ND Guardian Winter 2016 by N.D. National Guard

GUARDIAN North Dakota

Volume 9, Issue 6

Winter 2016

first to fire Air Defense Artiller Soldiers Conduct Live-Fire Exercise

PG. 14

Inside This Issue Features

In Charge

Capt. Chad Worrel, principal of Bismarck-based Shiloh Christian Middle School and High School ,has taken command of a new North Dakota Army National Guard unit, the 835th Utitilities Detachment. The unit brings unique capabilities and offers new military occupational specialty positions to North Dakota’s Army Guard Soldiers.

Cammo

12 Queen

Spc. Maari Beck, of the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), was crowned University of Mary’s 2016 Homecoming Queen Sep. 21 during a coronation ceremony held at the Bismarck-based campus. homecoming queen.

Celebrating

16 a Century

Departments Guardian Snapshots ..................... Page 17 News Briefs ..................................... Page 18 Sound Off! ..................................... Page 19

Interact With Us!

Commander in Chief North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann Chief of Public Affairs Maj. Amber Balken Editor 2nd Lt. Jennifer Joyce Contributors Col. Darrin Anderson Chaplain (Capt.) Dellas Herbel 1st Lt. Eric Jungels Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Sgt. Ashley Johlfs Spc. Kyle Edwards Spc. Thea Jorgensen Pfc. Ethan Hongess Mr. Jerry Anderson Mr. William Prokopyk The North Dakota Guardian is an authorized publication for members, families and retirees of the N.D. National Guard. • Contents of the North Dakota Guardian are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army or Air Force. • Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard ( JFND) Public Affairs Officer. • Printed by United Printing, a private firm in no way connected to the U.S. Government under exclusive written contract with the JFND. Reproduction is by the offset method with a circulation of approximately 4,900. • The North Dakota Guardian is published by the JFND Public Information Office, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511, 701.333.2007

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

Contributions to the North Dakota Guardian are encouraged! Send articles, photos and art to Editor, JFND PIO, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please e-mail stories in Word format to: jennifer.m.joyce2.mil@mail.mil Phone: 701-333-2195 Fax: 701-333-2017 Digital photos should be 300 dpi, if possible.

On the Cover

Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment fire a Stinger missile during a live-fire training exercise Sept. 6, 2016, at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

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Photo by Spc. Kyle Edwards, National Training Center Operations Group

VIEW FROM THE TOP

To the Soliders and Airmen of the N.D. National Guard: Thank you for Your Service Maj. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann

North Dakota Adjutant General

As we move into the New Year, the North Dakota National Guard continues its proud tradition of service to our communities, state and nation. By the time you receive this edition of the Guardian, the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) will be at their mobilization station preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. They will be followed shortly thereafter by the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, who will deploy to the National Capitol region, and the 191st Military Police Company, who will deploy to Afghanistan in about a year. Additionally, over 150 of our Airmen will deploy to various locations around the world to support combatant commanders. For those of you getting ready to deploy, thank you for your service and for writing the next chapter in the N.D. National Guard’s proud history of service and excellence. Our state has also called on us to maintain peace during the ongoing protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. This event is like nothing we have ever experienced before in North Dakota. In early September, we called 125 Guardsmen to state active duty, peaking at approximately 560 around Thanksgiving. I could not be more proud of the professionalism and “can-do” attitude of all the Soldiers and Airmen that have worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement. Because of your excellence, we have come to expect that our citizen Soldiers and Airmen will continue to improve their positions and make life a little bit better for all who are

working to maintain the peace in Morton County. When porta-potties need skirting to maintain warmth within the enclosure for the comfort of the occupants, a Soldier or Airman takes the initiative to make it happen. When roads are not cleared of snow in a timely manner, a Guardsman takes the initiative and clears the roads. Our Soldiers and Airmen don’t wait to be told. They see a problem and implement a solution. When a traffic control point can be made safer and more functional, a Guardsmen develops the plan, sells it to his law enforcement partners and implements the solution. Again, I could not be more proud. Your service has been, and continues to be, essential to ensure public safety as we work with political leaders at the local, federal and tribal level to find a peaceful solution. I know missing holidays and special family events is not new to those that have chosen to serve. I thank you and your families for your sacrifice, as does your state and nation. I would like to recognize Chief Warrant Officer 4 Theresia Hersch, from our J5 section, as well as many volunteers from our staff, for serving a prime rib dinner to Soldiers, Airmen and their families and providing other family entertainment during the holiday meal event held Christmas Day at the Bismarck AMVETS. A very special thank you to the AMVETs club for donating and preparing the dinner. All the Soldiers, Airmen, law enforcement and support personnel

who were standing watch for all of us on Christmas Day appreciated your efforts. To those of us that can go home to our families each night: please remember all of our Soldiers and Airmen deployed around the world and those on duty right here in North Dakota who cannot be at home with their families during this time. Becky and I wish you and your families a blessed and safe holiday season.

