34th Infantry Division Association - Commander’s Own Chapter

10/05/2026

A few more pictures of Brigadier General Chip Rankin’s promotion ceremony

10/05/2026

Thank you to all that attended the 79th Annual 34th Infantry Division Reunion hosted by the Commander’s Own Chapter on October 2-3 at Camp Ripley.
The events started Friday with a tour of the 34ID Headquarters by the Division Commander, Brigadier General Sharkey. The evening included supper and a social, featuring the Commander’s Own Wh***ey specials.
Saturday events started with an update of Camp Ripley by Garrison Commander, Colonel Hall, followed by the annual business meeting presided over by Association President, Major General (Retired) Lang. The morning concluded with lunch and a presentation by 1/34 ABCT Commander, Colonel Hobot on the status of the brigade.
The group moved to the new Military and Veterans Museum for a guided tour, followed by the promotion of Chip Rankin to Brigadier General.
Saturday evening started with the posting of the colors by the Brainerd VFW and a Memorial Service for the Red Bulls that passed in the last year. After an outstanding supper, the group was addressed by Red Bull 6, Brigadier General Sharkey. The Red Bull brand is strong and well respected. The evening ended with old and new friends socializing.
While there were many general officers present, including the Adjutant General, we had an extra special guest with 103 1/2 year old WWII Red Bull veteran Don Halverson.
I would encourage Red Bulls to plan to attend the 80th Annual Reunion in Camp Dodge next September, and bring your spouse.

(Pictures courtesy of Darrel Drake, Jackie Stenger, and Chad Sackett)

10/04/2026

Congratulations to Brigadier General Chip Rankin, and family, on his promotion at the new Military and Veterans Museum on October 3rd. Major General Shawn Manke presided over the ceremony and the Secretary of War sent greetings.

10/04/2026

Congratulations to all the inductees today at the Court of Honor in a ceremony oversaw by Major General (Retired) Mike Wickman, Major General Shawn Manke, and Command Sergeant Major Jason Rost. Master of Ceremonies Colonel Jesse Johnson and event support by the Red Bull Band.

Inductees:
Colonel (Retired) Gary Carlberg
Colonel (Retired) Joe Seaquist
Sergeant Major (Retired) Jim Bakkila
Master Sergeant (Retired) Greg Crow
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Jim Fink

10/04/2026

Congratulations to all the inductees

09/24/2026

Continuing to make a difference in their community.

Yesterday Herman Poggensee, treasurer of the DSM Chapter 34th Infantry Association presented MSG (R) John Rains with a check for $500 to be used with the Central Iowa Shelter and Services for the floor with 19 rooms reserved for homeless veterans. See attached photo and request for a donation. Also yesterday the DSM Chapter dropped off a check for $300 for the Blue Star Mothers of Iowa to be used for their care packages that they curently are preparing. Lastly a check was sent in the mail for $100 for the Iowa Veterans Military Band to be used by their organization. This money was raised by the Des Moines Chapter of the 34th Infantry Association by selling chapter challenge coins and lapel pins.

09/23/2026

Aerial view of the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum

Beautiful morning out filming at the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum. I particularly liked the design of the grounds around the submarine sail.