54:07.381 National Guard brigades nationwide . 54:07.686 --> 54:09.742 His awards include the Beauty Fair , 54:09.742 --> 54:12.075 Bronze Star , Meritorious Service Medal , 54:12.226 --> 54:14.065 Army Comodation Medal , Army 54:14.065 --> 54:16.121 Achievement Medal , and the Honorful 54:16.121 --> 54:18.110 Order of Saint Knight . Beyond his 54:18.110 --> 54:20.989 military career , CSMe has remained 54:20.989 --> 54:23.211 committed to community services through 54:23.211 --> 54:25.350 scouting , disaster relief , veteran 54:25.350 --> 54:27.628 support programs , and church outreach . 54:27.669 --> 54:29.939 A devoted family man , outdoorsman , 54:30.110 --> 54:32.629 and mentor , his leadership and legacy 54:33.919 --> 54:37.790 will endure across the course . CSF is 54:37.790 --> 54:41.090 by retired Colonel Greg Bel , 54:41.570 --> 54:43.459 former supervisor and commander . 54:53.810 --> 54:56.649 Good afternoon , general officers , 54:56.889 --> 54:58.889 distinguished guests , family and 54:58.889 --> 55:01.929 friends . I'm sincerely grateful for 55:01.929 --> 55:05.060 the opportunity to be here today . When 55:05.060 --> 55:08.219 I was just 11 years old , I knew the 55:08.219 --> 55:11.330 United States Army was where I belonged . 55:12.520 --> 55:14.576 I still remember exactly where I was 55:14.576 --> 55:18.560 sitting when I made that decision . A 55:18.560 --> 55:20.840 pretty tough decision when I couldn't 55:20.840 --> 55:23.840 even decide between GI Joe's and Hot 55:23.840 --> 55:27.760 Wheels . To have that dream come 55:27.760 --> 55:30.399 true and have it last for over 30 years 55:30.399 --> 55:34.040 has been a profound privilege . Along 55:34.040 --> 55:36.199 the way , I've had the opportunity to 55:36.199 --> 55:38.110 serve with many extraordinary 55:38.110 --> 55:40.879 individuals . I'd like to take a moment 55:40.879 --> 55:44.189 to recognize just a few of them today . 55:46.120 --> 55:48.840 Colonel Greg Tingbold , thank you for 55:48.840 --> 55:51.520 your nomination , for your support and 55:51.520 --> 55:53.187 your outstanding leadership . 55:56.120 --> 55:59.600 To the NCOs who all led by 55:59.600 --> 56:02.800 example , they set the standard , and 56:02.800 --> 56:06.790 they had my 6 . Sergeant Mark Morena . 56:08.270 --> 56:11.179 Sergeant First Class Seth Martel 56:12.629 --> 56:14.796 and my battle buddy , Command Sergeant 56:14.796 --> 56:18.229 Major James Cason . I'm grateful for 56:18.229 --> 56:20.780 your friendship and your strength . 56:23.209 --> 56:25.540 To the officers who advised , 56:25.889 --> 56:28.320 challenged , and trusted me , 56:29.169 --> 56:32.159 Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Merks , Colonel 56:32.159 --> 56:35.260 Buddy Wynn , and General Sean Mankey , 56:36.250 --> 56:40.209 thank you for your guidance . To 56:40.209 --> 56:43.879 my parents , Doug and Joanne , thank 56:43.879 --> 56:45.712 you for giving me a strong moral 56:45.712 --> 56:49.560 foundation . Based on family 56:49.929 --> 56:53.290 and faith , to my 56:53.290 --> 56:57.169 children , Erin , Francine , and 56:57.169 --> 57:00.209 Samuel , thank you for your patience 57:00.209 --> 57:03.520 and pride through every chapter 57:04.169 --> 57:07.209 of our journey . I couldn't be more 57:07.209 --> 57:10.139 proud of all of you . Finally , 57:13.409 --> 57:16.449 being a , a citizen soldier was the 57:16.449 --> 57:19.129 greatest honor of my life . Whether it 57:19.129 --> 57:21.729 was in Iraq , Guatemala , or the Red 57:21.729 --> 57:24.850 River Valley . It's always been about 57:24.850 --> 57:28.780 service . And the trust and the 57:28.780 --> 57:31.530 people and soldiers that stood beside 57:31.530 --> 57:35.459 me . Thank you and God bless you 57:35.459 --> 57:35.909 all . 57:46.000 --> 57:47.944 Donnelly is Command Sergeant Major 57:47.944 --> 57:46.229 Mitchell G Elton . 57:54.010 --> 57:56.121 Command Sergeant Major Mitchell Elton 57:56.121 --> 57:58.330 honorably served over 35 years in the 57:58.330 --> 58:00.386 United States Army and the Minnesota 58:00.386 --> 58:02.570 Army National Guard . He began his 58:02.570 --> 58:05.610 career in 1987 as an infantryman in the 58:05.610 --> 58:07.649 United States Army Reserve before 58:07.649 --> 58:09.649 joining the Minnesota Army National 58:09.649 --> 58:12.191 Guard in 1988 . Where he was assigned 58:12.191 --> 58:14.541 to the 2 136 infantry battalion , 58:14.741 --> 58:16.519 rising through every leadership 58:16.519 --> 58:18.463 position in the scale platoon , he 58:18.463 --> 58:20.630 distinguished himself during the state 58:20.630 --> 58:23.862 active duty response to 1997 and 2001 58:23.862 --> 58:26.302 Red River floods and later as a platoon 58:26.302 --> 58:28.862 sergeant during the 2003 , 2004 58:28.862 --> 58:30.862 deployment to Bosnia in support of 58:30.862 --> 58:34.422 Operation Joint Forge . In 2004 , he 58:34.422 --> 58:36.902 was selected as first sergeant of HHC . 58:37.194 --> 58:40.864 2 136 infantry and deployed to Iraq in 58:40.864 --> 58:42.920 support of Operation Iraqi Freedom . 58:43.114 --> 58:44.947 His leadership in route security 58:44.947 --> 58:47.184 operations was instrumental in reducing 58:47.184 --> 58:49.833 IED activity and ensuring the safe 58:49.833 --> 58:51.889 return of his soldiers during the 22 58:51.889 --> 58:53.924 month deployment . Recognized as a 58:53.924 --> 58:55.993 soldier's soldier , he earned the 58:55.993 --> 58:58.563 Bronze Star Medal and Union nomination , 58:58.793 --> 59:00.904 promoted to Sergeant Major in 2008 , 59:01.114 --> 59:03.225 and later command sergeant Major . To 59:03.225 --> 59:05.645 the 135 infantry , he deployed against 59:05.645 --> 59:07.645 Iraq and Kuwait during an operation 59:07.645 --> 59:09.966 done exploring the largest US drawdown 59:09.966 --> 59:12.085 since Vietnam . His subsequent 59:12.085 --> 59:14.825 assignments include Battalion CSM of 2 59:14.825 --> 59:17.605 to 1 through 16thantry and Brigade CSM , 59:17.766 --> 59:20.645 a 34th Expeditionary combat aviation 59:20.645 --> 59:23.696 brigade culminating in a 2019-2020 59:23.696 --> 59:26.035 deployment across five countries that 59:26.035 --> 59:28.879 supported Operation iner Resolve . His 59:28.879 --> 59:31.101 exemplary service earned him two Legion 59:31.101 --> 59:33.250 of Merits , two Bronze Stars , the 59:33.250 --> 59:35.760 combat Action Badge , and the orders of 59:35.760 --> 59:38.600 Saint Louie , Saint George , and Saint 59:38.600 --> 59:40.767 Michael . The CSN Heal camp retired in 59:40.767 --> 59:43.929 2022 . He and his wife Shaw reside in 59:43.929 --> 59:46.096 Krans , Minnesota , where he continues 59:46.096 --> 59:48.151 his commitment to serve as community 59:48.151 --> 59:50.840 volunteer in programs like Ero Heights 59:50.840 --> 59:54.064 beyond the . Rapids youth hockey , Somo 59:54.064 --> 59:56.465 Park High School football , as well as 59:56.465 --> 59:59.254 BMW , American Legion , and National 59:59.254 --> 01:00:02.145 Infantry Association . CSN Hillcamp and 01:00:02.145 --> 01:00:04.478 Sean are also very proud of her son Rex , 01:00:04.504 --> 01:00:06.615 who currently serves in the Minnesota 01:00:06.615 --> 01:00:08.782 Army National Guard . CSN Hillcamp was 01:00:08.782 --> 01:00:12.415 nominated by retired CSS and 01:00:12.415 --> 01:00:13.764 retired Colonel Jen . 