The 34th Infantry Division was awarded an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Upper Midwest Chapter on Sat. Sept. 26th at a gala at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis.
The "Governor's Award" Emmy recognizes Fox Sports Net North, the Minnesota Wild, and the Minnesota National Guard for "Hockey Day- Minnesota," a collaborative broadcast showcasing the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 834th Aviation Support Battalion and the 148th Fighter Wing as they played hockey during their deployment to Balad, Iraq in January, 2008. The game and special greetings were featured in special programming, with the Wild on Fox Sports Net North, that informed viewers about the sacrifices of our Soldiers and Airmen and the unique ability of hockey to bring Minnesotans together.
"Hockey Day-Iraq " was conceived and executed by Minnesota Guard members deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Commanders embraced the enthusiasm of their troops and fully supported an Army Guard versus Air Guard floor hockey match that was integrated into a full day of "Hockey Day-Minnesota" NHL programming on Fox Sports Net North. During the broadcast, deployed Guardsmen and their families were reunited on air.
“I am especially proud of the synchronization of our Public Affairs team” said Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, 34th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer. “The well-planned and coordinated efforts amongst Joint Forces Headquarters Minnesota, 34th Infantry Division, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, 148th Fighter Wing and the 834th Aviation Support Battalion allowed this broadcast to be successful.”
This is the second Emmy awarded to the 34th Infantry Division in three years . “I am proud to serve with the Soldiers and Airmen who have such interesting stories to tell that resonate so deeply with television viewers, and I am proud of the Public Affairs professionals that have earned this recognition” said Lt. Col. Olson.
