News Advisory
For immediate release
January 5, 2007
Minnesota Army National Guard to Support Operation Jump Start
Rochester and Albert Lea Units to Conduct 3-week Rotation in New Mexico
Two-hundred Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers will deploy for a three-week rotation to New Mexico in support of Operation Jump Start, a federal initiative utilizing National Guard soldiers from across the nation to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border to deter illegal immigration.
Approximately 80 Soldiers from the Albert Lea-based D Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry will deploy to the New Mexico border from Jan. 7th to Jan. 27th; 120 additional Soldiers from the Rochester-based B Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry will serve from Jan. 20 to Feb. 10.
The primary mission for these Soldiers is to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency in preventing illegal crossings and searching for illegal immigrants crossing the border. They will be joining 26 Minnesota Air National Guard Airmen currently on duty in supporting Operation Jump Start
Upon arrival in New Mexico, the Soldiers will undergo five days of extensive training that includes briefings on environmental hazards, first aid, reacting to multiple scenarios, fire arms familiarization only to protect self and other people, and night fire operations.
“The Minnesota National Guard is well-suited to perform this mission,” said Major General Larry Shellito, adjutant general of the National Guard, “we have the skills, the capabilities, and available highly-trained people.”
Members of the media are invited to a MEDIA AVAILABLITY with leaders and Soldiers of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry as they prepare to leave on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 10: 30 a.m. from the Albert Lea Armory, 410 Prospect AVE, Albert Lea, MN 56007. For more information, contact Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, 651-268-8949 (Office), 651-775-4392 (Cell) or via e-mail .
Members of the media are invited to EMBED with the Minnesota Army National Guard in New Mexico any time between Mon., Jan. 15 to Thu. Jan 26th. News Media Organizations must coordinate transportation to and from New Mexico and are responsible for all travel expenses. For more information contact Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Mr. Doug Mosier, 915-834-8311 (Office), 915-526-9340 (Cell) or via e-mail
For more information, including photos, demographics, podcast, and unit information, visit
Or Call:Lt. Col. Kevin Olson
Office: 651.268.8949
Cell: 651.775.4392
- 30 -