CAMP RIPLEY — The National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment first cut its teeth during the Civil War in battles like Bull Run and Gettysburg.
Now — 150 years and a handful of wars later — it answers the call of duty again, this time for Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa.
Family members and well-wishers took part in a semi-virtual departure ceremony Friday, June 19, to send off roughly 1,000 National Guardsmen from Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa. Dressed in fatigues, service members sat on the grounds of Camp Ripley, spaced out in a dense checkered formation, only breaking their stoic composure to shout an obligatory “To the last man!” — the motto of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.
Lt. Col. Charles Rankin, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, pointed to his own deployments into various locations across the globe during the War on Terror. He spoke of the sacrifice that soldiers make by being separated from their families and the vital need to maintain strong bonds with loved ones.
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Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, praised the regiment’s resilience and adaptability despite being isolated and quarantined during the lead-up to deployment because of COVID-19.
“As I look out at this formation, I couldn’t be prouder,” Jensen said. “Because, looking out, there’s so much that’s changed, but so much that’s stayed the same. … As someone who’s served in this battalion, who’s led this battalion, I’m just proud of what you are and what you’re going to do.”
After the speeches were over, soldiers and families alike chowed down on a feast of steaks, baked potatoes, salads and more. While soldiers were catered to by Serving Our Troops and its affiliated organizations, restaurants, unions and businesses, their families were able to enjoy the spread from home as hundreds of packages were sent up for a statewide steak fry. Organizers on the ground said the regiment was eating over 850 pounds of meat, while families enjoyed over 1,000 pounds, equaling nearly a ton of thick, char-grilled beef.
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The ceremony was interspersed with virtual addresses from political figures including Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.
“I want to thank the families — no troop deploys alone. The family deploys,” said Walz, a former National Guardsman himself. “For the troops, there will be moments that are difficult, but there will also be moments that underscore the value of what you’re doing. Your service is necessary to protect the freedom of not only this country, but people around the globe.”
Watching from home, family members were treated to musical performances, speeches from public figures and media personalities, and even segments with Minnesota sports legends, like former Minnesota Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson and retired Twins’ icon Joe Mauer.
Patrick Harris, a key organizer with Serving Our Troops of the virtual ceremony, credited an army of volunteers, nonprofits, giving organizations and people from all across the country who jumped at the chance to launch a daunting telecommunication experience for thousands of service members and families.
“We have an extraordinary amount of community partners. The great thing about Serving Our Troops, the great thing about the National Guard, is the community comes together,” Harris said. “Businesses come together. Sports teams come together, and we've got a huge team of volunteers and everybody works really hard. People just want to say thank you to the National Guard, so they step up. That's fabulous.”
There was no shortage of youthful enthusiasm among fresh-faced young service members — all of whom are on their first deployment — after being cooped up in Camp Ripley during quarantine and undergoing weeks of training with a singular goal in mind.
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“The majority of us are medics, so we’re going to be over there taking care of them and supporting them in whatever capacity they need us,” said Ethan Felcan, a specialist who noted that training in the National Guard, as well as humanitarian or support work as a medic overseas in Africa, will greatly benefit many in their career path into medicine.
None of the service members were able to point to many particulars about what exactly their roles would be in Africa.
“I just want to get over there,” Pvt. Canden Douglas said and smiled. “Let’s do this. I’m sick of waiting. Let’s get after it. I’m ready.”
“It’s a good starter, to get that experience and training on your resume,” Spc. Abigail Linscott said. “At the same time, it’s a good chance to serve our country. That’s what we intend to do.”
GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www.twitter.com/glbrddispatch .
