Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) has been announced as a recipient of the Charles Dick Medal of Merit, presented by the National Guard Association of the United States, for his continued support of the Minnesota National Guard.
“From supporting civilian rescue and disaster relief missions at home to defending American ideals around the world, Minnesotans are safer thanks to the men and women of the National Guard. Since coming to Congress, we have worked to protect the future of the Minnesota National Guard, especially as we successfully secured new C-130Js for the 133rd Airlift Wing. I am honored to receive this recognition and will continue working to support our guardsmen and women,” Congressman Emmer said.
"I was pleased to learn that the National Guard Association of the United States selected Congressman Emmer for the distinguished Charles Dick Medal of Merit. Minnesota’s congressional members, which included Congressman Emmer, were pivotal in modernization efforts. These included new C-130J aircraft for the 133rd Airlift Wing, upgraded Army National Guard vehicles, and new critical infrastructure to ensure our soldiers and airmen may effectively carry out their missions," Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General said.
Background:
Congressman Emmer has been a strong supporter of the Minnesota National Guard’s mission since he first came to Congress in 2015. Emmer worked tirelessly on behalf of the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing’s C-130 mission to help secure eight new C-130J transport planes. Following the death of three Minnesota National Guardsmen in a helicopter crash near St. Cloud in 2019, Congressman Emmer spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in their memory and introduced legislation to honor them.
Established in 1988, the Charles Dick Medal of Merit is awarded to state and federal lawmakers who have distinguished themselves as indispensable supporters of the National Guard. The medal is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick who served as the National Guard Association of the United States’ President from 1902 to 1909, a Major General in the Ohio National Guard, and a United States Congressman and Senator. Major General Dick was instrumental in the passage of the Dicks Act of 1903 and 1908 which established the foundation for the modern National Guard.
The Charles Dick Medal of Merit will be awarded at the National Guard Association of the United States’ 146th General Conference & Exhibition happening August 24th – 26th in Detroit, Michigan.
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