01:00:25.080 --> 01:00:27.709 Good afternoon . I would like to thank 01:00:28.000 --> 01:00:30.111 the selection committee for bestowing 01:00:30.111 --> 01:00:32.510 on me this humbling honor . Thank you . 01:00:33.810 --> 01:00:36.050 This induction is a huge honor for me . 01:00:36.929 --> 01:00:39.729 Not because I'm here , because of what 01:00:39.729 --> 01:00:42.050 it has helped me recall over my 35 year 01:00:42.050 --> 01:00:44.409 career , and that is all the people 01:00:44.409 --> 01:00:46.530 that supported me by showing me the 01:00:46.530 --> 01:00:48.600 right way through my career . 01:00:50.520 --> 01:00:54.030 I would like to thank you . I would 01:00:54.030 --> 01:00:56.141 like to thank and recognize my mother 01:00:56.141 --> 01:00:59.959 KL G for giving me the push 38 years 01:00:59.959 --> 01:01:02.699 ago . It was her idea that I joined . 01:01:04.060 --> 01:01:06.282 I know there are times , mom , that you 01:01:06.282 --> 01:01:08.979 regretted your decision , but I never 01:01:08.979 --> 01:01:12.820 regretted mine . Thank you , mom . 01:01:14.620 --> 01:01:18.570 To my dad . Thank you for 01:01:18.570 --> 01:01:22.070 giving the example of integrity . 01:01:24.189 --> 01:01:26.133 I am proud to be a veteran like my 01:01:26.133 --> 01:01:28.360 father before me . Thank you to the 01:01:28.360 --> 01:01:30.249 rest of my family for the support 01:01:30.249 --> 01:01:32.409 through the years . Dr Jolene . 01:01:35.290 --> 01:01:37.530 Thank you for the nomination . But more 01:01:37.530 --> 01:01:39.610 than that , thank you for being that 01:01:39.610 --> 01:01:42.409 mentor , that example of how we do the 01:01:42.409 --> 01:01:44.330 right thing , even when it's not 01:01:44.330 --> 01:01:48.260 popular . But most of all , a 01:01:48.260 --> 01:01:50.204 friend through thick and thicker . 01:01:50.889 --> 01:01:53.111 Whenever I asked for , whenever I asked 01:01:53.111 --> 01:01:55.278 for counsel , I got the right answer , 01:01:55.278 --> 01:01:58.510 even when I didn't wanna hear it . Chad 01:01:58.510 --> 01:02:01.550 Sackett , thank you for the assistance 01:02:01.550 --> 01:02:04.080 with the nomination . Here's to our 01:02:04.080 --> 01:02:06.550 friendship that started when we were 01:02:06.550 --> 01:02:09.070 kids and still going strong after 45 01:02:09.070 --> 01:02:13.070 years . I'm standing here today , not 01:02:13.070 --> 01:02:15.181 on my own accord , but because of the 01:02:15.181 --> 01:02:17.070 great leaders and soldiers that I 01:02:17.070 --> 01:02:19.181 served with during my entire career . 01:02:20.300 --> 01:02:22.850 To list all of these would take hours , 01:02:23.100 --> 01:02:26.500 but I will select out a few . Some of 01:02:26.500 --> 01:02:29.090 these are individuals are here today , 01:02:30.139 --> 01:02:33.780 and some I will see again at 01:02:33.780 --> 01:02:36.280 Fiddler's screen . Mm . 01:02:40.510 --> 01:02:43.909 There's always a few names that come to 01:02:43.909 --> 01:02:46.242 mind when the challenge presents itself . 01:02:46.510 --> 01:02:48.454 I used them as guidance when I was 01:02:48.454 --> 01:02:51.270 looking for strength . They are Axel 01:02:51.270 --> 01:02:54.409 Reed , Judson Bishop , William Coval , 01:02:56.550 --> 01:02:59.000 Marshall Sherman , and Henry O'Brien . 01:02:59.929 --> 01:03:01.873 Some of those names are written in 01:03:01.873 --> 01:03:04.040 granted in the court of honor , others 01:03:04.040 --> 01:03:06.870 are not . But each of them has a unique 01:03:06.870 --> 01:03:08.330 and moving story . 01:03:10.790 --> 01:03:12.846 Joe , I hope you feel better today . 01:03:13.389 --> 01:03:16.120 The military is a team of teams . This 01:03:16.120 --> 01:03:19.159 honor is more about the teams I was on 01:03:19.159 --> 01:03:22.840 than about me . I was on some very good 01:03:22.840 --> 01:03:25.062 teams . The Skull platoon was the first 01:03:25.062 --> 01:03:27.173 team that I was part of when I joined 01:03:27.173 --> 01:03:30.919 the regard . Great soldiers and leaders 01:03:30.919 --> 01:03:33.560 made up the platoon in those days . The 01:03:33.560 --> 01:03:35.840 veterans shared their knowledge and 01:03:35.840 --> 01:03:39.010 guided us through some tough times . I 01:03:39.010 --> 01:03:42.219 spent 17 years on that team . Some of 01:03:42.219 --> 01:03:44.820 those that influenced me during this 01:03:44.820 --> 01:03:48.260 part of my career were Julene , Dudley , 01:03:48.620 --> 01:03:51.969 Bogue , Bittner , Hayes , Cross , 01:03:52.100 --> 01:03:55.570 Lacey , Alterer , Brandon , Krueger , 01:03:55.949 --> 01:03:59.070 Peterson , Shollstrom . Detmer , 01:03:59.340 --> 01:04:01.229 Laxall , Lisdah , 01:04:02.949 --> 01:04:06.179 Seeger , Knopf , Vanel , and Kerr . 01:04:08.159 --> 01:04:11.639 The next team I was on was HH2 , HHC 2 01:04:11.639 --> 01:04:14.239 of the 136 , preparing , preparing for 01:04:14.239 --> 01:04:17.020 the long deployment . Again , it was 01:04:17.020 --> 01:04:19.242 about the people around me that made me 01:04:19.242 --> 01:04:22.350 better . Kroy , Hirjit , Benson , 01:04:22.639 --> 01:04:25.919 Malton , Sevchek , Picar , 01:04:26.080 --> 01:04:30.030 Rossman , Osteram Kemp . I was then 01:04:30.030 --> 01:04:32.280 moved out of my comfort zone out of the 01:04:32.280 --> 01:04:36.159 136 and into the 135 . It was the 01:04:36.159 --> 01:04:38.469 perfect move , albeit uncomfortable . 01:04:39.120 --> 01:04:41.719 It forced me to stand on my own and use 01:04:41.719 --> 01:04:44.052 what I had learned to make a difference . 01:04:44.280 --> 01:04:46.959 It was the best learning experience I 01:04:46.959 --> 01:04:50.600 could have asked for . With that 01:04:50.600 --> 01:04:53.629 comes a new team of which I knew no one . 01:04:54.530 --> 01:04:56.969 Some of those that were influencing me 01:04:56.969 --> 01:05:00.639 during this time were Stroner , Campson , 01:05:00.889 --> 01:05:04.080 Di Natale , Lawers , Janish , 01:05:04.409 --> 01:05:08.080 Kemper , Schaeffer , and Kurska . 01:05:11.709 --> 01:05:14.469 Then I moved back to to the 136 as the 01:05:14.469 --> 01:05:17.840 CSM , a chance for me to give back . 01:05:21.219 --> 01:05:23.649 To the unit that had given me the start . 01:05:24.979 --> 01:05:27.320 Here paths crossed again . I crossed 01:05:27.320 --> 01:05:30.540 paths with both Sackett and Benson 01:05:30.540 --> 01:05:32.530 again . It was a battalion full of 01:05:32.530 --> 01:05:34.729 soldiers that understood the mission 01:05:34.979 --> 01:05:37.312 and wanted to be great at what they did . 01:05:39.379 --> 01:05:41.490 The last stop of my career was at the 01:05:41.490 --> 01:05:44.649 thirty-Fourth ECAB . Thank you , Doug 01:05:44.649 --> 01:05:46.760 Wortham , for giving me an assignment 01:05:46.760 --> 01:05:48.427 that I didn't know I wanted . 