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Photo by 1st Lt. Eric Jungels, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

Engineering a Team Bismarck Principal Assumes Command of New Guard unit By 1st Lt. Eric Jungels, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

he principal of Bismarck-based Shiloh Christian Middle School and High School has taken command of a new North Dakota Army National Guard unit. Based in Carrington, North Dakota, the unit brings unique capabilities and offers new military occupational specialty positions to North Dakota’s Army Guard Soldiers. Capt. Chad Worrel, originally from LaMoure, North Dakota, recently took command of the 835th Utilities Detachment during an assumption of command ceremony at the North Dakota National Guard armory in Carrington. The unit, comprised of engineer Soldiers of varying specialties, will provide facilities engineering support in the areas of carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing and road maintenance and repair. “The utilities detachment is a very mobile and versatile group,” Worrel said. “Most engineer units have more specific skill sets, and provide only horizontal engineer support or vertical engineer support. Since this detachment has such a broad spectrum of expertise, we are able to take on a larger variety of missions.” Command of the unit was ceremonially presented to Worrel by Lt. Col. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander of the 231st Brigade Support Battalion, as new and experienced engineer Soldiers looked on. “The first goal I have is to bring these Soldiers together,”

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Worrel said. “Many of the Soldiers are familiar with each other because of their work with other engineer units, but the unit will be gaining quite a few new Soldiers over the next couple months. I plan on being intentional about building teams, doing what I can to support squad integrity, and also helping with transitions and making people feel welcome.” Worrel, who initially joined the military as an enlisted Soldier in 1998, first served with the 142nd Engineer Company out of Oakes, North Dakota. He deployed with the unit to Iraq in 2003, and he spent nine years as enlisted Soldier before earning a commission as an engineer officer. During his first duty position, he served as a platoon leader with the 815th Engineer Company in

“We have a chance to lay the groundwork and mold how the detachment will begin to operate, what they become and who they are.”

Photos by Mr. Bill Prokopyk, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Opposite page, Capt. Chad Worrel, right, accepts command of the 835th Utilities Detachment as Lt. Col. Benjamin Cleghorn, 231st Brigade Support Battalion commander, passes him the unit colors during an assumption of command ceremony Oct. 1 at the Carrington armory. The new unit, made up of a variety of engineer Soldiers, will provide facilities engineering support in the areas of carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing and road maintenance and repair. Above, previously known as the 835th Engineer Detachment (Asphalt), unit members built concrete pads during their Annual Training on June 8, 2016, in Steele, North Dakota. Left, Sgt. Darrick Reese checks the elevation of concrete bracing while performing his annual training mission in Steele. Bottom left, the 835th Utilities Detachment will offer additional military occupational specialties, including plumbing, which is taught by instructors at the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton Training Center.

Wishek, North Dakota. Worrel’s most recent assignments have included serving as the executive officer and commander for the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), based in Wahpeton, North Dakota. “Many of these Soldiers have never seen an officer beyond basic training, I have the opportunity to instill that first impression,” Worrel said. “I’m excited to command this detachment and serve these Soldiers. It’s almost like a clean slate. We have a chance to lay the groundwork and mold how the detachment will begin to operate, what they become and who they are.” Outside of the military, Worrel is a principal for Shiloh Christian, a private, interdenominational school. Previously, he taught math and computer science at Bismarck High School for 8 years and at Legacy High School for 2 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Valley City State University. Worrel lives in Menoken, North Dakota, with his wife, Angela, who teaches art at Horizon Middle School, and their five children. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

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TRAINED & READY HAPPY HOOLIGANS FORMALLY LAUNCH

TARGETING MISSION By Col. Darrin Anderson 119th Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Group Commander

