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  • Recruiting spotlight: Esko, Minnesota

    DULUTH, MN -- In a time where approximately .05% of Americans currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, it’s interesting to see communities crushing the statistics.  Esko, Minnesota, with a population of 2,200 is one community far exceeding the norms.In the past six years alone, 35 young adults,

  • 148th Fighter Wing EOD Flight Hosts Validation Course

    CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - The 148th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight created and hosted an advanced conventional course for 30 technicians at the Minnesota National Guard’s Camp Ripley Training Center Sept. 18-22.The course focused on five lines of effort: restoring readiness, investing in

  • Vermont Guard Partner North Macedonia Hosts Adriatic Conference

    SKOPJE, North Macedonia – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general, and leaders from other U.S. states joined their partner nation chiefs of defense for the 26th U.S.-Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference in Skopje Sept. 27.The Adriatic 5 consists of Albania (New Jersey

  • Hokanson: State Partnership Program Stable, Steadfast and Growing

    DENVER – The Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program — built on enduring relationships, common interests and trust — is stable, steadfast and growing, the Guard’s top leader said Thursday.The program started with 13 partnerships in 1993. It now boasts 100 nations paired

  • Service and Friendship – one story of Vietnam

    DULUTH, MN -- Former 148th Fighter Wing Commander, retired Brig. Gen. Kenneth J. Stromquist, has a long, storied military career having served in both the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard for 31-years. One of his first chapters starts at III Corps, South Vietnam where Stromquist served as an

  • 148th Fighter Wing Recertifies VPP Star Status

    DULUTH, MN. -- On April 30, 2008, the 148th Fighter Wing became the first unit in the Air Force to receive recognition as an Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Worksite. Recently, the Wing received notification it has been officially

  • A Unique Path to Leadership

    Duluth, MN -- Vince Lombardi once said “leaders are made, they are not born.” Leadership is a skill that is developed over time through experience, reflection, study and practice. 148th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, Col. Babette S. Van Hees brings a diverse set of experiences to her role.Van Hees

  • Meet the 148th Fighter Wing’s ‘Aces of the ASVAB’

    Duluth, MN -- The perfect score. What does that mean? What does it look like? I recently became aware of an Airman who scored a perfect 99 on Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB test. I was intrigued. When discussing this topic with a colleague, I learned there was another Airmen

  • Minnesota, Norway Partner for 50th Troop Exchange

    TRØNDELAG, Norway - More than 100 Minnesota National Guard Airmen and Soldiers partnered with the Heimevernet, the Norwegian Home Guard, for two weeks of winter warfare training during the 50th U.S./Norway Reciprocal Troop Exchange Feb. 2-16.More commonly known as NOREX, the exchange is the Defense