Minnesota Air National Guard celebrates a century in the sky

This past weekend marked a century of service for the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Based at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the 109th Airlift Squadron is a direct descendant of the original 109th Observation Squadron. One hundred years ago Sunday, U.S. Army Gen. Walter Rhinow, Lt. Col. William Garis and Capt. Ray Miller flew to Washington D.C. in what was considered a daring seven-day journey at the time to receive the recognition.

Current commander Lt. Col. Dana Novinskie — the first female flying squadron commander in the 133rd Airlift Wing's history — is proud to carry on the tradition into the next century of service.

The Minnesota National Guard had a busy 2020 — getting called upon to help fight COVID-19, keep the peace following civil unrest and now helping secure the U.S. Capitol after a deadly riot. The Wing had quite a year as well — helping its fellow soldiers with those same missions while logging 2,000 flying hours that include work overseas.