Tag Archive for: Minnesota Military

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District: Mississippi River Navigation & Recreation

This week Minnesota Military Radio features the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District, highlighting their essential civil works missions across Minnesota and the upper Midwest.
Hosted by retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham, the episode explores how the district—primarily civilian-led—supports national security through reliable Mississippi River commerce, protects communities from flooding, restores ecosystems, and manages public recreation at locks, dams, and reservoirs.
Key guests include:
  • Nate Wallerstedt, Project Management Branch Chief, who discussed the district’s core missions and the new “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” initiative to speed up projects and cut red tape.
  • Dan Fasching, Civil Engineer, who explained water level management as “art meets engineering,” emphasizing drought control for navigation and the river’s role in efficient logistics.
  • Tammy Frauenshuh, Natural Resource Planner, who covered recreation opportunities, park ranger duties, and free Military Pass benefits via the America the Beautiful program for service members and veterans.

Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review

In this special Year in Review episode (recorded late 2025), retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with the Minnesota National Guard’s command team:

They discuss leadership dynamics, 2025 accomplishments, domestic and international missions, and exciting plans for 2026.

Key Highlights from 2025

  • Force growth and high readiness levels (nearly 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen strong)
  • Domestic support: Wildfire response on the North Shore and cyber assistance in St. Paul
  • International partnerships: Deepened ties with Croatia (29 years) and Norway (including the 52nd troop exchange)

Looking Ahead to 2026

  • 53rd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) in February
  • 30th anniversary celebrations with Croatia, including joint training
  • Upcoming deployments and returns (e.g., 34th MP Company, 148th Fighter Wing)
  • Modernization: New C-130J aircraft arriving for the 133rd Airlift Wing
  • New facilities opening, including the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum

The leaders emphasized trust, community connections (“We live here, we work here, we serve here”), and pride in the Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There
Interested in joining? As CSM Rost says: “This is a great time to be part of this team—we need leaders for the next generation.”

For more information or to explore service opportunities: MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil