Minnesota Army National Guard

Everyday Heroes -- A new WJON weekly series spotlighting those who put their life on the line everyday to keep our communities safe. This week's story features the National Guard Medical Aviation Unit.

The Minnesota Army National Guard is sending 2,400 soldiers to Iraq. The one-year deployment of the Bloomington based 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, will help in support of Operation New Dawn. Their deployment will begin on May 22nd.

For Army veteran Tim Callister, it's an award ceremony more than 40 years in the making. The former helicopter pilot will receive some of nation's top military honors for his actions in the Vietnam War during a ceremony Wednesday in West St. Paul.