On Sept. 11, 2016, the 119th Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) formally declared initial operational capability, an appropriate way to commemorate the 15thanniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation. On that fateful day in 2001, the 119th Wing was conducting our historic mission of air defense alert. A significant portion of the Wing has since transitioned to an ISR mission. The 119th ISRG now is a fully-integrated partner in the reinvigorated U.S. Air Force targeting enterprise and the mission has global strategic implications. According to the Curtis E. Lemay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, targeting is defined as “the process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities.” In March 2013, the Happy Hooligans began this new journey as we took the first steps to stand up the targeting mission by selecting personnel for key leadership positions and offering cross-training opportunities to qualified unit members. We were to become part of the solution to the problem of stagnation of the deliberate targeting process, induced by more than two decades of asymmetric warfare. In addition to the traditional kinetic targeting mission, the 119th also was charged with standing up the first non-kinetic effect squadron in the U.S. Air Force, with the mission of analyzing threat systems with a focus in the cyber domain. This was uncharted territory and an incredible opportunity for the Hooligans to pave the way. We officially entered conversion in July 2013 when National Guard Bureau and Air Combat Command representatives formed a Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) and visited Fargo to discuss what needed to be done to execute the mission conversion. The SATAF team arrived with an outline of major issues to manage, along with a list of potential “obstacles to implementation,” including lack of funding for remodeling or construction, equipment procurement issues, and insufficient training availability. We encountered every one of those obstacles and many more. Over time,

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every challenge was overcome, thanks to persistent dedication and monumental efforts by the Hooligan team. The 119th ISRG now has trained and ready Airmen positioned to excel in kinetic targeting and will venture into the emerging mission of non-kinetic effect targeting. We also have the essential facilities and equipment required to conduct training and to perform the operational targeting mission. Key relationships have been established and are flourishing across the total force. We are prepared to support combatant commander operational plans and overseas contingency operations. The last three years have been filled with challenges, opportunities, risks and rewards. Thank you to all the Hooligans who helped the ISRG reach milestones and accomplish the goals that have made our initial operational capability declaration possible. Thank you to the prior-service Airmen who accepted the challenge of unprecedented change, volunteering to cross-train into the new

Sample imagery contributed

mission. Thanks to all the non-prior service Airmen who answered the call to service and enlisted with the N.D. Air Nation Guard. Lastly, thank you to all the families who supported our military members during this difficult transition and entrusted us to care for our newest enlistees. You are an invaluable part of the Hooligan family. The best is yet to come! ISRG job opportunities with great enlistment and education benefits still exist. Potential recruits should call 701-451-2238 to learn more about jobs in this important and growing mission. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing Space is limited, as positions continue to be filled by new personnel in the 119th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, pictured here during an Oct. 9, 2016 commander’s call.

Future home of ISRG is underway After two years of planning and design work by members of the 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) and 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, construction is underway for a new building at the North Dakota Air National Guard base in Fargo, North Dakota. The 19,000-square-foot building, which is scheduled for completion in August 2017, will accommodate more than 200 people from the ISRG and its subordinate squadrons. “This is an incredibly important construction project for the North Dakota Air National Guard,” said Col. Darrin Anderson, 119th ISRG commander. “This is a huge Hooligan team win that took years of negotiation and planning. Hitting the maximum construction cost target was particularly challenging, considering the ongoing construction boom in North Dakota. We are fortunate to have had the full support of our congressional delegation which was instrumental in securing adequate funding.” The 119th ISRG’s mission is to support warfighters with targeting expertise and geospatial products derived from in-depth analysis of all-source intelligence. It is a highly technical mission, which uses state of the art computer equipment and highly trained personnel. Personnel currently work in four

separate facilities on base, which limits the ISRG’s operational effectiveness. The new building will allow the ISRG and its three subordinate squadrons to work together in the same facility. “The building will enhance mission effectiveness and enable the Hooligans to provide world-class support to combatant commanders and meet the objectives of U.S. Air Force and North Dakota National Guard strategic plans,” said Anderson.

By Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing

The new ISRG facility will be located near the former hush house, which recently was demolished to make way for the new building. Editors note: The ISRG has numerous opportunities with enlistment and education benefits. All Guardian recipients should encourage potential recruits to call the recruiting office at 701-451-2238 about job opportunities in this important and growing mission.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing Col. Brad Derrig, 119th Wing vice commander; Col. Kent Olson, 119th Wing commander; Col. Darrin Anderson, ISRG commander; and Lt. Col. John Gibbs, director of staff — air, take part in a groundbreaking ceremony July 12 for the new ISRG building at the North Dakota Air National Guard base in Fargo. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 7

‘Fair’ Play North Dakota Guard, Bismarck State College Host Third Annual Community Wellness Event Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

he North Dakota National Guard and Bismarck State College again partnered this year to host the Third Annual Community Fit Fair, which saw the largest number of participants since its inception. The event welcomed 86 community members, who gathered at Shiloh Christian School Athletic Complex Sept. 8 in Bismarck, North Dakota. The month of September nationally is recognized as National Suicide Awareness Month, and the Community Fit Fair coincided with the observance to promote and encourage an overall sense of wellness among the larger National Guard community. “Today, more than ever, across the globe, our societies are getting more Above, Capt. Robert Meland, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor at Bismarck State College, leads the Youth Bootcamp squad formation Sept. 8 at the Shiloh Christian School Athletic Complex in Bismarck. The participants donned superhero attire during the opening ceremony to represent their resolve to face and conquer any life obstacle. Below, Meland leads the youth through a round of push-ups to “prove” to Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, that they are fit and mission ready. Left, attendees at the Third Annual Community Fit Fair await the beginning of the sit-up event during an Army Physical Fitness Test, in which participants try to complete as many repetitions as possible in 2 minutes. Right, Tomas Reis, owner and manager of Krav Maga Studio works with an attendee from the Youth Bootcamp. Reis was one of about 40 wellness business representatives participating in the Fit Fair this year.

8 · Guardian · winter 2016

and more sedentary. This event not only helps the citizens in our community connect with Soldiers, but it also provides all of us the opportunity to get moving. Events like this bring a community together, and together we can do amazing things for the generations that follow,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Fode, N.D. National Guard Army Component commander. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about local wellness organizations operating in the community. About 40 booths were staffed by vendors who operate within Bismarck-Mandan, allowing Fit Fair participants to gain information about available health and wellness resources and support services. Some of those organizations facilitated interactive demonstrations, including Krav Maga, a self-defense, fitness and life skills training center for families; Miranda Klatt, a certified personal trainer from Mandan; Profile by Sanford, a weight-loss program developed by physicians and scientists at Sanford Health; and Cyclists Cove, a Mandan bike shop. In turn, the community organizations and residents were able to gain insight into the National Guard and the level of fitness Soldiers and Airmen must maintain to serve. Participants were invited to challenge themselves by competing as individuals or in 4-person teams while taking the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The APFT includes 2 minutes of push-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups and a timed 2-mile run or a 2.5-mile walk. This year, the Fit Fair also hosted a non-competitive, mini APFT, which

included 1 minute of push-ups, 1 minute of sit-ups and a 1-mile run/walk. “Our Fit Fair gives a chance for community members to see how hard Soldiers have to work to do what they do every day,” said Erin Demoe, of the N.D. National Guard Substance Abuse Prevention Program. “It also gives our National Guard members another connection to their communities, and it’s a way to encourage a healthier community all around.” Also included, for the first time, was a Youth Bootcamp, which offered a number of challenges and obstacles for participants ages 7 and older to traverse. Some of the Army-inspired physical fitness events included low crawling, weighted battle ropes, agility ladder drills and 3- to 5-second rushes. At each station, National Guard members scored the events showed the young competitors support and encouragement. Fifty National Guard volunteers supported this year’s Fit Fair. “Bringing the Youth Bootcamp was exciting for me to see,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Theresia Hersch, N.D. National Guard strategic engagement coordinator. “Any time the North Dakota National Guard can provide a positive social and physical environment for the community and their families reinforces our strategic goal of ‘strengthening the National Guard community.’ It also allows our Soldiers and Airmen to give back to their community for all that they have done to support us in the National Guard.”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 9

From Cammo

to Coronoation

N.D. Soldier Crowned University of Mary Homecoming Queen By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Joyce, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

Photo courtesy of Mr. Jerry Anderson, University of Mary Art Director

Spc. Maari Beck wasn’t expecting to be nominated by her peers for the University of Mary’s 2016 Homecoming Court. She was even more shocked when she was elected Homecoming Queen Sep. 21 during the coronation ceremony at the Bismarck-based campus. “All the candidates were well-deserving,” she said. “I was surprised to be selected.” But true to character, Beck, a human resources specialist with the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), humbly accepted her new title. Her military counterparts weren’t the least bit shocked about her selection as homecoming queen. “She’s dependable, she has integrity and she’s always professional,” said Sgt. Chelsy Fornshell, who serves full time as the human resources noncommissioned officer in Beck’s unit. “She adapts well to change, but most significantly, she looks out for others.” The 21-year-old college senior is pursuing an athletic training degree. Like her peers, her days are filled with classroom instruction and studying. What sets her apart from her peers, though, is the commitment she made to the U.S. military nearly four years ago when she was still in high school. Beck, a graduate of Century High School in Bismarck, and daughter of N.D. National Guard Soldiers Master Sgt. Marvin Beck and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kerry Beck, followed in her parents’ footsteps and enlisted at age 17, before she was even old enough to vote. “Part of me wanted to be able to give back,” she said. “I like what the Army

“The military has helped me understand what it means to be a true leader.” 10 · Guardian · winter 2016

stands for and the Guard is an amazing organization. There’s a lot of camaraderie.” Although she enlisted primarily for educational benefits and tuition assistance, Beck said that her enlistment has been a life-changing experience and it has positively impacted her. “The military has helped me understand what it means to be a true leader,” she said. “I’ve developed professionally. I’ve learned that it’s not always about me; it’s about helping others.”

Unit members also have noticed her growth as a Soldier and as a person. “She’s a full-time student,” said Fornshell. “She has to manage her time wisely. She balances class, sporting events and extracurricular activities to ensure that she completes all required clinical experience hours for her degree. She also holds a parttime job. She does all of this while fulfilling her military obligations and exceeding standards. She is an incredible role model for other Soldiers within the organization.”

Beck’s friends, who are accustomed to seeing her in civilian clothing and accessories, tell her that she looks like a completely different person when she’s in uniform. “It gives me a sense of pride,” she said. “It makes me realize that I’m a professional and I know my friends are aware of the commitment I made and it’s special that they recognize that.”

Courtesy photo

Maari Beck, second from right, is joined by her parents, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kerry Beck and Master Sgt. Marvin Beck, along with her brother, Meric, after her coronoation Sep. 21 at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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Contributed photo

CELEBRATING A

CENTURY

Happy Hooligans Wish “Happy Birthday” to North Dakota Air Guard Original By Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

About 135 Happy Hooligan retirees attended the annual retiree breakfast Oct. 5, hosted by the 119th Wing Chief ’s Council at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, in Fargo, North Dakota. It was especially significant this year because charter member Fred Quam also was celebrating his 100th birthday. Every year, as a gesture of appreciation, the chief master sergeants and the senior master sergeants of the 119th Wing cook and serve a breakfast for the retirees. Although a party was held in Quam’s honor on his

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

Above: fred Quam recieves the Community Service Award in 1959. Right: Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Muehler, North Dakota AIr National Guard state command chief, presents Fred Quam with a birthday cake Oct. 5, 2016, at the annual retiree breakfast in Fargo, North Dakota.

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actual birthday, Oct. 2, at the Fargo Air Museum, the 119th Wing Chief ’s Council recognized his milestone birthday at the breakfast by presenting him with a cake as attendees sang “Happy Birthday.” “Fred is one our last (Wing Chief ’s Council) charter members,” said retired Maj. Gen. Darrol Schroeder, former N.D. Air National Guard chief of staff. Quam joined the N.D. Air National Guard at age 30 on the first day of the unit’s existence, Jan. 17, 1947, just before the U.S. Air Force was established. He

served 29 years and 8 months in the organization after serving with the U.S. Army Air Corp for three years and 11 months during World War II. “I joined the unit the same year he did and was assigned to Fred when I joined. I was 17, and all of the young people like me looked up to Fred because he was a World War II veteran,” Schroeder said. Quam retired Oct. 15, 1976, as a chief master sergeant with over 30 cumulative years of military service. Schroeder said that, in recent years, Quam established the Aviation Library at the Fargo Air Museum as a volunteer. “He was and is a true Happy Hooligan, through and through,” Schroeder said.

Contributed photo

Above: Quam works at his Fargo-based office (1970s). Below: Quam sweeps the floor of the N.D. Air National Guard hangar in Fargo (1950s).

Contributed photo

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FIRST TO FIRE: By Pfc. Ethan Hongess, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment In the relentless August sun of the Mojave Desert, Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment made history during their rotation at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, California. The Soldiers belonged to the first National Guard unit to fire the Stinger missile system during their training. Additionally, they were the first Army component to fire the weapon system at NTC in almost a decade. For a battalion whose motto is, “first to fire, on target,” the opportunity seemed fitting and they worked hard to make those words ring true. Far from the blustery plains of their home station in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the men and women of Bravo Battery adapted quickly to the inhospitable climate, rough terrain. They endured long days battling alongside mechanized cavalry scouts, armored infantry and field artillery units to successfully complete their mission, which was to provide air defense to three other battalions’ maneuver forces and to protect critical assets from aerial observation. Pfc. Anna Croucher said working with the Active Duty units was “amazing and we got to see what it was like on the front lines in a very realistic wartime simulation.” Bravo Battery successfully engaged thirty-two enemy aircraft, denying the enemy forces observation of their friendly counterparts, and did so with zero incidents of friendly fire. “They threw everything at us, but my team and I remained focused and shot down anything hostile that flew in our area,” said Spc. Tanner Otto, an avenger gunner with Bravo Battery.

At the end of the maneuver exercises, Bravo Battery conducted a live-fire exercise. The Soldiers normally train and fire from their Humvee-mounted Avenger weapons systems. For this particular exercise, however, they fired all 14 of their missiles from shoulder-fired man-portable air defense system, or MANPADS. It was a new experience for many of the Soldiers. “Shoulder-firing the Stinger missile is a whole new experience compared to the Avenger systems,” said Spc. Jamz Thompson, of Bravo Battery. “Finding the target and tracking it is more difficult but we prevailed and took out the target.” Nearly every Soldier interviewed said their time at NTC was fast-paced and rewarding training, which provided valuable information pertinent to their military careers. “It was an amazing training experience,” said Spc. Galen Metz, a mechanic with Bravo Battery. “It offered great, real-world experience to fix a lot of the equipment as the stresses of the desert heat and sand caused equipment failures I’ve never seen before.” Overall, the air defenders from the North Dakota National Guard met and exceeded expectations set by their leaders. 1st Lt. Cody Brekken, a Platoon Leader for Bravo Battery, said he was very proud of his Soldiers’ performance and that they stayed “diligent, kept high morale, and remained very adaptable to complete the mission, even when plans changed on short notice.” The training will serve invaluable as 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment gears up for a yearlong mobilization to Washington, D.C., this spring to provide airspace security to the Nation’s Capital.

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Air Defense Artillery Soldiers Conduct Live-Fire Exercise at NTC

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GUARDIAN Snapshots

Photo by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment

See More, and Download Photos! Visit www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/.

Photo by Spc. Thea Ward, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Chief Warrant Officer 4 Theresia Hersch, of Joint Force Headquarters, interacts with a youth participant at the Red Ribbon Carnival, Oct. 26, 2016, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Staff Sgt. Leroy Filler, of the 81st Civil Support Team, helps a Bismarck Fire Department member suit up in a fully-encapsulated suit Nov. 14, 2016, during a joint training exercise in Bismarck.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing Staff Sgt. DeAnn Fylling, of the 188th Army Band group Blues in Green, sings and plays guitar during a Family Day performance Sep. 10, 2016, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota. 16 Âˇ Guardian Âˇ winter 2016

Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund, North Dakota deputy adjutant general, right, attaches a streamer representing the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award to the 119th Wing guidon held by Col. Kent Olson, 119th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Duane Kangas, 119th Wing command chief master sergeant, center, looks on during a recognition ceremony Dec. 3 at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

North Dakota Guardsmen conduct security at a traffic information point Dec. 7, 2016, near Fort Rice, North Dakota, to support law enforcement with their effort to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in rural Morton County.

Share your photos! Submit your photos to be considered for inclusion in the N.D. Guardian! Email high-resolution photos to 2nd Lt. Jennifer Joyce, N.D. Guardian editor, at jennifer.m.joyce2.mil@mail.mil.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing Senior Master Sgt. Samantha Judge, of the 119th Wing, left, visits with Ron Olmstad, a U.S. Military veteran and a resident of the North Dakota Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home, Dec. 13, 2016, in Lisbon, North Dakota. Judge was with a group of North Dakota National Guard Airmen and Soldiers who visited the home to enjoy a holiday meal, share donated gifts and sing carols with Olmstad and other veterans living at the home. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil Âˇ 17

NewsBriefs Air Defense Unit Receives Alert for Mobilization By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters A Grand Forks-based North Dakota Army National Guard unit – touting the most deployments in the organization since the Global War on Terrorism began in 2001 – has received an alert for a possible mobilization. The 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1188th ADA), which also has detachments in Fargo and Bismarck, expects to mobilize in March 2017 for a yearlong mission in Washington, D.C. If mobilized, more than 200 air defense Soldiers will work with other Department of Defense agencies as part of the integrated air defense system designed to protect the airspace around the National Capital Region in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The Soldiers are scheduled to replace Guardsmen from the 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, a Florida Army National Guard unit, who currently conduct the vital mission of monitoring and defending the region’s airspace. Soldiers from the 1-188th ADA supported the Operation Noble Eagle mission once before from July 2013 to April 2014. “The depth of experience within our air defense ranks is far-reaching. I have no

doubt that our Soldiers again will perform professionally, vigilantly and competently while again protecting the skies around the National Capital Region,” said Maj. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, “As in past deployments, our Guardsmen will continue to rely on the network of support continually offered within their communities, including friends, families and their employers. We extend our appreciation to them and acknowledge the sacrifices they make while our Soldiers perform this important mission.” The North Dakota Guardsmen will be led by Maj. JoDee Aubol, of West Fargo, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Entzel, of Bismarck, will serve as the senior enlisted leader. This is the 11th deployment for the 1-188th ADA since 2004. Prior to its National Capital Region missions, the unit deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission, and portions of the unit deployed six times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq. The following is a timeline of the unit’s various missions: • Operation Noble Eagle, Washington, D.C., 2013-2014

• Kosovo Force 12 NATO peacekeeping mission, Kosovo, 2009-10 • Sentinel Radar mission, Iraq, 2009-10, 8 Soldiers • Sentinel Radar mission, Afghanistan, 2009-10, 25 Soldiers • RAID (Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment) IV mission, 2009-10, Afghanistan, 39 Soldiers • RAID III, 2009-10, Afghanistan, 39 Soldiers • RAID II, 2006-07, Afghanistan, 39 Soldiers • Security Forces, 2006-07, Afghanistan, 152 Soldiers o Four Soldiers were killed in action: Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, Cpl. Curtis Mehrer, Cpl. Nathan Goodiron and Cpl. Christopher Kleinwachter • JLENS ( Joint Land Attack Elevated Netting Sensor)/RAID I, 200507, Afghanistan, 39 Soldiers • F Battery, 2004-05, Iraq, 100 Soldiers About 60 members of the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, based in Devils Lake, and about 30 members of the Fargo-based 191st Military Police Company also are in an alert status.

move will allow us to consolidate parts of the 191st MP Company, provide better command and control and improve overall Soldier readiness.” “The City of Mayville would like to thank the National Guard for the many years of service to the Mayville community,” said Mayville Mayor Donald Moen. “Their presence will definitely be missed, we are fortunate to have a great relationship with the Guard and look forward to continuing that relationship into the future.” Based upon the strategic direction of the nation, the Army — including activeduty and reserve components — is in the process of downsizing. Along with the

53 other states and territories, the Army National Guard’s total force is facing a reduction from 350,200 personnel to 335,000 nationally by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. The N.D. Army National Guard is directly affected by this reduction and is positioned to lose up to seven units comprised of approximately 300 positions by the end of FY 2017. Although the 191st MP Company is not directly affected by the downsizing, the recent changes in force structure has created excess space and underutilization of some of the newer armories. The regionalization of the unit will allow for enhanced readiness for the Soldiers to better serve North Dakota communities.

191st MP Company to Relocate from Mayville to Grand Forks By Maj. Amber Balken, Joint Force Headquarters The North Dakota National Guard announced today that Detachment 1 of the 191st Military Police (MP) Company is relocating from Mayville to Grand Forks due to force structure changes within the organization. The date for the move has not yet been determined. Leaders from the North Dakota National Guard met today with city officials to discuss the decision and the way forward. “This is not a decision that we entered into lightly,” said Maj. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “Mayville is an outstanding community with a great lineage of service and support for the National Guard. This 18 · Guardian · winter 2016

Chaplains’ Corner:

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QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK The Advantage of Taking a “Time Out” During Conflict

By Chaplain (Capt.) Dellas Herbel, 119th Wing One of the best things about the fall and winter is the football season. With that, of course, comes all the debates of which team will do what, who has the best chances for the playoffs and who can make a Super Bowl run. As the season continues, the debates will continue as well. Such debates are often fun and engaging, and ESPN created an entire media outlet surrounding it. Most of the time in life, however, our debates are not fun. They can be maddening, but just as the changes of the seasons are part of life, so too, are conflicts. Yet, we can make conflicts productive and character building rather than things we relive in agony (much like a Vikings fan might relive missed field goals in the playoffs). James 1:19, an early Christian letter that the church included in the Bible, provides us with two key points: “be quick to listen and slow to speak.” Listening – truly listening – isn’t easy, but it helps defuse conflict and prevents escalation. Listening means focusing on how the other person understands whatever is causing conflict. Listening means not judging and not trying to take away their pain. Some of us judge others and want to prove we’re right. Others tend to want the conflict to go away and try to make the other person feel better. If you are a person who

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tends to judge who’s right and wrong, you need to pay attention to the others’ perspective without immediately judging them. There likely is something reasonable in their take on the situation. Alternatively, if you are the kind of person who is tempted to try to make the other person feel better, don’t. That isn’t listening either and you might come across as arrogant. Being slow to speak means making room for at least three things in a conflict. First, make sure you allow the other person time to tell his or her story. In this way, being slow to speak is an extension of listening. Second, being slow to speak means to allow for silences. If there is a silence, don’t be quick to fill it. Silences can be powerful and they can allow the other person time to form his or her thoughts. They also show patience and commitment to working through the disagreement. Finally, being slow to speak demonstrates a trust in God. It is a visible reminder that we don’t need to be in a hurry to fix all things or solve all things. All things are best seen and understood from a “God’s-eye” view. We don’t need to play God on the micro-level. Managing conflict might not be as fun or easy as debating whether the Chiefs will make a Super Bowl run or whether the Vikings will even make .500 with Bradford as quarterback, but it can be done and, ultimately, it will produce more meaning in our lives and make us better Soldiers and Airmen.

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Community Honors Guardsmen Leaving for Afghanistan Mission By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters Elected and military leaders and well-wishers from throughout the state filled the Devils Lake High School Sports Center Dec. 11 to give their best to about 60 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers who are about to depart on a yearlong mission. The Soldiers, who serve with the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), will mobilize to Fort Hood, Texas, for additional training before serving in Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Brock Larson, of Bismarck, North Dakota, leads the mission and Command Sgt. Maj. Cory Everson, of Devils Lake, is the unit’s senior enlisted leader. “It’s important to pause from our daily duties to formally honor our Citizen-Soldiers who put their lives on hold and their personal safety at risk in service to their nation,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “Betsy and I ask all North Dakotans to keep them, and their families in our thoughts and prayers during their overseas mission.” In Afghanistan, the 136th CSSB will provide command and control structure for assigned or attached logistical units. The unit

will be assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division’s Sustainment Brigade and will command multiple detachments comprised of Soldiers from across the nation, including two movement control teams, a mortuary affairs detachment and ten Department of the Army Civilian Expeditionary Workforce members. Maj. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, For the Afghanistan mission, the 136th CSSB will deploy with Soldiers from 28 communities across North Dakota, as well as from Minnesota and Kentucky. Previously designated as the 136th Quartermaster Battalion, the unit’s history includes a deployment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm. In addition, the 136th CSSB, and subordinate units, have conducted overseas training in the West African country of Mauritania in 2013, participated in Operation Bright Star in Egypt in 2005, and also have completed missions in Venezuela, Nicaragua, Panama, Belize and the Dominican Republic during the 1990s. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 19

Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters Kevin Locke leads a hoop dance tutorial for full-time North Dakota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen during his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hoop of Lifeâ&#x20AC;? presentation November 9, 2016, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota.