Norwegian officers mix with area residents
CAMP RIPLEY - Business representatives and community members gathered at Camp Ripley on Tuesday for a business after-hours event for a chance to mingle with officers in the Norwegian military.
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Col. Per Opedal (left) of the Norwegian Home Guard explained an entree on the buffet brought, from Norway, to Tony Wenzel of Randall on Tuesday at a reception sponsored by the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Camp Ripley. This was the 34th annual exchange between the Norwegian military and the Minnesota National Guard. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls» Purchase reprints of this photo.
This year marks the 34th annual Norwegian Exchange. The Norwegian Exchange is a partnership between the Norwegian military and the Minnesota National Guard. The Minnesota National Guard last week sent a contingent of about 100 troops from the Army and Air National Guard to train in Norway and Norway sent troops here to Minnesota to train.
Col. Richard A. Weaver, post commander at Camp Ripley, said this exchange program is important as the countries work together and share training techniques and other valuable lessons with each other.
Cpt. Roy Brubakk (left) of the Norwegian Home Guard showed Kathy and Jim Bruad of Little Falls where he lived in Norway on Tuesday at Camp Ripley. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls» Purchase reprints of this photo.
Weaver said about 35-40 officers of the Norwegian military were at the event, sponsored by the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce. The officers brought food and beverages from Norway to share with people at the event.
This included many seafood delicacies, reindeer, cheeses and spirits.
Mary Koep (left) of Brainerd toasted the King of Norway's birthday with Gen. Geir Kjoesnes of the Norwegian Home Guard on Tuesday at the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Camp Ripley.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.