 The strength of the Minnesota National Guard is in the diversity of experiences and skill sets our soldiers and airmen bring to the table. As a collective team of unique individuals, we can tackle any problem and accomplish any mission set. This past year, our teamwork was on display as our soldiers and airmen responded time and time again to help our communities battle the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to civil unrest. That teamwork is built on a foundation of trust, dignity, and mutual respect. Our service members must feel valued and they must feel safe. Although our soldiers and airmen serve honorably and live by our core values, we must be ever vigilant to ensure extremism does not creep into our ranks. Extremist behavior we must guard against in our formation includes racism, discrimination, and extreme political and religious views. Extremist ideologies undermine the oath we all took to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And they destroy the unit cohesion needed to build strong teams. We all have a role in stopping extremism. Help us by reporting concerning behaviors to your chain of command.