Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer accepted the Charles Dick Medal of Merit Award from the National Guard Association of the United States. Emmer was announced as a recipient of the award in July for his continued support of the Minnesota National Guard.

“Thanks to our citizen soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard, our state and our nation are more secure. I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award and will continue working to support the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard,” Congressman Emmer said.

Background:

Since coming to Congress in 2015, Congressman Emmer has been a steadfast supporter of the Minnesota National Guard’s mission. Emmer worked to help secure eight new C-130J transport planes on behalf of the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing. Following the tragic death of three Minnesota National Guardsmen in a helicopter crash near St. Cloud in 2019, Congressman Emmer honored them on the floor of the House of Representatives and introduced legislation to remember their service.

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.

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