Thank you to all of our veterans and to those currently serving in the military for your service and sacrifice. I was proud to be part of the work the State of Minnesota did on behalf of veterans. Across all funds, veterans appropriations increased $5.9 million from FY08-09 to FY10-11, a 3.3 percent increase.
Here are some facts to remember as we honor our veterans and soldiers:
Sixty-seven Minnesota servicemen and women have died since 2003 in the invasion of Iraq. Seventeen Minnesotan servicemen and women have died since 2001 in Afghanistan.
Minnesota National Guard: There are more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen serving in the Minnesota National Guard.
Current Deployment: More than 280 Minnesota National Guard are deployed around the world.
Cumulative Deployment: More than 18,900 Minnesota National Guard have been deployed in 33 countries since 2001.
Upcoming Deployment: 2,450 soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard, First Brigade Combat Team, 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division, have been alerted by the Defense Department that they will be deployed to Kuwait and operate in Iraq in 2011 to provide base and route security for the Iraq drawdown. This is their second deployment to the Iraq area.
Veterans: Nearly 400,000 veterans called Minnesota their home in 2009.