01:05:51.090 --> 01:05:54.639 And another deployment . This was 01:05:54.639 --> 01:05:56.830 probably the most challenging time of 01:05:56.830 --> 01:05:59.659 my career and maybe the most rewarding . 01:06:00.520 --> 01:06:02.520 There's a stigma out there that the 01:06:02.520 --> 01:06:04.919 CSM's biggest nemesis is warrant 01:06:04.919 --> 01:06:08.320 officers . Well , I've made it , it may 01:06:08.320 --> 01:06:10.487 have started that way . I learned that 01:06:10.487 --> 01:06:12.598 the ECAB had some of the best warrant 01:06:12.598 --> 01:06:15.639 officers in the business . Also great 01:06:15.639 --> 01:06:18.800 leaders and soldiers . They made me 01:06:18.800 --> 01:06:20.959 better at every turn and they always 01:06:20.959 --> 01:06:23.270 had time to school me on aviation . 01:06:25.280 --> 01:06:28.659 The soldiers at this time . We Manky , 01:06:28.870 --> 01:06:31.989 Fix , Yin , Greg and Andy , that was 01:06:31.989 --> 01:06:33.719 quite a ride . Dear , 01:06:36.030 --> 01:06:39.340 Gideon and Swaine , Jed , Mark . 01:06:39.949 --> 01:06:41.870 Words can't describe our bond . 01:06:44.800 --> 01:06:46.919 The warrant officers that always were 01:06:46.919 --> 01:06:49.280 there for me were Adamson , Funk , 01:06:49.600 --> 01:06:53.489 Chifley , Wright , and Carlin . To the 01:06:53.489 --> 01:06:55.770 guidance counselors of my career , I 01:06:55.770 --> 01:06:58.679 would like to thank Chaplinsulu , Tim , 01:06:59.370 --> 01:07:03.090 Peterson , and Toole . Thanks , Darryl . 01:07:03.600 --> 01:07:06.699 You know why . Through all of this , it 01:07:06.699 --> 01:07:08.699 was the soldiers that I served with 01:07:08.739 --> 01:07:10.530 that made me better every day . 01:07:14.770 --> 01:07:17.000 No one gets anywhere without family . 01:07:21.199 --> 01:07:23.421 Sean , thank you for always being there 01:07:24.040 --> 01:07:26.830 and taking , taking care of everything 01:07:27.040 --> 01:07:28.850 I could not or did not . 01:07:31.000 --> 01:07:33.330 Reginald , you got dealt the shorthand . 01:07:34.159 --> 01:07:36.270 Thanks for making it a winning hand . 01:07:37.080 --> 01:07:39.679 I'm very proud of how you both got us 01:07:39.679 --> 01:07:42.199 through all of this . I know it was 01:07:42.199 --> 01:07:44.840 never easy , but you both made it look 01:07:44.840 --> 01:07:47.909 good . I love you both . Thank you . 01:07:59.419 --> 01:08:01.252 It is Sergeant Major Douglas J . 01:08:01.252 --> 01:07:59.610 Wortham . 01:08:07.330 --> 01:08:09.052 Command Sergeant Major Douglas 01:08:09.052 --> 01:08:10.830 Wortham's nearly 32 years . The 01:08:10.830 --> 01:08:13.052 Minnesota Army National Guard stands as 01:08:13.052 --> 01:08:14.719 a testament to self-service , 01:08:14.850 --> 01:08:16.739 transformational leadership , and 01:08:16.739 --> 01:08:19.870 enduring impact . Enlisted in 1987 as a 01:08:19.870 --> 01:08:22.129 military policeman , he quickly proved 01:08:22.129 --> 01:08:24.330 himself dedication and competence , 01:08:24.430 --> 01:08:26.770 deploying with 257 Military Police 01:08:26.770 --> 01:08:29.089 Company in support of Operation Desert 01:08:29.089 --> 01:08:31.649 Shield Desert Storm , rising steadily 01:08:31.649 --> 01:08:33.593 through the ranks , his assignment 01:08:33.593 --> 01:08:35.482 spanned the threat of the force . 01:08:36.430 --> 01:08:38.597 Reseal and First Sargeant to battalion 01:08:38.597 --> 01:08:40.879 brigade and division leadership roles . 01:08:41.000 --> 01:08:44.080 In 2007 , CSM Warland was promoted to 01:08:44.080 --> 01:08:46.560 Sergeant Major and deployed to Iraq 01:08:46.560 --> 01:08:48.839 with the 34th Infantry division , later 01:08:48.839 --> 01:08:50.895 serving as command Sergeant Major of 01:08:50.895 --> 01:08:53.117 the 34th Special Troops Battalion . His 01:08:53.117 --> 01:08:55.128 leadership culminated . As the 01:08:55.128 --> 01:08:57.072 Minnesota National Guard's command 01:08:57.072 --> 01:08:59.878 senior enlisted here in 2014 , where he 01:08:59.878 --> 01:09:02.128 advanced mentorship programs , reformed 01:09:02.128 --> 01:09:03.961 enlisted promotion systems , and 01:09:03.961 --> 01:09:06.398 championed NCO development across the 01:09:06.398 --> 01:09:08.719 state and abroad for the Croatia State 01:09:08.719 --> 01:09:10.758 Partnership program . His awards , 01:09:10.958 --> 01:09:13.069 including the Legion Bear , Rock Star 01:09:13.069 --> 01:09:15.180 Medal , and the Distinguished Service 01:09:15.180 --> 01:09:16.847 Medal , reflect a lifetime of 01:09:16.847 --> 01:09:18.625 excellence . Following military 01:09:18.625 --> 01:09:20.736 retirement in 2019 , CSM award them . 01:09:21.099 --> 01:09:22.877 To service community and fellow 01:09:22.877 --> 01:09:24.849 veterans as the voice of Minnesota 01:09:24.849 --> 01:09:27.238 Military Radio , a leader within the 01:09:27.238 --> 01:09:29.729 Think Great Foundation and deputy 01:09:29.729 --> 01:09:31.840 director of Veterans benefits for the 01:09:31.840 --> 01:09:33.673 Minnesota Department of Veterans 01:09:33.673 --> 01:09:35.785 Affairs , he has tirelessly advocated 01:09:35.785 --> 01:09:37.785 for soldiers , veterans , and their 01:09:37.785 --> 01:09:39.951 families . His contributions were full 01:09:39.951 --> 01:09:42.173 of honor , executives military soldiers 01:09:42.173 --> 01:09:44.396 at his local church further demonstrate 01:09:44.396 --> 01:09:46.529 his unwavering . brothers , C is an 01:09:46.529 --> 01:09:48.696 orphan's legacy is one of leadership , 01:09:48.696 --> 01:09:51.120 mentorship , and service beyond self . 01:09:51.370 --> 01:09:53.592 His adoption into the court of Honor is 01:09:53.592 --> 01:09:55.537 a fitting tribute to a soldier and 01:09:55.537 --> 01:09:57.592 citizen whose life's work has left a 01:09:57.592 --> 01:09:59.814 profound mark on the Minnesota National 01:09:59.814 --> 01:10:01.979 Guard and the Browner community . CSN 01:10:01.979 --> 01:10:04.890 Morgan was nominated by Rarman Jason 01:10:04.890 --> 01:10:07.370 Ross , State Army senior enlisted 01:10:07.370 --> 01:10:08.370 adviser . 01:10:18.060 --> 01:10:20.729 Mm . Good afternoon . 01:10:22.819 --> 01:10:25.939 I'm deeply humbled and honored to be 01:10:25.939 --> 01:10:27.995 inducted into the Minnesota National 01:10:27.995 --> 01:10:31.100 Guard Court of Honor . To be recognized 01:10:31.100 --> 01:10:34.419 in this way by an organization and a 01:10:34.419 --> 01:10:37.859 team of people I respect so much is 01:10:37.859 --> 01:10:40.470 truly one of the greatest privileges of 01:10:40.470 --> 01:10:44.470 my life . You know , they say 01:10:44.470 --> 01:10:46.581 the Minnesota National Guard is built 01:10:46.581 --> 01:10:50.439 on tradition . Although it may not 01:10:50.439 --> 01:10:53.439 look like it , today proved that to be 01:10:53.439 --> 01:10:56.200 true because the tradition in my family 01:10:56.560 --> 01:10:58.616 seems to be missing each other's big 01:10:58.616 --> 01:11:00.930 events because we're always on duty 01:11:00.930 --> 01:11:01.930 somewhere else . 