Global War on Terror

September 11, 2001 – Present

On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in its history. Members of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial aircraft, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York City and one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth aircraft crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day.

In response, the United States launched the Global War on Terror (GWOT), a series of military campaigns and counterterrorism operations intended to disrupt terrorist organizations, prevent future attacks, and protect American national security interests. American service members deployed around the world, with major military operations taking place in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Minnesota played an important role in these efforts. Thousands of Minnesotans answered the call to serve, including members of the Minnesota National Guard, Reserve components, and active-duty Armed Forces. From small rural communities to the Twin Cities, Minnesota's service members left behind families, careers, and communities to serve their country overseas.

Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (2001–2014)

On October 7, 2001, the United States and allied forces launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The initial objective was to dismantle al-Qaeda's terrorist network and remove the Taliban government, which had provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden.

American and coalition forces conducted airstrikes, special operations missions, and ground combat operations. Although the Taliban government was quickly removed from power, fighting continued as insurgent groups resisted coalition forces and the newly established Afghan government.

Minnesota service members participated in operations throughout Afghanistan, serving in combat, aviation, engineering, transportation, medical, and security roles. Members of the Minnesota National Guard and Reserve units supported military operations, trained Afghan security forces, and helped provide stability in challenging conditions.

Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan concluded in December 2014, although American military involvement continued under subsequent missions until the final withdrawal of U.S. forces in August 2021.

Operation Iraqi Freedom – Iraq (2003–2010)

On March 20, 2003, the United States and coalition forces launched Operation Iraqi Freedom. The invasion sought to remove Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, whose government was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction. No active stockpiles of the alleged weapons of mass destruction were found.

Coalition forces rapidly advanced into Iraq, capturing Baghdad in April 2003 and bringing an end to Saddam Hussein's government. However, the initial military victory was followed by years of insurgency, sectarian violence, and efforts to establish a stable Iraqi government.

Minnesota National Guard soldiers played a significant role in operations throughout Iraq, particularly through the service of the 34th Infantry Division, known as the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls – Minnesota's Historic Deployment to Iraq

One of Minnesota's most notable contributions to the Global War on Terror came from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard.

Mobilized in September 2005, the brigade deployed to Iraq in March 2006 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Approximately 2,700 Minnesota soldiers, joined by roughly 1,300 soldiers from other Midwestern states, served with the brigade.

Rather than fighting across traditional battle lines, these soldiers faced the dangers of insurgent warfare, including roadside bombs, ambushes, and attacks on military convoys. Their mission included protecting supply routes, escorting military vehicles, conducting security patrols, and ensuring that personnel and equipment could move safely throughout Iraq.

During the deployment, Red Bull soldiers conducted approximately 5,200 combat logistics patrols, secured 2.4 million convoy miles, and discovered 462 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before detonation.

The Long Deployment

The brigade's deployment became one of the longest for a U.S. Army National Guard combat brigade during the Iraq War.

Originally mobilized in September 2005, the soldiers remained deployed for approximately 22 months, including 16 months in Iraq, before returning home in July 2007. The extended deployment placed enormous demands on the soldiers and their families, many of whom had already endured more than a year of separation when the mission was prolonged.

For Minnesota communities, the deployment represented both the dedication of their citizen-soldiers and the sacrifices required of the families who supported them.

The Red Bulls' service during this period remains a defining chapter in the modern history of the Minnesota National Guard.

The 34th Infantry Division – Continued Service in Iraq

Minnesota's military involvement continued beyond the brigade's historic deployment.

From 2009 to 2010, the 34th Infantry Division Headquarters deployed to Basra, Iraq, where it commanded Multi-National Division–South and provided command and control for American and coalition forces across southern Iraq.

In December 2011, Minnesota National Guard soldiers also helped secure the final withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. Convoy security teams protected personnel, vehicles, and equipment moving south toward Kuwait as military bases closed and the United States concluded Operation New Dawn.

These missions reflected the changing responsibilities of American forces, from combat operations to security, logistical support, and the withdrawal of military personnel.

Minnesota's National Guard and Military Families

The Global War on Terror placed significant demands on Minnesota's National Guard and Reserve forces.

Between 2003 and 2011, more than 8,000 Minnesota National Guard soldiers and airmen deployed to Iraq. Sixteen Minnesota Guard soldiers lost their lives, and 79 received Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat.

Behind every deployment were families, employers, and communities facing the challenges of separation and uncertainty. Spouses managed households, children grew up with parents serving overseas, and communities organized support efforts for deployed service members.

These experiences helped inspire Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, a Minnesota initiative that brought together communities, businesses, and organizations to support service members, veterans, and military families before, during, and after deployments.

For many veterans, the challenges of military service did not end when they returned home. Readjustment to civilian life, physical injuries, and the lasting emotional effects of combat became important parts of the story of the Global War on Terror.

Continued Counterterrorism Operations

The Global War on Terror extended beyond Afghanistan and Iraq. American military personnel participated in counterterrorism missions throughout the Middle East, Africa, and other regions.

Beginning in 2014, Operation Inherent Resolve brought American and coalition forces together to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Coalition operations helped dismantle ISIS's territorial control, although counterterrorism efforts continued.

Minnesota service members also supported subsequent overseas missions, including the 34th Infantry Division Headquarters deployment to Kuwait from 2018 to 2019 under Operation Spartan Shield. During this deployment, more than 650 Red Bull soldiers helped provide command and control for approximately 10,000 military personnel conducting theater security operations throughout the Middle East.

Remembering Minnesota's Global War on Terror Veterans

The Global War on Terror represents an important chapter in both American and Minnesota military history. Thousands of Minnesotans served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other overseas operations, with many completing multiple deployments.

The Minnesota Veterans Museum preserves and shares these experiences through exhibits highlighting the service of Minnesota's military personnel.

Within the museum's Global War on Terror gallery, interpretive displays explore the experiences of the 34th Infantry Division's Red Bulls and the 135th Infantry, including their combat and convoy security missions in Iraq, the challenges of extended deployments, and the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

These exhibits also recognize the role of Minnesota communities and initiatives such as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in supporting those who served.

Through photographs, historical accounts, military artifacts, and educational displays, the museum connects visitors with the experiences of a new generation of Minnesota veterans.

The Minnesota Veterans Museum honors the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of all Minnesotans who served during the Global War on Terror. Their stories remain an essential part of our state's military history and a lasting reminder of the commitment of those who answered their nation's call to duty.