As I prepare this month’s column, after watching one of the most exciting Super Bowl games ever played it reinforces my pride in the State of Minnesota and its ability to step forward and show our country and world, that this is an outstanding state, proud of its heritage, and its service to our country.

I dedicate this month’s article to three focus areas. The first area is the recognition of February being Black History Month, and specifically to the service of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fame. There have been movies made that pointed out the struggles and prejudices to a unit that would go on to prove its ability in combat and in the air.  Their primary mission was flying escort for heavy bombers. These airmen also faced German jet fighters and have been credited for shooting down and destroying many of them in combat. 

Another noted African-American unit in World War II includes the 555th Parachute Infantry Regiment known as the Triple Nickel and, just as the Tuskegee Airmen, opened the way for African-Americans in our nation’s military.

This year we will also be recognizing the Tet Offensive of 1968 - which occurred 50 years ago.  The Tet Offensive proved to be one of those ‘significant moments in history’ that had a great impact on the outcome of the war. The US forces, with the Vietnamese allies, had a major impact on the North Vietnamese units. It was at this point, I believe, that the politicians and press began to intercede believing the people back in the ‘World’ had enough and thus impacted the war’s outcome.

I am going to shift gears now and focus on our agency and the upcoming legislative session. I am convinced it is going to be a cautious one in that the elections for Governor and other key federal and state positions will be forthcoming. I also sense the TV stations will be making their increased sales of political ads to constantly enlighten us as to who should be elected.  All I ask is that we all remember that it is the legislative officials who determine, in many ways when our military forces are put to use. As a Veteran, I can only pray that they will always use sound judgment in the decision-making process.  Military conflicts, which are sometimes defined as the final step in diplomacy, impacts the lives of our military members and their families.

Again, we have been truly blessed as a nation and may our elected leaders serve this great nation with the highest of standards and integrity.