01:11:04.729 --> 01:11:06.649 I do want to say thanks to the 01:11:06.649 --> 01:11:08.260 selection committee for this 01:11:08.260 --> 01:11:11.399 recognition , my fellow service members 01:11:11.649 --> 01:11:13.816 and leaders who have inspired me along 01:11:13.816 --> 01:11:17.810 the way , especially my family . Their 01:11:17.810 --> 01:11:21.520 love , support , and sacrifice 01:11:21.810 --> 01:11:25.600 made everything possible . The truth is , 01:11:26.649 --> 01:11:29.129 military service has always been a team 01:11:29.129 --> 01:11:32.750 effort . And the home team often 01:11:32.750 --> 01:11:36.359 carries the heavier load . Over the 01:11:36.359 --> 01:11:38.910 course of my career , there were 01:11:38.910 --> 01:11:41.729 birthdays , anniversaries , 01:11:42.270 --> 01:11:45.669 holidays , simple everyday moments that 01:11:45.669 --> 01:11:48.660 I missed because of the call to serve . 01:11:49.459 --> 01:11:51.700 My family never complained , never 01:11:51.700 --> 01:11:54.890 faltered . They just kept supporting me 01:11:55.100 --> 01:11:57.433 and holding everything together at home . 01:11:59.100 --> 01:12:01.370 That kind of strength and sacrifice 01:12:02.500 --> 01:12:05.859 doesn't show up on a uniform , but it's 01:12:05.859 --> 01:12:09.169 every bit as honorable as the service 01:12:09.169 --> 01:12:13.149 that we wear it for . I 01:12:13.149 --> 01:12:16.189 must admit I struggled with one thing 01:12:16.189 --> 01:12:20.189 today . My son can't be here . And 01:12:20.189 --> 01:12:23.779 as any parent knows , moments like this 01:12:24.069 --> 01:12:26.279 feel most complete when your whole 01:12:26.279 --> 01:12:30.189 family is around you . But as 01:12:30.189 --> 01:12:31.967 I thought about it , I realized 01:12:31.967 --> 01:12:35.720 something . The very reason I 01:12:35.720 --> 01:12:38.419 missed family events over the years is 01:12:38.419 --> 01:12:40.530 the same reason he's not here today . 01:12:41.390 --> 01:12:44.149 He's on duty with the 20th EIS with the 01:12:44.149 --> 01:12:47.580 Minnesota Air National Guard . His 01:12:47.580 --> 01:12:51.410 absence is a reminder of what service 01:12:51.700 --> 01:12:54.979 really costs , not just for those of us 01:12:54.979 --> 01:12:58.020 in uniform but our families who share 01:12:58.020 --> 01:13:01.899 in the sacrifice and in that I 01:13:01.899 --> 01:13:04.649 feel an even deeper sense of pride . 01:13:06.160 --> 01:13:08.327 The Minnesota National Guard has given 01:13:08.327 --> 01:13:10.859 me more than I could ever repay it , 01:13:11.700 --> 01:13:14.033 the chance to serve my state and nation , 01:13:14.700 --> 01:13:17.620 the opportunity to lead and learn from 01:13:17.620 --> 01:13:20.259 extraordinary men and women , and of 01:13:20.259 --> 01:13:22.770 course the values , values of duty , 01:13:23.060 --> 01:13:26.259 honor , and selfless service that will 01:13:26.259 --> 01:13:30.180 always guide me . So today , I accept 01:13:30.180 --> 01:13:32.609 this recognition not for myself alone . 01:13:33.339 --> 01:13:36.000 But for the teams I've served with the 01:13:36.000 --> 01:13:38.939 mentors who guided me , and especially 01:13:39.200 --> 01:13:41.367 the family who stood beside me through 01:13:41.367 --> 01:13:43.640 it all , I carry with me the 01:13:43.640 --> 01:13:46.200 responsibility to live up to the 01:13:46.200 --> 01:13:48.950 example set by those who came before 01:13:49.560 --> 01:13:51.727 and to encourage those who are serving 01:13:51.727 --> 01:13:54.700 now to keep striving for excellence . 01:13:57.220 --> 01:14:00.330 My greatest honor isn't this induction . 01:14:01.140 --> 01:14:02.918 It's saying my son continue the 01:14:02.918 --> 01:14:05.540 tradition of service , proving that our 01:14:05.540 --> 01:14:08.819 family sacrifice as meaning beyond one 01:14:08.819 --> 01:14:12.700 career and who knows ? Maybe one day 01:14:12.700 --> 01:14:14.811 my son will get an induction ceremony 01:14:14.811 --> 01:14:17.169 of his own , and I'll return the favor 01:14:17.660 --> 01:14:19.549 by missing it because I'm on duty 01:14:19.549 --> 01:14:20.549 somewhere . 01:14:23.470 --> 01:14:25.581 Thank you for this incredible honor . 01:14:25.581 --> 01:14:27.803 Thank you for allowing me the privilege 01:14:27.803 --> 01:14:29.748 of serving with the finest men and 01:14:29.748 --> 01:14:32.029 women , the finest families in our 01:14:32.029 --> 01:14:35.080 state and in our nation . Thank you . 01:14:44.660 --> 01:14:45.938 Sergeant Major R A E . 01:14:53.839 --> 01:14:55.839 Sergeant Major Rent Henry began his 01:14:55.839 --> 01:14:57.879 distinguished military career on 17 01:14:57.879 --> 01:15:01.629 November 1981 , enlisted in Company C , 01:15:01.839 --> 01:15:04.669 one of the 136 infantry in South Center , 01:15:04.680 --> 01:15:06.847 Minnesota . Following training at Fort 01:15:06.847 --> 01:15:08.958 Benning , Georgia , he returned as an 01:15:08.958 --> 01:15:11.124 infantryman and quickly proved himself 01:15:11.124 --> 01:15:13.790 as a field marksman . Sharing his 01:15:13.790 --> 01:15:15.990 expertise in weapons proficiency and 01:15:15.990 --> 01:15:18.379 tactical operations , his leadership 01:15:18.379 --> 01:15:20.435 was pivotal in the unit's transition 01:15:20.435 --> 01:15:22.323 from light infantry to mechanized 01:15:22.323 --> 01:15:25.850 infantry in 1997 and later to armor in 01:15:25.850 --> 01:15:29.490 2000 . In 2002 , Sergeant Major Henry . 01:15:29.750 --> 01:15:33.609 The AGR program serving as readiness 01:15:33.609 --> 01:15:35.979 NCO and safe master gunner for Company 01:15:35.979 --> 01:15:38.899 C , one of the 194 armor . Its 01:15:38.899 --> 01:15:40.955 technical mastery and dedication and 01:15:40.955 --> 01:15:43.177 training produced generations of master 01:15:43.177 --> 01:15:45.288 gutters and combat ready crews across 01:15:45.288 --> 01:15:47.010 the state . His mentorship and 01:15:47.010 --> 01:15:49.232 long-term training programs continue to 01:15:49.232 --> 01:15:51.232 impact soldiers today , deployed to 01:15:51.232 --> 01:15:54.209 Iraq from 2005 to 2007 as a platoon . 01:15:54.729 --> 01:15:56.785 He distinguished himself by adapting 01:15:56.785 --> 01:15:59.007 tactics to counter improvised explosive 01:15:59.007 --> 01:16:01.129 devices directly saving lives and 01:16:01.129 --> 01:16:03.351 ensuring mission success . Later , as a 01:16:03.351 --> 01:16:05.462 battalion and rega master gunner , he 01:16:05.462 --> 01:16:07.573 pioneered battery standards , created 01:16:07.573 --> 01:16:09.407 pre-master gunner training , and 01:16:09.407 --> 01:16:11.129 oversaw hundreds of successful 01:16:11.129 --> 01:16:13.462 qualifications without safety incidents . 01:16:13.462 --> 01:16:15.629 Throughout his career , Sergeant Major 01:16:15.629 --> 01:16:17.740 Henry held key leadership positions , 01:16:17.740 --> 01:16:19.796 including Operation Sergeant first . 