Charles Extrand receives brevet promotion

CAMP RIPLEY - Nearly 20 years after he retired from the Minnesota National Guard, Col. Charles Extrand (retired) of Brainerd received another promotion.

Extrand was selected by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota National Guard to receive a brevet promotion to the rank of brigadier general.

Surrounded by family and friends at a ceremony at Camp Ripley, Extrand recently received his promotion from Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard. Extrand's wife, Norma, pinned him with his star signifying his rank of brigadier general.

"These promotions are not something we give away like candy," Maj. Gen. Shellito said. "They are only given to those, who like Charlie, are life-long soldiers. Those who continue to serve even after they retire."

Extrand began his career with the Minnesota Army National Guard on Jan. 3, 1949, when he enlisted as a private with the Headquarters Company, 194th Tank Battalion in Brainerd.

In December of 1950, he was called to active duty and served in the Korean War. After two years on active duty he was discharged as a sergeant first class.

On Apr. 26, 1953, he was appointed as a second lieutenant. He went on to serve as the executive officer for the 194th Cavalry Squadron and then the Commander. In 1976, Extrand was transferred to the State Area Command to serve as the operations officer and would later be promoted to the rank of colonel and serve as the personnel officer.

In Dec. of 1981, Extrand was discharged from the Minnesota National Guard only to be re-appointed due to his civilian education as a doctor of veterinary medicine. He was re-appointed to the rank of lieutenant colonel and assigned to Camp Ripley in the Installation Support Unit as part of the Veterinary Corps. He assisted in the establishing of the first veterinary program at the Troop Issue Support Facility.

On Apr. 1, 1987, he was again promoted to the rank of colonel and would retire on Dec. 31, 1990, after 42 years of service.

Since his retirement, he has served nine years as the honorary colonel, 194th Tank Regiment and has worked diligently, giving many hours to the annual Bataan Day Recognition Ceremony and Bataan Day Re-enactment. He continues to work to improve the Miller Bataan Memorial Room and was instrumental in obtaining an M-3 Tank and an M-60 Tank which are outside memorials at the Brainerd National Guard Training and Community Center.

In support of the Family Readiness Group (FRG) and deployed troops he continues to work with local fraternal and veteran organizations, the Mills Family and others in obtaining necessary support for deployment, homecoming and reintegration ceremonies and the FRG programs. By personally involving himself in the community and area organizations, his church and by serving as the commander of the Brainerd American Legion Post 255, he has been able to obtain resources in support of these vital programs.

"I want to thank you all for being here today," Extrand said following the promotion. "I also need to thank my wife for her love and dedication. She has been with me on all of these endeavors."