Archives April 2025

Every April, Month of the Military Child is observed across the United States Armed Forces to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of military youth for the nation. 

Air Force Master Sgt. Devin Duryee, 133d Airlift Wing Maintenance Squadron, and his wife, Leigh, have four children – Emma, 16; Claire, 15; Evelyn, 11; and Nora, 7. Devin and Leigh said children in military families must cope with difficulties and needs that may not be familiar to other children.  

“One of the biggest needs of military kids is to not feel so alone during a deployment,” Leigh said.  

Emma cited “not having my dad around when I need him” as one of the biggest challenges of being a military youth.  

Claire agreed, adding, “Not being able to see my dad as much while he is deployed and being concerned about how hard his job is” can be tough.  

More than 15,000 children in Minnesota have at least one parent serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Devin said knowing there are many other military youths in the community is a relief for Emma, Claire, and their siblings, along with the community support they receive.  

“We are happy with what the community has to offer us during deployments,” Devin said. “Like the YMCA’s Military Outreach program that provides free memberships for families of deployed service members.” 

Emma and Claire are involved in the military community. Both have participated in the annual Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program’s Teen Leadership Forum, which provides an opportunity for military youth in grades 6 through 12 to challenge, grow, and develop leadership skills by participating in a group project, volunteering for a community service project, listening to speakers and presenters, and connecting with peers. 

“It’s important to get involved to support their efforts in helping the youth and to show them that we appreciate them,” Claire said.  

“I like getting a better understanding of what it’s like being in the military and hearing from another source what it’s like at work every day and on deployments,” Emma said. 

To further strengthen community support for military youth, Emma suggested for schools to have a club for military youth so they can connect with each other. Claire added schools can also “Give more time to get assignments completed during deployments since there is less help at home.” 

Devin and Leigh have also participated as a couple and as a family in events that provide support to those in the military community.  

“We have attended several Strong Bonds events for a ‘date night’ class or for a family weekend retreat and we always come away with more tools to be better for each other,” Devin said. 

The Strong Bonds program, primarily offered by the Army and Air Force, aims to strengthen military families by providing relationship education, skills training, and support during deployments and relocations. It is a chaplain-led initiative that focuses on building resilient relationships and fostering a sense of community within military units. 

In addition, the Duryee family enjoys attending the Purple Up celebration for military youths and their families held each year at Mall of America in honor of Month of the Military Child. Purple is the official color of the military child. It is a combination of all the colors of the U.S. Armed Forces — Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard blues, Army green, and Marine Corps red. 

“We love seeing the looks on our kids’ faces, like they are the VIPs at the event,” Devin said. 

Hosted by the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program, in partnership with Mall of America, the Purple Up festivities on April 25 features music, character appearances, giveaways, treats, rides at Nickelodeon Universe, and more.  

“The younger kids like to get their faces painted and then go to Build-a-Bear where they get to craft their own little buddy to bring to the park,” Leigh said. “Then, of course, it’s having access to all the rides.” 

Emma and Claire are glad there is a Month of the Military Child observance, and Emma said she would consider joining the military.  

“Because I want to get stronger both physically and mentally, so I can be a better registered nurse for my community,” she said. 

Both siblings are proud to be part of the military community, adding that being a military youth means “street credit.”  

Story By Cristina Oxtra 

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs 

The Arden Hills-based 34^th Infantry Division, also known as the Red Bulls, held its annual Operational Division Alignment Conference, or ODAC, on March 28, 2025, at the division headquarters in the General John W. Vessey Readiness Center at the Arden Hills Army Training Site. Last year’s conference did not take place as the division was deployed overseas.

Army Col. Ryan Kelly, the chief of staff for the 34^th Infantry Division, Minneota National Guard, said the event’s purpose is to create an opportunity for geographically disbursed elements under the 34th ID to meet and collaborate.

“A regular Army division is made up of multiple brigades: maneuver, aviation, division artillery, sustainment, engineers,” Kelly said. “When we think of a regular Army division, like 1^st Cavalry Division, it’s all going to be on Fort Cavasos in Texas. They will have the whole division there. In the National Guard, we have to spread that out over multiple states to have the same type of structured division. For the 34^th, for example, we have elements of the division spread out over 25 states. So what we do at the ODAC once a year is we bring in leaders from all of those organizations that are in other states to align the efforts of the division, knowing that we have to cross state boundaries to do that.”

Twelve aligned units from eight states, including Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, South Dakota, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, and Virginia, were represented at the conference. Also present were Minnesota National Guard personnel currently attached to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USARUR-AF) in Germany, 1^st Army Division out of Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and Minnesota-based contractors with the Mission Command Training Support Program.  