01:16:19.796 --> 01:16:22.410 Sergeant and operations NCOIC shaping 01:16:22.410 --> 01:16:24.240 unit readiness and venting both 01:16:24.240 --> 01:16:26.359 soldiers and full-time staff . His 01:16:26.359 --> 01:16:28.526 efforts ensured combat effectiveness , 01:16:28.629 --> 01:16:30.740 professional development , and safe , 01:16:30.740 --> 01:16:33.073 successful deployments at every echelon . 01:16:33.120 --> 01:16:35.200 After 40 years of self-service , 01:16:35.370 --> 01:16:38.000 Sergeant Major Henry retired in 2022 , 01:16:38.189 --> 01:16:39.911 preparing the ron Star Medal , 01:16:39.911 --> 01:16:41.856 meritorious service medal , combat 01:16:41.856 --> 01:16:43.633 Action Badge , and master gun . 01:16:43.899 --> 01:16:46.010 Identification badge among many other 01:16:46.010 --> 01:16:48.010 honors continuing his commitment to 01:16:48.010 --> 01:16:50.121 service , he remains an active member 01:16:50.121 --> 01:16:53.359 of the American Legion , VFW , National 01:16:53.359 --> 01:16:56.000 Wild Turkey Federation , Sock Centered 01:16:56.000 --> 01:16:58.129 Conservation Club . And various 01:16:58.129 --> 01:17:00.549 community organizations mentoring you , 01:17:00.879 --> 01:17:02.935 supporting veterans , and prospering 01:17:02.935 --> 01:17:04.879 the next generation of leaders . 3 01:17:04.879 --> 01:17:07.560 major in is now made by retired Command 01:17:07.560 --> 01:17:10.640 Sergeant Major John Mkowski and Command 01:17:10.640 --> 01:17:12.310 Sergeant Major Ryan Coste . 01:17:21.640 --> 01:17:24.609 Good afternoon . So I've been out about 01:17:24.609 --> 01:17:26.990 3.5 years , and I keep having this 01:17:26.990 --> 01:17:28.990 recurring dream that I'm up here at 01:17:28.990 --> 01:17:32.660 Camp Ripley . I'm in uniform . Soldiers 01:17:32.660 --> 01:17:34.716 in my dream ask me what I'm doing up 01:17:34.716 --> 01:17:36.938 here . They told me , you know , you're 01:17:36.938 --> 01:17:38.993 not getting paid , right ? And I was 01:17:38.993 --> 01:17:41.271 like , that's all right . I don't care . 01:17:41.271 --> 01:17:43.493 And about that time , I usually wake up 01:17:43.493 --> 01:17:43.390 in a cold sweat and it's like , what 01:17:43.390 --> 01:17:46.109 was that all about ? Right ? I spent a 01:17:46.109 --> 01:17:48.276 lot of time here , spent a lot of time 01:17:48.276 --> 01:17:50.498 in the garden , and I wouldn't trade it 01:17:50.498 --> 01:17:53.680 for a minute . Thank you to the 01:17:53.680 --> 01:17:55.847 memorialization board for approving my 01:17:55.847 --> 01:17:59.069 nomination . It's a real honor . Thank 01:17:59.069 --> 01:18:02.430 you to CSM Ryan Hosted , CSM retired 01:18:02.430 --> 01:18:05.589 John Lapowski , General Kurska for the 01:18:05.589 --> 01:18:07.700 collaborative effort in submitting my 01:18:07.700 --> 01:18:10.540 application . Thank you . There are a 01:18:10.540 --> 01:18:12.818 few other people that made this happen . 01:18:12.818 --> 01:18:15.759 First off , to my wife Lisa , who I met 01:18:15.759 --> 01:18:18.810 shortly after I started full-time . She 01:18:18.810 --> 01:18:21.330 was always there for me . As hard as it 01:18:21.330 --> 01:18:23.490 is on soldiers deploying , the 01:18:23.490 --> 01:18:25.601 emotional toll on spouses while their 01:18:25.601 --> 01:18:27.712 soldiers are deployed is tremendous . 01:18:28.049 --> 01:18:30.609 Thank you , my dear , for all your 01:18:30.609 --> 01:18:32.831 support and always being there for me . 01:18:35.250 --> 01:18:37.649 I'd like to thank my dad Larman , the 01:18:37.649 --> 01:18:39.816 old wolfhound , who instilled the work 01:18:39.816 --> 01:18:42.149 ethic that carried me through my career . 01:18:42.450 --> 01:18:45.979 Love you , dad . This isn't in my 01:18:45.979 --> 01:18:49.779 speech . But while I was on , on um 01:18:49.779 --> 01:18:52.609 home from deployment on leave , I had a 01:18:52.609 --> 01:18:54.498 conversation with my mother . She 01:18:54.498 --> 01:18:56.529 passed a few years ago . And during 01:18:56.529 --> 01:19:00.089 that conversation , she told me that 01:19:00.089 --> 01:19:02.311 she prayed for me every day while we're 01:19:02.311 --> 01:19:04.609 deployed . But she said she wasn't 01:19:04.609 --> 01:19:06.776 worried because I had the common sense 01:19:06.776 --> 01:19:09.049 of my dad that carried me through the 01:19:09.049 --> 01:19:12.750 deployment . To my brothers , 01:19:13.000 --> 01:19:15.111 sisters , friends , and neighbors who 01:19:15.111 --> 01:19:17.333 were there for Lisa when I was deployed 01:19:17.333 --> 01:19:19.389 to that training to help out , thank 01:19:19.389 --> 01:19:23.200 you . I had two great first sergeants , 01:19:23.270 --> 01:19:25.437 the guy who mentored me in my career , 01:19:25.910 --> 01:19:28.709 the late CSM Bob Weinman and First 01:19:28.709 --> 01:19:31.680 Sergeant Jim Romacher . I'd like to 01:19:31.680 --> 01:19:33.624 think that I modeled my leadership 01:19:33.624 --> 01:19:35.799 style after you . It's been a pleasure 01:19:35.799 --> 01:19:39.160 serving with you . Two master 01:19:39.160 --> 01:19:41.120 surgeons , Keith Tennis and Scott 01:19:41.120 --> 01:19:43.342 Kowski , who showed me the ropes when I 01:19:43.342 --> 01:19:45.287 started full-time . It was a steep 01:19:45.287 --> 01:19:47.398 learning curve for a construction guy 01:19:47.398 --> 01:19:49.231 who barely knew how to turn on a 01:19:49.231 --> 01:19:51.398 computer when he started . Thank you . 01:19:51.398 --> 01:19:53.680 Master Sergeant Jimmy Kipka , who came 01:19:53.680 --> 01:19:57.040 on board when Keith was deployed . Both 01:19:57.040 --> 01:19:59.262 you and Keith are the best logisticians 01:19:59.262 --> 01:20:00.640 I know . Well done . 01:20:04.029 --> 01:20:06.196 When I was the first sergeant in Grand 01:20:06.196 --> 01:20:08.029 Rapids , I had the best the best 01:20:08.029 --> 01:20:10.196 full-time staff anyone could ask for . 01:20:10.196 --> 01:20:12.196 Sergeant First Class Brian Wright , 01:20:12.196 --> 01:20:14.196 Staff Sergeant Jason Mercel , Staff 01:20:14.196 --> 01:20:16.251 Sergeant Alex Lund , and later Staff 01:20:16.251 --> 01:20:18.362 Sergeant Fletcher Jan . You guys made 01:20:18.362 --> 01:20:21.830 my life easy . Thanks again . So I was 01:20:21.830 --> 01:20:24.330 really lucky . I have two families . My 01:20:24.330 --> 01:20:27.040 family at home , and my guard family , 01:20:27.209 --> 01:20:29.431 the guys I trained with and hung around 01:20:29.431 --> 01:20:31.598 with in the old Charlie Company Leader 01:20:31.598 --> 01:20:35.399 Bay , Bill Berg , Chad Rademacher , 01:20:35.970 --> 01:20:38.410 Guy Paddock , the late Pat Tennis , and 01:20:38.410 --> 01:20:41.089 Danny Bernard . We worked hard , but we 01:20:41.089 --> 01:20:43.089 had a lot of fun . I'll cherish the 01:20:43.089 --> 01:20:45.770 memories . To my fellow platoon 01:20:45.770 --> 01:20:48.049 sergeants while on deployment , Mike 01:20:48.049 --> 01:20:51.680 Poppin , Jimmy the Klug , Craig Campson . 