then Add to Home Screen.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., received the NGAUS Montgomery Medal — the association’s second highest award — during an Oct. 24 ceremony in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The medal is conferred to individuals or organizations who provide outstanding support in pursuit of the association's objectives.
"It’s a privilege to receive the Montgomery Medal from the National Guard Association," Klobuchar said.
"The men and women of the National Guard put everything on the line when they put on the uniform, and we owe them a debt we can never fully repay," she added. "That’s why I’ve fought to provide them with the resources and support they need to keep our state and our nation safe."
Klobuchar has worked to secure investments in the Guard’s readiness and operational capabilities, ensure Guardsmen exposed to toxic substances receive the health care they have earned and support the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" program.
"Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" fosters a community and corporate support network that connects Minnesota Guardsmen, families and veterans with the resources they need.
Julian Plamann, the NGAUS legislative affairs manager, joint-personnel programs, attended Klobuchar's award ceremony.
The co-recipient of this year's Montgomery Medal is now retired Air Force Gen. Michael Minihan, the former commander of the Air Mobility Command.
Minihan accepted his award in August during the association's 146th General Conference & Exhibition in Detroit before retiring two weeks later.
"I’m truly honored to be here, I realize the magnificence of this award," said Minihan, whose remarks included singing "Happy Birthday" to a Guardsman in the audience.
"To you all and what you represent for this nation cannot be overstated," Minihan told conference attendees. "It’s just incredibly powerful each and every day, and I can never pass up an opportunity to thank you for what you do."
"There is no Mike Minihan without the Guard," he added, stressing the Guard's role in the Total Force.
Minihan served as AMC's commander from October 2021 through his retirement in September.
He said AMC was able to execute the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan's Kabul International Airport, lend support to nations including Ukraine and Israel and conduct aid airdrops into Gaza earlier this year because of Guardsmen.
"All of that happens with the magnificence of the Guard," Minihan affirmed.
AMC includes 41 Air Guard airlift and tanker units.
The Montgomery Medal is named after the late Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery, a 15-term Democratic congressman from Mississippi.
Montgomery was known as "Mr. National Guard" for his support of citizen-soldiers.
The Montgomery Medal's past recipients can be found here.
— By Jennifer Hickey
