Congressman Pete Stauber, (R-MN) recently recognized the 1-194 Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment during a speech addressing the 118th Congress on 10 September 2024. The 1-194 was deployed to Afghanistan during the withdrawal of American forces and evacuation of civilians. There efforts were recognized by the Department of Defense and United States Army as the unit was awarded several distinguished commendations, among them the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Superior Unit Award, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Below is the excerpt from Congressman Stauber’s speech on the Congressional Floor.
RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD'S 1ST COMBINED ARMS BATTALION The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber) for 5 minutes. Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minnesota National Guard's 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment, as they were recently awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation award, the Superior Unit Award, and the Presidential Unit Citation award. These awards are given to units for heroism and outstanding achievement under extraordinary circumstances. We all remember the harrowing images of the evacuation of Afghanistan, which took place just 3 years ago. Thirteen American heroes lost their lives, and countless allies were left behind for the Taliban. If not for the 194th, things could have and would have been much worse. During the evacuation of Kabul, the 1st Combined Arms Battalion rescued over 124,000 American citizens, government employees, and Afghan allies in under 15 days. This Brainerd, Minnesota-based unit made a difference in the world. Because of them, families were reunited and lives were saved. As the husband of the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing's first female command chief, who deployed when she was called upon, I have long recognized the superiority of the Minnesota National Guard. I could not be more proud to represent these exemplary soldiers. America is blessed to have such courageous patriots in her ranks, and we, in Minnesota, are lucky that they call our State home. Madam Speaker, I thank the men and women of the 194th Armor Regiment for their service during this infamous time. God bless them all for their sacrifices, and God bless America.
On behalf of MNGEA, congratulations to all the soldiers of the 1-194 CAB and to a Job Well Done!