01:20:52.540 --> 01:20:54.596 Together guys , we brought everybody 01:20:54.596 --> 01:20:57.180 home alive . To all the master gunners 01:20:57.180 --> 01:20:59.347 I've worked with , both on the Bradley 01:20:59.347 --> 01:21:01.540 and Abrams side , who says he can't 01:21:01.540 --> 01:21:03.707 have more than 2 master gunners in the 01:21:03.707 --> 01:21:05.929 tower at a time without an argument , I 01:21:05.929 --> 01:21:09.129 thought we got along pretty well . To 01:21:09.129 --> 01:21:11.351 the guy who fixed our stuff and made us 01:21:11.351 --> 01:21:14.770 look good , CSM Tim Flav , without your 01:21:14.770 --> 01:21:16.992 maintenance support , well if you're in 01:21:16.992 --> 01:21:19.159 a camp Ripley and well deployed , we'd 01:21:19.159 --> 01:21:21.492 have been dead in the water without you . 01:21:21.770 --> 01:21:23.937 To all my winter raps , snow buddies , 01:21:24.250 --> 01:21:26.129 Jim Shar , Tim De Lovely , Kenny 01:21:26.129 --> 01:21:28.970 Schmitts , Neil Seeger , the stories 01:21:28.970 --> 01:21:31.026 get better every time they're told . 01:21:31.390 --> 01:21:33.446 And thank you to all the battalion , 01:21:33.446 --> 01:21:35.979 brigade , full-time staffs , OICs , and 01:21:35.979 --> 01:21:38.180 CICs who I had deploy the pleasure of 01:21:38.180 --> 01:21:40.291 working with over the years . Way too 01:21:40.291 --> 01:21:42.236 many to count , along with all the 01:21:42.236 --> 01:21:44.013 battalion commanders , CSMs and 01:21:44.013 --> 01:21:46.124 battalion staff I've worked with over 01:21:46.124 --> 01:21:48.870 the years . Thank you . And thanks to 01:21:48.870 --> 01:21:51.092 the guy who got me hooked on Diet Dew , 01:21:51.149 --> 01:21:53.205 he would show up at a meeting with a 01:21:53.205 --> 01:21:55.205 notebook and a 12 pack of dew . CSM 01:21:55.205 --> 01:21:57.427 Ryan Halstead , who always pushed me to 01:21:57.427 --> 01:21:59.760 learn new systems and take on new tasks . 01:21:59.950 --> 01:22:02.189 He made me a more rounded NCOIC . Thank 01:22:02.189 --> 01:22:04.910 you . Finally , to the guy who's been 01:22:04.910 --> 01:22:06.939 my best friend since 6th grade , 01:22:07.549 --> 01:22:10.549 hunting buddy , a peer , a mentor , a 01:22:10.549 --> 01:22:13.120 fellow soldier , and a leader . Retired 01:22:13.290 --> 01:22:15.401 thirty-fourth Infantry division , CSM 01:22:15.401 --> 01:22:17.512 John Lapowski , couldn't have done it 01:22:17.512 --> 01:22:19.709 without you , bud . All right . Thank 01:22:19.709 --> 01:22:21.431 you . Have a great afternoon . 01:22:31.169 --> 01:22:33.225 is First Sergeant Shane R . Huella . 01:22:39.620 --> 01:22:41.810 First Sergeant Shane Udella dedicated 01:22:41.810 --> 01:22:44.259 24 years in a service to the Minnesota 01:22:44.259 --> 01:22:46.299 Army National Guard and the United 01:22:46.299 --> 01:22:48.580 States of America . He began his career 01:22:48.580 --> 01:22:50.870 in 1988 while still in high school , 01:22:50.939 --> 01:22:53.180 enlisting as a military policeman with 01:22:53.180 --> 01:22:56.660 the 257 Military Police Company in 1990 . 01:22:57.006 --> 01:22:59.006 He deployed in support of Operation 01:22:59.006 --> 01:23:00.839 Desert Shield and Desert Storm , 01:23:00.839 --> 01:23:03.407 returning in 1991 , recognized early 01:23:03.407 --> 01:23:05.518 for his leadership and graduated as a 01:23:05.518 --> 01:23:08.157 distinguished honor graduate of PLDC , 01:23:08.327 --> 01:23:10.271 rising quickly to squad leader and 01:23:10.271 --> 01:23:12.696 later to staff sergeant . In 1996 , 01:23:12.966 --> 01:23:14.744 Shane transitioned to the field 01:23:14.744 --> 01:23:16.966 artillery as a canon crew member with F 01:23:16.966 --> 01:23:20.646 Battery 1-151 field artillery . His 01:23:20.646 --> 01:23:22.979 outstanding leadership earned promotion . 01:23:22.979 --> 01:23:25.146 Sergeant First Class in 1998 and First 01:23:25.146 --> 01:23:28.914 Sergeant of HHB Deardi in 2004 . In 01:23:28.914 --> 01:23:30.954 2005 , he brought his skills to the 01:23:30.954 --> 01:23:33.010 recruiting and retention battalion , 01:23:33.010 --> 01:23:35.121 excelling as a recruiter and later as 01:23:35.121 --> 01:23:38.034 team NCOIC , consistently surpassing 01:23:38.034 --> 01:23:39.978 mission goals and mentoring future 01:23:39.978 --> 01:23:42.145 soldiers . He culminated his career as 01:23:42.145 --> 01:23:44.664 first sergeant with Charlie Company 834 01:23:44.664 --> 01:23:46.833 Aviation Support Battalion , retiring 01:23:46.833 --> 01:23:49.951 in 2012 . His Army Awards include the 01:23:49.951 --> 01:23:51.784 Meritorious Service Medal , Army 01:23:51.784 --> 01:23:53.840 commodation Medal , Army Achievement 01:23:53.840 --> 01:23:55.729 Medal , and numerous campaign and 01:23:55.729 --> 01:23:57.840 service medals . Beyond his uniformed 01:23:57.840 --> 01:23:59.840 service , shame continued to impact 01:23:59.840 --> 01:24:02.210 military families . In 2009 , he found 01:24:02.210 --> 01:24:04.266 that defending the blue market later 01:24:04.266 --> 01:24:06.432 expanded as United Heroes League , has 01:24:06.432 --> 01:24:08.210 actually recognized nonprofit , 01:24:08.210 --> 01:24:10.340 providing over $30 million in sports 01:24:10.340 --> 01:24:13.061 equipment , brands , and experiences to 01:24:13.061 --> 01:24:15.939 more than 100 . 15,000 military 01:24:15.939 --> 01:24:18.379 families . Shane further extended his 01:24:18.379 --> 01:24:19.990 service as a Minnesota state 01:24:19.990 --> 01:24:23.020 representative in 2023 to 2025 , where 01:24:23.020 --> 01:24:24.859 he championed veterans issues , 01:24:24.870 --> 01:24:28.620 securing $78 million to rean veterans 01:24:28.620 --> 01:24:30.669 and advancing legislation to exempt 01:24:30.669 --> 01:24:32.725 disabled veterans from motor vehicle 01:24:32.725 --> 01:24:34.780 sales tax . First Sergeant Mandela's 01:24:34.780 --> 01:24:36.502 legacy is defined as service , 01:24:36.680 --> 01:24:38.791 leadership , and devotion , leaving a 01:24:38.791 --> 01:24:40.569 lasting impact on the Minnesota 01:24:40.569 --> 01:24:42.799 National Guard , his community , and 01:24:42.799 --> 01:24:44.910 the nation . First Sergeant Pilla was 01:24:44.910 --> 01:24:47.120 nominated by Command Sergeant Major 01:24:47.120 --> 01:24:49.799 Jason Ross , State Army senior and 01:24:49.799 --> 01:24:50.709 advisor . 01:24:59.140 --> 01:25:01.307 Thank you so much and good afternoon . 01:25:01.307 --> 01:25:03.740 Before I begin my remarks , I need to 01:25:03.740 --> 01:25:05.629 share a quick moment of panic and 01:25:05.629 --> 01:25:08.299 clarify something . When , uh , we were 01:25:08.299 --> 01:25:10.680 sitting down here , uh , Sergeant Major 01:25:10.680 --> 01:25:13.149 Wortham had his granddaughter on his 01:25:13.149 --> 01:25:15.810 right shoulder like this , and , uh , 01:25:15.819 --> 01:25:18.419 it , it , it was just a few seconds and 01:25:18.419 --> 01:25:20.890 she's staring me down and then she's 01:25:20.890 --> 01:25:23.500 poking her fingers . So of course I 01:25:23.500 --> 01:25:25.859 start making funny faces at her and 01:25:26.100 --> 01:25:28.100 next thing you know I'm sticking my 01:25:28.100 --> 01:25:30.669 tongue out at her . And then I look and 01:25:30.669 --> 01:25:32.836 I think the tags here and read at me . 