Didn't realize Guard units were still being deployed to the border. Ought to be quite an eye-opening experience for them
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Latest: Willmar Guard unit headed for two-week stint on Mexican border

By Kari Petrie kpetrie@stcloudtimes.com


Published: February 12. 2008 12:30AM - Last updated: February 12. 2008 1:23PM

WILLMAR — A group of Minnesota National Guard soldiers leave Saturday to serve a two-week tour on the southern United States border.

The 75 soldiers will be part of Operation Jump Start, which is intended to deter illegal immigration.

All of the soldiers volunteered for the mission. They are from the Willmar-based 682nd Engineer Battalion. They will support border construction projects near Deming and Santa Fe, N.M. The projects include anti-vehicle fence installation and road construction.

Some of the soldiers will also have the chance to attend the New Mexico National Guard’s five-day desert survival training course.

The soldiers’ send-off will be at 5 a.m. Saturday at the Willmar Armory, 614 North U.S. Highway 71.

www.sctimes.com