Minn. Guard troops work to keep peace during Kosovo independence

Minnesota National Guard soldiers serving in Kosovo are working to make sure the nation's move to declare itself independent doesn't lead to violence.

Lt. Col. Mike Funk is the commander of "Task Force Bayonet," a battalion based in Mankato with more than 400 soldiers in Kosovo.

Funk says he and his soldiers met in recent days with community leaders to stress the importance of keeping any celebrations peaceful.

Minnesota soldiers have also worked to make sure the minority Serbs are protected as ethnic Albanians celebrate.

So far, Funk says things are tense but calm in southeastern Kosovo where most of his troops are stationed. He says he hopes it will stay that way.

The battalion is scheduled to be in Kosovo until this summer, and Funk says if all goes well they'll be home as scheduled.