01:25:32.836 --> 01:25:34.891 I'm like , jeez , I hope he sees the 01:25:34.891 --> 01:25:37.700 baby up there so it was , 01:25:41.720 --> 01:25:44.240 it was the baby general um . So we're , 01:25:44.410 --> 01:25:47.240 we're at the last speech and um a very 01:25:47.240 --> 01:25:50.089 wise general once told me , um , be 01:25:50.089 --> 01:25:53.729 bold , be brief , be gone . Uh , and by 01:25:53.729 --> 01:25:55.507 the way , when your last , your 01:25:55.507 --> 01:25:57.673 comments have been taken like 10 times 01:25:57.673 --> 01:26:00.529 over , so I revised them for like the 01:26:00.529 --> 01:26:02.689 1st 5 speakers and just threw it out 01:26:02.689 --> 01:26:06.500 after that , but um . Uh incredible 01:26:06.500 --> 01:26:09.290 honor and and wanted to start it off , 01:26:09.299 --> 01:26:12.259 um , like many of you have and , and 01:26:12.259 --> 01:26:14.419 just thank the biggest reason that 01:26:14.419 --> 01:26:16.939 we're able to come and do this and say 01:26:16.939 --> 01:26:19.169 thank you to my beautiful wife Jessica 01:26:19.169 --> 01:26:21.336 and I've got a , a few of my boys here 01:26:21.336 --> 01:26:24.160 and , and just my extended family , uh , 01:26:24.180 --> 01:26:26.939 they're the ones that give us the power 01:26:26.939 --> 01:26:29.500 to put on the uniform and and go serve 01:26:29.500 --> 01:26:32.430 and they were the catalyst that um . 01:26:32.772 --> 01:26:35.183 Led me to start a nonprofit , uh , just 01:26:35.183 --> 01:26:37.350 when , when you're in the military and 01:26:37.350 --> 01:26:39.516 you have a family , you know how tough 01:26:39.516 --> 01:26:42.013 it is on them when you have to go away . 01:26:42.382 --> 01:26:44.982 The military does a tremendous job of 01:26:44.982 --> 01:26:48.132 training us as soldiers and and airmen 01:26:48.422 --> 01:26:50.311 to fight , survive and win on the 01:26:50.311 --> 01:26:52.311 battlefield , but there is a lot of 01:26:52.311 --> 01:26:54.144 training for that family and and 01:26:54.144 --> 01:26:56.422 missing those key moments and being 01:26:56.422 --> 01:26:58.853 scared about mom or dad if they're gone . 01:26:58.982 --> 01:27:01.093 So , um , thank you . You Again to my 01:27:01.093 --> 01:27:04.706 family , uh , wanna thank obviously 01:27:04.706 --> 01:27:07.775 State CSM for the nomination . Um , 01:27:08.105 --> 01:27:10.545 it's been an interesting experience for 01:27:10.545 --> 01:27:13.175 me today and I hope everyone in here 01:27:13.505 --> 01:27:16.465 can appreciate the time capsule of 01:27:16.465 --> 01:27:18.945 greatness and leadership in this 01:27:18.945 --> 01:27:21.625 building right now all the way back for 01:27:21.625 --> 01:27:25.056 me to my very early days with , um , 01:27:25.105 --> 01:27:27.049 Colonel Sackett and Sergeant Major 01:27:27.049 --> 01:27:30.859 Wortham and . Uh , the 257th MP Company 01:27:30.859 --> 01:27:34.140 and after deployment , fast forward to 01:27:34.140 --> 01:27:36.939 my , um , first battery commander in 01:27:36.939 --> 01:27:39.529 the field artillery , Captain Royal , 01:27:39.939 --> 01:27:43.259 um , moving on to I , I'm an E and 01:27:43.259 --> 01:27:46.560 Devadi with Captain Sukup at the time , 01:27:46.810 --> 01:27:48.810 um . And , and these are all people 01:27:48.810 --> 01:27:51.365 that impacted my life and then you go 01:27:51.365 --> 01:27:54.484 back to AGR and and there's Sergeant 01:27:54.484 --> 01:27:56.615 Major Wortham again and other great 01:27:56.615 --> 01:27:58.782 leaders like then , Lieutenant Colonel 01:27:58.782 --> 01:28:02.174 John Jensen , um , at 2 of the 135 , my , 01:28:02.314 --> 01:28:04.481 my first unit that I was attached into 01:28:04.481 --> 01:28:07.970 on on the AGR side . Um , so for me 01:28:07.970 --> 01:28:10.149 it's , it's just one incredibly 01:28:10.149 --> 01:28:12.819 humbling to even be nominated for the 01:28:12.819 --> 01:28:15.660 award , much less win it , um , but to 01:28:15.660 --> 01:28:18.379 come back and , and share the stage and 01:28:18.379 --> 01:28:21.500 the time with this caliber of , of 01:28:21.500 --> 01:28:25.169 former , um , incredible leaders , um , 01:28:25.180 --> 01:28:28.100 current incredible leaders , I ran into 01:28:28.100 --> 01:28:31.259 an old E4 , the Wi4 when I was the 01:28:31.259 --> 01:28:33.315 first sergeant . He's a chief now up 01:28:33.315 --> 01:28:35.339 here . It's , it's just one of the 01:28:35.339 --> 01:28:37.395 biggest teams . Takeaways and one of 01:28:37.395 --> 01:28:39.617 the biggest things for me that I wanted 01:28:39.617 --> 01:28:43.061 to talk about um was just that 01:28:43.121 --> 01:28:47.081 family that that you get when you're 01:28:47.081 --> 01:28:49.581 in the Minnesota National Guard beyond 01:28:49.581 --> 01:28:52.520 your biological family that stays with 01:28:52.520 --> 01:28:54.631 you for the rest of your life . I , I 01:28:54.631 --> 01:28:57.121 mean it really does , um , I , I have 01:28:57.121 --> 01:28:59.280 the pleasure now . I had some success 01:28:59.280 --> 01:29:02.041 with United Heroes League , um , we've 01:29:02.041 --> 01:29:04.570 helped and and growing families now 01:29:04.570 --> 01:29:07.171 across the country . grown to be across 01:29:07.171 --> 01:29:10.041 the country , um , but it's great . I , 01:29:10.182 --> 01:29:12.841 I deal with , uh , retired General Loy 01:29:12.841 --> 01:29:15.063 Hope with MacV , um , they , you know , 01:29:15.242 --> 01:29:17.186 some of these other leaders that I 01:29:17.186 --> 01:29:19.464 mentioned , uh , we'll call them , Hey , 01:29:19.582 --> 01:29:21.749 you know , we're trying to do this one 01:29:21.749 --> 01:29:24.026 thing cool thing for military families . 01:29:24.026 --> 01:29:26.082 Can you help ? Um , I don't know how 01:29:26.082 --> 01:29:27.971 many times I , I bothered General 01:29:27.971 --> 01:29:30.249 Jensen when he was out at the Pentagon . 01:29:30.249 --> 01:29:32.304 He , we're trying to do this thing , 01:29:32.304 --> 01:29:34.304 sir . It's kind of crazy , but it's 01:29:34.304 --> 01:29:36.638 gonna be super cool and it's gonna help . 01:29:36.638 --> 01:29:38.860 Military families and we always found a 01:29:38.860 --> 01:29:41.082 way to , to pull things off . So , um , 01:29:41.082 --> 01:29:43.323 yeah , it's just , uh , an incredible 01:29:43.323 --> 01:29:45.683 honor to be here . Like I said , a lot 01:29:45.683 --> 01:29:48.842 of my comments were gone , um , by the 01:29:48.842 --> 01:29:51.064 time you get up here , I was gonna talk 01:29:51.064 --> 01:29:53.175 about with this much greatness in the 01:29:53.175 --> 01:29:55.042 room , it , you know , encourage 01:29:55.042 --> 01:29:57.362 everyone and especially our inductees 01:29:57.362 --> 01:30:00.442 to um use that leadership and drive to 01:30:00.442 --> 01:30:02.562 go get involved in a nonprofit of the 01:30:02.562 --> 01:30:05.894 VFW , um , whatever . But he already is . 01:30:06.104 --> 01:30:08.574 I , I mean , can't , I , I was , uh , 01:30:08.583 --> 01:30:10.744 when , when Colonel Stuart ran and 01:30:10.744 --> 01:30:12.855 listed off those things , like all of 01:30:12.855 --> 01:30:15.077 the nonprofit work , I felt like I need 01:30:15.077 --> 01:30:17.613 to go start 3 more to keep up . Um , 01:30:18.423 --> 01:30:20.824 but that's good , right ? That's us 01:30:20.824 --> 01:30:23.153 taking care of that next generation , 01:30:23.304 --> 01:30:26.983 us taking care of , uh , the soldiers 01:30:26.983 --> 01:30:28.927 and , and airmen that are in boots 01:30:28.927 --> 01:30:30.983 right now in the Minnesota guard and 01:30:30.983 --> 01:30:33.063 beyond that , if we can through VFWs 01:30:33.063 --> 01:30:35.524 and and other branches . To me that's 01:30:35.524 --> 01:30:37.645 what it's all about . We all get the 01:30:37.645 --> 01:30:40.044 soldier skills . We all go downrange at 01:30:40.044 --> 01:30:43.245 some point . Um , really it's about 01:30:43.245 --> 01:30:45.578 taking care of that next generation and , 01:30:45.578 --> 01:30:47.845 and being a part of this just 01:30:47.845 --> 01:30:51.484 incredible brotherhood . So thank you 01:30:51.484 --> 01:30:54.794 again . Pro I'd be brief and , uh , 01:30:55.165 --> 01:30:57.387 just wanted to say a final thank you to 01:30:57.387 --> 01:30:59.645 my wife and family and as we used to 01:30:59.645 --> 01:31:01.734 say back in Fox Battery and Deardi 01:31:01.734 --> 01:31:03.725 onance so thank you . 01:31:15.859 --> 01:31:17.979 Congratulations again to all of this 01:31:17.979 --> 01:31:19.923 year's honorees and families him a 01:31:19.923 --> 01:31:21.035 round of applause . 01:31:28.299 --> 01:31:30.132 At this time it's my pleasure to 01:31:30.132 --> 01:31:32.310 welcome to the podium , the chair of 01:31:32.310 --> 01:31:34.199 the Memorialization board , Major 01:31:34.199 --> 01:31:36.143 General retired Neil Lloyd Alton . 01:31:42.140 --> 01:31:43.973 Well , this isn't in my prepared 01:31:43.973 --> 01:31:46.129 remarks , but I'd like to thank Mike 01:31:46.129 --> 01:31:48.299 Linz for authorizing one minute of 01:31:48.299 --> 01:31:50.529 speech for every year of service , so . 01:31:52.259 --> 01:31:54.750 Uh , seriously , I'd like to recognize 01:31:54.750 --> 01:31:57.140 and thank those individuals that played 01:31:57.140 --> 01:31:59.307 significant roles in making this event 01:31:59.307 --> 01:32:01.362 happen . In particular , I'd like to 01:32:01.362 --> 01:32:03.362 thank the Memorialization Board for 01:32:03.362 --> 01:32:05.529 accepting nominations and spearheading 01:32:05.529 --> 01:32:09.169 the effort . I also like to thank the 01:32:09.169 --> 01:32:11.280 state headquarters staff , especially 01:32:11.280 --> 01:32:13.558 Kathy Ray . Uh , uh , just a side note , 01:32:13.558 --> 01:32:15.919 it was Cathy Rai who Angela Stewart 01:32:15.919 --> 01:32:18.529 Randall was referring to when she said 01:32:18.529 --> 01:32:20.589 she was authorized longer remarks . 01:32:20.770 --> 01:32:23.129 That was , that was not me . Uh , in 01:32:23.129 --> 01:32:26.240 fact , it was Cathy Ray . All right . 01:32:27.709 --> 01:32:29.790 Special thanks to the staff of Camp 01:32:29.790 --> 01:32:31.901 Ripley , who worked behind the scenes 01:32:31.901 --> 01:32:33.910 to make today's event happen during 01:32:33.910 --> 01:32:36.021 some particularly challenging current 01:32:36.509 --> 01:32:38.731 situations with respect to the military 01:32:38.731 --> 01:32:40.842 and the government . And finally , to 01:32:40.842 --> 01:32:42.870 the friends , family , and soldiers 01:32:42.870 --> 01:32:44.870 here today . Thank you for coming . 01:32:44.870 --> 01:32:47.092 Thank you for making this a special day 01:32:47.189 --> 01:32:49.356 and for honoring your service member . 01:32:58.240 --> 01:33:00.351 Thank you , Gerald Noido . Ladies and 01:33:00.351 --> 01:33:02.129 gentlemen , please rise for the 01:33:02.129 --> 01:33:04.351 benediction and remain standing for the 01:33:04.351 --> 01:33:05.962 exit of the official party . 01:33:08.770 --> 01:33:09.770 Let us pray . 01:33:12.600 --> 01:33:15.720 Gracious God , look kindly upon all who 01:33:15.720 --> 01:33:18.520 serve you and answer the call to serve 01:33:18.520 --> 01:33:21.950 our nation honorably . May the actions 01:33:21.950 --> 01:33:24.750 of each of our distinguished honorees 01:33:25.279 --> 01:33:27.919 continue to make an impact in our 01:33:27.919 --> 01:33:31.080 organization . We do leadership shape 01:33:31.080 --> 01:33:34.270 the landscape of our state and nation 01:33:34.640 --> 01:33:38.080 and . May we continue to lead and serve 01:33:38.080 --> 01:33:41.319 with dignity , honor , humility , and 01:33:41.319 --> 01:33:45.160 wisdom . We ask your blessing upon all 01:33:45.160 --> 01:33:48.279 our fellow service members , and we ask 01:33:48.279 --> 01:33:51.120 that you guide us to live out your call 01:33:51.120 --> 01:33:54.799 for our lives each and every day . We 01:33:54.799 --> 01:33:57.430 pray this in your name . Amen . 01:33:59.250 --> 01:34:00.250 Mm . 01:34:12.890 --> 01:34:13.890 Yeah . 01:34:16.970 --> 01:34:17.970 Jesus . 01:34:22.859 --> 01:34:23.859 You know 01:34:29.259 --> 01:34:31.370 Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 01:34:31.370 --> 01:34:33.592 the portion of the memorization board . 01:34:33.592 --> 01:34:35.648 Please join us at the museum for the 01:34:35.648 --> 01:34:37.537 unveiling ceremony of this year's 01:34:37.537 --> 01:34:40.359 honorees in the Court of Honor . The 01:34:40.359 --> 01:34:42.303 unveiling of the museum will begin 01:34:42.303 --> 01:34:45.399 promptly at 1500 . Colonel retired 01:34:45.399 --> 01:34:46.310 Michael Linz . 01:34:55.240 --> 01:34:56.240 Thank you 01:35:04.620 --> 01:35:05.740 It's Oh . 01:35:12.649 --> 01:35:14.939 Colonel retired Troy Soup . 01:35:20.000 --> 01:35:21.319 I , I hope so . 01:35:28.479 --> 01:35:29.479 Thank you . 01:35:39.149 --> 01:35:42.060 Colonel retired Angela Stewart Randall . 01:35:53.339 --> 01:35:54.339 You have to . 01:36:08.240 --> 01:36:10.930 Chief Warrant Officer 5 retired James 01:36:10.930 --> 01:36:11.569 Bankston . 01:36:36.270 --> 01:36:38.790 Chief Warrant Officer 3 retired Brian 01:36:38.790 --> 01:36:39.390 Morelli . 01:36:47.850 --> 01:36:48.850 Mhm . 01:36:55.910 --> 01:36:56.910 Thank you 01:37:01.189 --> 01:37:03.669 Commandar Major retired Steve Kneen . 01:37:07.859 --> 01:37:11.459 And OK . Still 01:37:11.459 --> 01:37:11.930 is 01:37:18.810 --> 01:37:19.810 Oh , 01:37:24.120 --> 01:37:26.410 Commandar Major retired Mitchell 01:37:26.410 --> 01:37:27.040 Hellcamp . 01:37:36.229 --> 01:37:37.451 There always coming . 01:37:53.250 --> 01:37:56.009 Commandar Major retired Douglas Wortham . 01:38:04.569 --> 01:38:05.569 Yeah . 01:38:09.770 --> 01:38:10.770 No . 01:38:21.020 --> 01:38:23.540 Sergeant Major retired Brent Henry . 01:38:24.790 --> 01:38:25.600 Oh 01:38:32.729 --> 01:38:36.589 That . OK 01:38:40.330 --> 01:38:41.830 Remember Baton , you old . 01:38:49.450 --> 01:38:51.759 For our retired Shane Hodella . 01:38:59.529 --> 01:38:59.640 the