Tag Archive for: NOREX

Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review

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

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NOREX 2024 and a Look Back at the 50th Anniversary of NOREX

This week we meet with some Host Families for the Minnesota National Guard’s 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) and look back at our trip to Norway in 2023 for the 50th anniversary of NOREX. The exchange, which started in 1974, is the U.S.’s longest continuous bilateral military and cultural exchange, bringing Norwegian service members to Minnesota and Minnesota service members to Norway to train with one another. Guests include:

  • The Danczyk Family – MNNG Host Family
  • Shane Hybben – MNNG Host Family
  • Maj. Katie Lunning – Minnesota National Guard
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The 50th Anniversary of NOREX

The 50th Anniversary of NOREX

This week we are recorded live from Norway for the 50th Anniversary of NOREX – Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange. We meet with officers from the Minnesota National Guard and Heimevernet (Norway Home Guard) to discuss the training plan, learn about snow shelters and troop mobilization with a Captain from the Minnesota National Guard and get a better understanding of how the soldiers train together. Guests include:

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NOREX and Camp Gratitude

NOREX and Camp Gratitude

This week we meet with the Deputy Commander of Camp Ripley to discuss NOREX – Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange, learn about Camp Gratitude and get an update from the MN Patriot Guard. Guests include:

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Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX)

Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX)

This week we travel to Camp Ripley and meet with the Generals of the 45th NOREX – Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange, we also get an update from CSM Douglas Wortham from Værnes Air Station in Norway.Guests include:

 

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