(Arden Hills, MN) March 15th, 2022 — Army Maj. Gen. Michael Wickman, who has led the division since November 2019, has relinquished command to Army Brig. Gen. Charles Kemper, in a ceremony in Arden Hills on March 12, 2022.
“During his tenure as the commanding general, General Wickman was instrumental to the overall success of the 34th Infantry Division during an unprecedented time of operational requirements, social turmoil, and unique support requirements,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard.
During the past two years, troops across Minnesota supported civil unrest, COVID-19 testing and vaccination, as well as transitional care support in community facilities. This is in addition to being called all over the world for different missions.
“When you see the world in turmoil, you will see the Red Bull patch. I say that with honor and pride,” said Wickman.
Wickman will move forward in his career as the U.S. Army Europe and Africa deputy commanding general for the Army National Guard.
Kemper, his successor, has been an Army officer since 1995 and a member of the Minnesota National Guard since 1999, spending most of his tenure in the force as a Red Bull. He has previously served as the assistant division commander for both support and later, operations.
“It’s not about me and it’s not about you, it’s about the organization,” said Kemper. “As I look at the team, we’re going to stay at the same high bar and we’re going to make it even better.”
Senior leaders from across the Department of Defense have repeatedly recognized the accomplishments of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division and the collective hard work of Red Bulls Soldiers.
