Contributed report
On Friday, Sept. 6, the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment based in Brainerd, received the U.S. military’s highest unit award, the Presidential Unit Citation, for their efforts in the Kabul evacuation along with two other prestigious awards.
“These awards are not just symbols of what the Soldiers have achieved—they are reminders of the lives they saved, the people they protected, and the difference they made in the world,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General.
The unit deployed in March 2021 and returned in January 2022. During their deployment, they supported Operations Freedoms Sentinel and Spartan Shield. According to National Guard officials, Task Force 1-194 was essential in supporting our Allies and the citizens of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan. Working alongside the Air Force and Marines, they ensured a safe and successful evacuation of vulnerable Afghan citizens and Allied personnel.
The unit will receive three awards: the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) award, and Superior Unit Award (SUA).