A major consideration for aligning the efforts of each of these elements for a National Guard division is that the adjutant general of each state holds the ultimate authority on what training activities the elements in their state participate in, Kelly said. While the 34^th does not dictate how each state tasks their units, the conference can help to facilitate relationships and conversations aimed at coordinating partnerships between the elements in regard to pre-planned training opportunities.

“We can influence them (aligned elements) by being a responsible division headquarters and looking for opportunities to improve their training,” he said. “We look at things we can do as a division, and we look at the adjacent units in other states to find opportunities to help each other out.”

The conference helps leaders across the division examine the training plans each aligned element has for the foreseeable future and see where partnerships can be formed to fill in the gaps when the units need support.

“For example, the brigade is going to the National Training Center in 2026, and we are currently short a transportation company,” he said. “Ideally, the way it works is that someone in the room may say, ‘Hey, I have a transportation company that is looking for training in 2026, we would love to send them to the National Training Center.”

Another goal of the ODAC is to give the leaders of elements aligned within the division an opportunity to meet face-to-face and to create relationships, Kelly said.

“If we got the call today to mobilize an entire division to go deploy in a large-scale combat operation, we wouldn’t want to meet our subordinate or aligned units for the first time at a mobilization station in that type of emergency,” he said. “So this gives us the opportunity to begin understanding the capabilities across the division, building relationships, and becoming a slightly more proficient National Guard division through coming together once a year to discuss how we will conduct business.”

Kelly said the ODAC adds value for the aligned units in other states that do not regularly have the opportunity to work with a higher headquarters.

“We take it for granted here in Minnesota because we have division headquarters,” he said. “So, 1^st brigade, aviation brigade, the division artillery, they’re used to this, interacting with a division headquarters, which is what you would do if you went to war. Those other units in the other states do not have that. Those brigades generally work for an administrative Joint Force Headquarters. This provides them an opportunity to have a tactical headquarters to discuss their training and operations with that they would not otherwise have if we did not have the ODAC.”

Aside from facilitating business relationships, the ODAC allows leaders to put a face to the name and create personal relationships with those they may someday train or deploy with. Kelly said this year’s conference was a success.

“It was highly successful and we continue to have a better turnout every year,” he said. “We see an appetite and appreciation from the aligned units in conducting this every year, and I think it is fair to say that we are going to continue this to make National Guard divisions tactically and technically proficient and more synchronized in the training across the division.”

Story by Sgt. 1^st Class Sirrina Martinez

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs

April 11, 2025 (CAMP RIPLEY, Minn.) – Teams from the Minnesota National Guard Joint Operations Center (JOC) conducted an exercise April 8-10, 2025 at the Camp Ripley Training Center as part of the U.S. Army NORTHCOM Joint Operations Center Training Course (JOC-TC).

The capstone scenario of the exercise challenged participants to demonstrate lessons learned from the previous day’s instruction and apply those principles to real-world situations in a demanding, complex and fast-paced environment.

“The goal and benefit of this exercise is to develop a better understanding throughout the JOC staff regarding their roles while networking with other partners,” said Army Col. Daniel O’Meara, Domestic Operations Chief with the Minnesota National Guard Joint Operations Center. “This allowed us to evaluate capabilities and limitations while operating in real-world domestic operations scenario.”

The JOC’s primary purpose is to provide continuous situational awareness to the office of the State Adjutant General during a domestic operation by monitoring, collecting and analyzing data to develop and update a common operational picture, allowing leaders to make informed decisions. The team in the JOC facilitates communication, planning, and coordination between different branches of the military, or often in the case of the National Guard, with civilian agencies and partners during joint operations within the state. During emergencies, the National Guard works in partnership with civilian authorities to aid with situations like physical security, logistical support and search and rescue if needed.

“There are different procedural steps and languages between the different agencies,” stated O’Meara. “The exercise enabled us to work through challenges and determine how we could operate together in various scenarios.”

The primary part of the exercise kicked off with a simulated shift change that involved the previous team monitoring a developing severe winter storm. This storm eventually produced multiple explained and unexplained power outages, road closures as well as hazards that would impact the civilian population. As the exercise continued, the scenario escalated with several counties declaring a state of emergency on top of a possible domestic terrorist threat.

“Our goal is always to come in and have the state pick up one or two critical things they didn’t have before, and we achieved that,” said Army Maj. Russel Bouillion, NORTHCOM Mobile Training Team Chief. “The biggest element is if the Minnesota National Guard found this beneficial and can use this training to improve upon their procedures. That is the success of our mission.”

