ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Army National Guard has mobilized 75 soldiers to the southwestern United States in support of Operation Jump Start, a federal initiative utilizing National Guard Soldiers from across the county to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deter illegal immigration.
All of the Minnesota National Guard Soldiers volunteered to serve in support of this mission and will be mobilized for two weeks. The 75 National Guard Soldiers are from the Willmar-based 682nd Engineer Battalion.
These soldiers will support border construction projects near Deming and Santa Fe, N.M. Such projects include anti-vehicle fence installation and road construction to remote entry points.
The 75 soldiers will depart between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday from the Willmar Armory, 614 North Highway 71. Soldiers will be packing and loading gear for departure and the public is welcome.
