Minnesota National Guard troops are finishing up their training in Ft. Hood, Texas this week, slated for deployment to Kuwait. Around 650 soldiers will work to build up the strength of partner nations in the region. Command Sergeant Major Joe Hjelmstad has been a member of the “Red Bulls” for 26 years and says the unit has a well-earned reputation for excellence.

Hjelmstad, a Battle Lake Minnesota native, says this deployment includes soldiers on the first deployment all the way up to those on their 6th.