The training, which was put on through the team from NORTHCOM, incorporated JOC specific operations and policies gathered from all 54 states and territories to educate using standard doctrine. The exercise tested specific processes found in an operations center responding to the scenario within Minnesota. For the Minnesota JOC, response to annual natural challenges such as winter weather or floods is a common practice, but the addition of secondary hazards tested communications, logistics and ready response across a wide area of the state.

“We follow doctrine, but every state faces unique challenges and adjusts necessary procedures in order to fit their needs,” said Bouillion.

The event culminated with a full briefing to the exercise commander, simulating an update brief to The Adjutant General or other state leaders. The collection of data and actions taken to best respond to the various situations was briefed by the section leaders and included information about personnel, intelligence, operations and logistics. The teams within the JOC demonstrated cross communication, gathered critical information, and presented what was achieved during the scenario with supporting data.

“NORTHCOM’s exercise was an excellent opportunity to help both seasoned and new personnel with the JOC understand our different roles and how to conduct domestic operations in the state of Minnesota,” concluded O’Meara.

Story by: Anthony Housey

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs

“I’m really glad that I joined the Army,” said Spc. Uriel Rosario, a cavalry scout assigned to “Crazy” Troop, 1st Squadron, 94th Cavalry Regiment. “I enjoyed my time at [one-station unit training], even with it being 22 weeks; it was an experience that I will never forget.”

As one of the newest members of the Minnesota National Guard, Rosario represents the future of the force—a generation of service members prepared to meet new challenges with resilience and determination.

Rosario enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in October of 2023. In January 2024, he boarded a plane for Georgia to begin training. He recalls the first time he slept under the stars at Fort Benning, then Fort Moore. Wrapped in a sleeping bag on the cold, hard ground, he woke up in the middle of the night, feeling the crisp Georgia air. Above him, the sky was scattered with stars.

“Even if it meant sleeping on the dirt,” said Rosario. “It was such a great feeling to be around my battle buddies and watch the sun come up.”

Of course, military training is not all peaceful moments under the stars.

“Being cold in the field, no showers for days,” he admits. “Low crawling through the mud and rocks and dirt, all the pushups, sit-ups, random counts in the middle of the night, it was all worth it; I look back and get a smile on my face.”

Rosario thrived on the challenge, taking every bit of instruction from his drill sergeants to heart.

Rosario grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and was inspired by his mother’s example of resilience and hard work. Sports were a major part of his life; he played baseball throughout high school and at Mayville State University in North Dakota. After completing his degree in 2020, Rosario moved to Duluth where the idea of enlisting kept resurfacing, first from recruiters during his school years and then from his new roommate.

“It was a weird time, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Rosario. “I was just going about life in a new city, and the Guard was a recurring theme; this time, it was because my roommate was in.”

By 2023, Rosario was looking for a new challenge. A visit to a local recruiter’s office turned into a decision within a week. The Minnesota National Guard made sense because it allowed him to serve while maintaining close relationships with friends and family at home. Choosing to become a cavalry scout job was natural.

“I knew absolutely nothing about what they did or how they did it,” said Rosario. “I just figured recon, quiet, stealthy— yeah, that’s all the convincing I needed.”

Rosario understood the significance of his decision the moment he stepped off the bus at Fort Moore and saw his first drill sergeant. Once he finished at reception and training really began, he was determined to learn as much as he could from the drill sergeants, acknowledging the potential dangers of combat roles.

“I didn’t go in trying to win awards or gain any recognition,” Rosario admitted. “I didn’t expect myself to get past the first hurdle, which was rifle qualification. I was just trying to do my best in everything.”

His best turned out to be elite. He had earned the Excellence in Armor award by the end of the training cycle. This award recognizes Soldiers who exceed standards and demonstrate superior leadership potential. Soldiers are recommended by their drill sergeant and must meet minimum qualifications: earning an Army Combat Fitness Test score above 480, with at least 80 in each event, qualifying on the M4 carbine as a sharpshooter, passing all skills tests and successfully finding four of five points during land navigation, among other things.

Rosario accomplished all that and more, scoring just shy of a perfect score on his final fitness test with 599 points and qualifying on his rifle, hitting 33 of the 40 available targets.

“My drill sergeants made it clear,” Rosario said. “What you learn here is what keeps you alive if any conflict were to happen.”

The most challenging part of training, Rosario said, was not the training itself but being away from loved ones. He attended church services and connected with other trainees to stay focused. Most importantly, it was his mindset that helped. He reminded himself daily that he was training for a reason.

Rosario hopes to attend officer candidate school and potentially commission as an officer in the future. For now, he wants to lean on noncommissioned officers in his company and continue to develop his skills. With his unit’s gunnery qualification approaching, Rosario remains focused on maintaining a path toward excellence.

