Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tom Crann
St. Paul, Minn.

And the band played on ... in Iraq

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

One thousand thirty-seven members of the Minnesota National Guard will deploy to Iraq in April. They leave this week for training in Washington state and at a deployment ceremony and steak dinner in St. Paul last night, 34th Infantry Division Maj. Gen. Richard Nash called the soldiers his "greatest generation."

For about two-thirds of the division, it will be the first deployment to Iraq. That includes 45 members of the 34th Infantry band. The band hasn't been deployed to a combat zone since World War II. Chief Warrant Officer Trygve Skaar commands the 34th Infantry Band and Tom Crann asked him about the band's "normal" duties at home.

The Red Bulls will be leading operations in eight southern Iraqi provinces. They're deployment is scheduled to last until next February.