COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. – Minnesotans will celebrate fathers this weekend. But some Father’s Day celebrations will have to wait until more than 500 Minnesota National Guard members come home from Kuwait.
For better or worse, the U.S. military has become something of a family business. Major Sverre Sundgaard has no problem with that.
“My father told me, ‘I always knew you would join the military. All I ask is that you go to college and get a degree first,'” Major Sundgaard said.
He is currently in Kuwait, one of approximately 550 Minnesota soldiers of the 34th Infantry Red Bulls. He previously deployed to Afghanistan as a Marine, but is now married with two young children.
‘I think they’re doing well. My wife is a great mother, so I think we will all be stronger as a family when I get home.”
Sundgaard family
Red Bulls’ mission in Kuwait is to train and support regional partners. The War on Terror may be over, but they’re still in a rough neighborhood. And that was never more apparent than on April 13, when Iran launched more than 300 missiles at Israel. The US, Israel and other allies have shot down almost all of them.
Back in Cottage Grove, Sundgaard’s wife, Ania, told WCCO that she intentionally keeps a very busy schedule for the children, Thor and Zosia. But it starts with a morning call from Dad.
“We know he will be back soon. We just keep going,” said Ania Sundgaard. “Just think positive and take every day (laughs)!”
They aren’t the only ones waiting either. The major’s father, Kip Sundgaard, will certainly miss his son this Father’s Day. But he says there is no greater gift than family values being passed down from generation to generation.
“You want your children to learn that it is important to be a giving person and not selfish, and to be willing to sacrifice for other people,” says Kip Sundgaard.
The Red Bulls should come home around Christmas. Major Sundgaard said that besides being back with family, he is most excited to jump in a lake. It was 112 degrees in Kuwait on Friday.