“I made a choice that would challenge me in life, and it did just that,” added Rosario. “Now, I have many years to look forward to with my unit and to do my best with them.”

Story by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh
Minnesota National Guard

The Month of the Military Child is observed in April to highlight the role of military children in the armed forces community and provide a way to recognize and show support for them. In Minnesota, there are more than 15,000 children who have at least one parent serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

Minnesota National Guard Army Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Kolle, who is assigned to the 175th Forward Support Company in Appleton, Minnesota, and his wife, Janelle, have two children, Orin, 12, and Cullen, 10. Janelle said military children need to have a connection and purpose to their role because they give up so much and a great deal is expected of them.

“These kids are serving alongside their family members too, with pride, but without choice they end up giving up more than anyone can fully define,” she said. “For us personally, it’s missed conversations, skipped traditions, a lack of spontaneous moments. It’s the emotional toll, consistently unknown schedules. It’s the feeling of being different, the expectation to be stronger, bigger, braver, smarter, and manage loneliness and disappointment.”

There is also the challenge of having a parent away from home for long periods of time.

“Only having Mom, I don’t get to do all the things. I have to help more with chores,” said Orin, who doesn’t plan to join the military in the future because he said “there is too much stress for families.”

His younger brother Cullen said he feels lonely when he’s apart from their dad and he fears for his dad’s and other soldiers’ safety. His mom helps him cope.

“The distance is hard, but we send packages to dad, they are fun to do, and Mom is the best at them,” Cullen said.

The demands on military children can take its toll, so Janelle provides her children with opportunities for creating moments of laughter, maximizing relationships, and finding joy in the little things. She also ensures her children feel they are part of their dad’s military career decision and offers them a mission of their own.

“One that meets their age and maturity level,” Janelle said. “When our boys feel a sense of understanding, it gives them a purpose to be proud of. Attending military youth focused events, camps, the military museums, the Minnesota 9/11 memorial, deployment dinners, unit family picnics, and holiday parties address some of their unique needs.”

“We did the Vikings Day event before dad left,” Orin said. “I saw there were lots of kids sending parents away too. It’s important to know.”

Cullen enjoyed a family day at his dad’s work.

 “It’s good to know what he does and think he is safe,” he said.

While the military community offers many activities in which military youth can participate, Janelle noted a need for more support in schools and communities, and she encourages parents to help address this.

“We recently ended a deployment for my husband and felt like I was on an island during this time. I shared with the schools about this time of deployment and transition in hopes of a partnership to build my children a village of trusted adults,” Janelle said. “I did the research and provided talking points to teachers. I gave the schools things to look for at this time. I did the research on how to best support the military youth in their school. I did the work because our military youth needs advocates for challenges around military service. I did what I could to educate and fill the gap.”

Janelle also reached out to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which found military-connected volunteer mentors who could relate with her sons.

Orin and Cullen said schools and communities can do more to support military children and families.

“They could have a person to talk to and have it be a person who knows the military,” Orin said. “It could be a person to talk to the military kids about world stuff, bringing us together.”

Cullen also suggested recognizing military children.

 “And do things special for them, veterans program at school, show kindness,” he said.

Prior to moving to Benton County, the Kolles lived in Crow Wing County, where Janelle and a school district’s community education leader launched a military youth club for elementary and middle school military-connected students that met once a week. Businesses in the community sponsored the club’s activities and covered costs, such as supplies and a snack for each meeting. Any military connected child could participate for free.

“It is our responsibility to each other and the youth to fill in the gaps and address these identified areas of struggle,” Janelle said. “We need to build the tool kit to help ease the weight of military service for our own and educate along the way.”

To celebrate Month of the Military Child, the Kolles will attend the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program’s annual Purple Up festivities at the Mall of America on April 25 for the first time. The annual Purple Up: Twin Cities event brings military youth and their families the opportunity to enjoy music, character appearances, giveaways, treats, rides at Nickelodeon Universe provided by Mall of America, and more. Purple is the official color of the military child. It is a combination of all the colors of the U.S. Armed Forces — Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard blues, Army green, and Marine Corps red.

“We are looking forward to seeing the joy in the kids and honoring their service and sacrifice,” Janelle said.

Despite the hardships, Orin and Cullen are happy to be part of a military family.

“I get to do fun things, and I get to tell others about my dad,” said Cullen, who might consider serving in the military one day. “I don’t want to cook, and they feed you. I want to do cool things and see new places.”

“I have strong relationships with my family. My mom and dad are strong,” Orin said. “I get to feel proud of my support to dad, and the military is proud of me.”

By Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs