North Dakota Guardian Spring 2018 by N.D. National Guard

GUARDIAN North Dakota

Volume 11, Issue 1

COLD SNAP

N.D. Army National Guard Aviators Conduct Winter Weather Survival Training Page 8

Spring 2018

Inside This Issue Features

Outstanding Airmen

Missile Away, Target Destroyed

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA), had missile defense in the palms of their hands – literally – in January during a live-fire exercise at Fort Bliss’s Range 91, commonly known as White Sands, in New Mexico.

Making

14 History

Departments Leader Profiles ............................... Page 16 News Briefs ..................................... Page 18 Sound Off! ..................................... Page 19

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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 Anderson Contributors Chaplain (Capt.) Scott Noyes 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Staff Sgt. Brett Miller Sgt. Ashley Johlfs Sgt. Brandi Schmidt Sgt. Amanda Wenisch 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.anderson121.mil@mail.mil Phone: 701-333-2195 Fax: 701-333-2017 Digital photos should be 300 dpi, if possible.

On the Cover

Soldiers with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Assault Regiment and A Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security & Support) conduct winter survival training Jan. 10 at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

VIEW FROM THE TOP A MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

An Operational National Guard

Since 2008, the National Guard officially has been designated as part of an operational force, with our Soldiers and Airmen performing missions around the globe. At the recent homecoming ceremony for the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, as well as the send-off for the 191st Military Police Company, I emphasized that we are still a nation at war and stressed the importance of continuing to honor the men and women who are willing to put their lives on hold to answer the call to service. I think we all know what it means to be an operational force â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we mobilized about 450 Guard members last year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but I also believe we need to continue to have a discussion about what that means to our Soldiers and Airmen, their families and employers. We need to have more conversation about what it takes to maintain an operational National Guard that is called to serve on a regular, predictable basis. Our heritage dates back to the minutemen of the colonial era and the founding of this country. While our members volunteer to serve, they did not sign up to serve full time. The citizen-Soldier and -Airman model needs predictability in order for us to balance military, family and civilian employment responsibilities. We cannot deploy at the same rate as our active-duty counterparts. That type of mission pace ultimately would break the citizen-Soldier and -Airman model. In a time of limited resources and security challenges around the world, the National Guard is needed because we provide a costeffective security solution for the American people. We provide incredible capacity at a fraction of the cost it takes to maintain a large standing Army and Air Force. More importantly, yet intangible in dollar value, reserve components provide connection to and the commitment of the American people. With less than 1 percent of the population electing to serve in the Armed Forces, our National Guard provides the connective tissue to communities. When you call out the

Guard, you call out main street America; we reside in virtually every zip code in the nation. Beyond operations overseas, we play a critical role in protecting our citizens at home. When not in federal service, the National Guard provides emergency response during natural disasters and civil unrest in every state, territory and the District of Columbia. Our dual mission draws on the readiness our Soldiers and Airmen gain from federal training and missions and, in return, builds readiness for future military missions. Being able to support their neighbors is why reserve component members serve and what binds them so tightly to their communities. That attachment increases the bottom line investment we make as a nation in our National Guard. The citizen-Soldier and -Airman model has protected this nation since 1636. With

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann predictability and resources, the National Guard will carry on this proud tradition. Thank you service members, families, employers and veterans for your everyday service and sacrifice. It is an honor to serve with you. Sincerely,

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota Adjutant General

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing Staff Sgt. Lucas Nelson, of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, North Dakota Air National Guard, is greeted by his wife and daughters Feb. 1 upon his return home to Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, after completion of a 6-month deployment to southwest Asia.

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Happy hooligans recognize outstanding airmen Story by 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert and photos by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

The North Dakota Air National Guard, known as the Happy Hooligans, recognized the organization’s top Airman and noncommissioned officers March 3 at their annual Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo, North Dakota. Fifteen Airmen were nominated for the award based on their military and civic service throughout 2017. Ultimately, three winners walked away with awards: Senior Airman Maggie Swenson was named Outstanding Airman of the Year; Staff Sgt. Crystal Telling was selected as the Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and Master Sgt. Kurt Lilley earned the Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year recognition. The North Dakota Army National Guard’s Fargo-based 188th Army Band provided entertainment for the Hooligans and their distinguished guests. Senior N.D. Air National Guard leaders Brig. Gen. Bob Becklund, deputy adjutant general; and Brig. Gen. Todd Branden, assistant adjutant general, air component, rendered remarks. “I want to convey to all you nominees and winners what an impressive and inspiring group you are,” Becklund said. “I

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think it’s really important for you to know that we (leadership) are the recipients of incredible compliments because of your professionalism and accomplishments, and that is not an exaggeration.” Following remarks, additional awards were presented to Tech. Sgt. Nathan Svenkerud and Senior Master Sgt. Chris Walberg. Svenkerud was named Outstanding Unit Career Advisor of the Year for his individual efforts and achievement with unit retention and career motivation program management. Walberg was named First Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by first sergeants in the Air Force. Finally, the 2017 Outstanding Airmen of the Year were individually recognized for their achievements and contributions to the N.D. National Guard. “These Airmen have proven to excel in all areas of service and have done many great things for the Happy Hooligans, the state of North Dakota and for our nation,” Branden said. “The 119th Wing has some of the finest Airmen the Air Force has to offer, and you are the best of the best.”

Senior Airman Maggie Swenson

Staff Sgt. Crystal Telling

Master Sgt. Kurt Lilley

Senior Airman Maggie Swenson enlisted in the N.D. Air National Guard in April 2015 and serves as an aerospace medical technician with the 119th Medical Group. Swenson is a native of Fargo and graduated from Fargo North High School. She resides in Fargo and is a junior at North Dakota State University, where she pursues a degree in veterinary technology. Swenson is involved in various campus organizations including Saddle and Sirloin, Vet Tech Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She volunteers at Cat’s Cradle Shelter and Great Plains Food Bank and she participates in various campus events. Additionally, Swenson enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding and horseback riding. She unwinds by painting or reading.

Staff Sgt. Crystal Telling enlisted in the N.D. Air National Guard in August 2015 and serves as a financial management technician in the 119th Comptroller Flight. Telling previously served in the Alaska Air National Guard from 20092015. Telling was born and raised in North Pole, Alaska, where she graduated from North Pole High School. She currently resides in Fargo with her husband and children and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in business management from the University of Mary. Telling is active in the community. She volunteers at the New Life Center, where she serves meals to homeless individuals. She also is an active member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. Her hobbies include fantasy football, game nights and spending time with family and friends.

Master Sgt. Kurt Lilley enlisted in the N.D. Air National Guard in October 2011 and serves as an analyst for the N.D. National Guard Counter Drug Program. He previously served as a response force leader and flight security controller with the 219th Security Forces Squadron. Lilley’s service also includes four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and eight years with the N.D. Army National Guard. Lilley was raised in Belcourt, North Dakota, where he graduated from Turtle Mountain Community High School. He resides in Minot and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, with a concentration in forensic science, from the University of North Dakota. Lilley enjoys volunteering in his community. He serves meals at his local soup kitchen and, along with his daughter, spends time with residents at an elderly care center. He also is active at his church. In his down time, Lilley loves working out and especially enjoys CrossFit. He also enjoys golfing and spending time at the lake.

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DESTINATION: CUBA Grenz Returns from Guantanamo Bay Deployment

Courtesy Photo Master Sgt. Derrick Grenz, an HVAC technician with the 119th Civil Engineering Squadron, points to a Happy Hooligan sticker on the Camp Justice sign at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during his 6-month deployment providing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning service and maintenance for the Office of Military Commissions from July 2017 – January 2018.

By 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert, 119th Wing

uantanamo Bay is an isolated military complex, known for housing some of the United States’ most infamous detainees. Recently, Master Sgt. Derrick Grenz, a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, completed a 6-month deployment there and got to experience firsthand what the base is really like. Grenz arrived at Guantanamo Bay on July 4, 2017, where he was welcomed by temperatures over 110 degrees and humidity levels at over 90 percent. “It was miserably hot almost the whole time I was there. It finally got comfortable in my last few weeks with temps in the 80s,” Grenz said. After his aircraft landed on the lone airstrip on the installation, Grenz boarded a ferry for a ride to the eastern side of the bay where he would in-process and ultimately get settled into his new accommodations. The living quarters were containerized housing units, or CHUs, and housed two individuals, each with their own room, with a bathroom dividing the rooms. Grenz, the only Happy Hooligan to deploy to Cuba last summer, was one of only two heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians who were part of a 25-member civil engineer team, comprised mostly of Air National Guard members from Minnesota. “I was happy to be part of such a great team doing important work maintaining facilities and equipment in such a unique location,” Grenz said. “Our work days were pretty typical in length, but we were on-call in our offtime, nights and weekends, and expected to be available if needed.”

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Day-to-day work for Grenz and his counterparts consisted of HVAC maintenance, service and repair of facilities at the Office of Military Commissions (OMC), including the associated Expeditionary Legal Complex and the tent city at Camp Justice. The OMC at Guantanamo Bay oversees the legal proceedings of any detainee who has engaged in hostilities or has purposefully and materially supported hostilities against the United States, its coalition partners or was a part of al-Qaeda. The proceedings are trials by military commission, which are military courts of law traditionally used to try individuals for unlawful conduct associated with war. Portions of the commissions are open to the public and Grenz seized an opportunity to sit in on a commission trial judiciary of the five men charged for their roles in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks against the United States. Although the visit provided, mostly, a typical courtroom experience, the infamy of the accused men, the gravity of the charges and the implications to the United States served to make this experience something much more atypical. Despite the recent reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, military members and civilians stationed and deployed at Guantanamo Bay are not allowed to leave the naval base. However, the base attempts to keep the populace happy with myriad amenities, including an outdoor entertainment complex, known as the Lyceum, several base recreation facilities and familiar food and beverage options, such as McDonald’s and Starbucks. Grenz said other popular options to stave off “island/base fever” included the opportunity for military members to rent sail or fishing boats and snorkeling or scuba equipment. Grenz took advantage of the warm waters adjacent to and surrounding the base by snorkeling often and even taking classes to become scuba certified. Grenz said the recreation, as well as a productive mission, made his deployment to Guantanamo Bay a worthwhile experience. “It was a unique experience to get to work on the base and see the detention centers housing the inmates you hear about so often in the news,” Grenz said. “I was proud to serve there, but it was pretty great to get back home to family and friends.”

MISSILE AWAY! TARGET DESTROYED! OF THE QUARTER

Air Defense Artillery Soldiers Conduct Live-Fire Exercise By Sgt. Amanda Wenisch, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment

Ten missiles, ten targets, ten confirmed (simulated) kills. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA), had missile defense in the palms of their hands – literally – in January during a live-fire exercise at Fort Bliss’ Range 91, commonly known as White Sands, in New Mexico. Ten missiles were deployed via the Avenger Weapon System, a mobile shortrange air defense missile platform, which provides protection for ground units against enemy aircraft to include helicopters, airplanes, cruise missiles and UAVs. Preparation for live-fire exercises is paramount. Before entering the range, avenger crew members must carefully inspect their equipment and missiles. Once on the range, crew members take all commands from range officials. As instructed, shooters upload missiles into their launch pods and take their positions, awaiting further guidance. The feeling of composure sets in with the confidence of proficiency in their skill. “I was nervous at first,” said Pvt. Austin Miller. “But everything clicked when I got in the tub (gunner’s seat in the Avenger).” During the exercise, shooters pursued Outlaw UAVs for their targets. Measuring 9 feet long, they can fly at speeds of over 140 miles per hour. Once launched into action, they circle the airspace around the crew members. Gunners scan the Outlaw back and forth from the firing limits, waiting for the right moment to strike. Following missile sequencing procedures, shooters call out their actions: “Firing! Missile away! Target destroyed!”

Courtesy Photo Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted a live-fire exercise in January held at Fort Bliss's Range 91 (White Sands) in New Mexico.

The live-fire exercise provided an opportunity for Soldiers of the 1-188th ADA to get realistic, hands-on experience in their duty positions. It was a unique experience because the unit doesn’t have access to live-fire ranges in North Dakota. “I thought it was a great experience,” said Pfc. Mark Deschandt. “I got to do what I’m trained to do.” Throughout the year, 1-188th ADA Soldiers refine their skills using simulation tools that cognate with the avenger system, which helps them maintain familiarity with their primary weapon. “The simulator we use at the unit is realistic,” said Spc. Erik Flick. “It helps us keep muscle memory for hand control and

it’s pretty comparable to what we do in livefire exercises.” Training is a high priority for the 1-188th ADA, the most-deployed unit in the N.D. Army National Guard, due to the nature and frequency of unit missions. In February, about 200 members of the 1-188th ADA returned home after a nearly yearlong mission protecting the nation’s capital in support of Operation Noble Eagle. During their deployment to the National Capital Region, the Soldiers assisted with the defense of the air space above and around Washington, D.C., using long- and shortrange missile assets and radar systems. Operational Noble Eagle marked the 11th deployment for the 1-188th ADA.

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COLD SNAP

Aviators Conduct Annual Training in Frigid Conditions Story by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs and photos by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Nearly 140 soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (1112th) and 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Assault Regiment (2-285th) descended on Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota, in January to test their winter survival skills in a unique, first-of-its-kind annual training event for the unit. During the 2-week event, the Soldiers honed their marksmanship skills at Camp Grafton’s firing range to qualify in winter conditions, a first for many of the Guardsmen who typically conduct annual qualification in the summer months. The unit also had classroom instruction, taught by survival educators from Redondo Beach, California, before putting what they learned to use out in the snow. During a culminating event, the Soldiers stayed outside overnight in their shelters and kept warm with fires they built.

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“It’s been challenging with the amount of snow that has moved in, but it’s been a lot of fun,” said 1st Sgt. Jim Lind, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1-112th. “Learning about shelters, starting fires and what to get out of the environment to use to your advantage has been instrumental.” The tactics and techniques the Soldiers learned helped them discover a multitude of ways to survive in harsh winter conditions. The training primarily focused on building a lean-to style shelter that could keep the Guardsmen safe overnight and how to build fires using cotton balls and petroleum jelly. These skills can be used by other members of the U.S. Army, but are uniquely important to those in the aviation community. In the event of a downed aircraft, crewmembers and passengers need to know how to work together to survive.

“It’s great training, it gives the awareness of what you can do and what you can handle out in the field,” Lind said. “It comes down to experience. Once you have it, you can fall back on it if you ever need it.” The temperatures ranged from a high of 20 degrees during the day, down to 35 below zero (with wind chill) at night. Soldiers felt what it’s like to work in an environment where you have to keep moving to stay warm. “It’s good for our bodies to adapt to the cold,” said Spc. Stephanie Fuchs, of the 1-112th HHC. “It’s good to have the experience of colder weather, working in it and having an idea of what happens.” Winter survival training is unique for the 1-112th, especially for an annual training scenario. The training aims to teach Soldiers how to react if they ever find themselves in dire situations, and because North Dakota is subject to extreme weather, unit leadership felt it was necessary to conduct survival training. “We can find ourselves in bad situations no matter what avenue of our lives we’re in. We’re equipping people with skills and making them aware that, if they don’t panic, they can overcome great obstacles,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Larsen, 1-112th commander. “This training is teaching people life skills, and it’s empowering. Soldiers have expanded their capabilities and they realize that if they’re well prepared, they can keep themselves alive in an austere environment.” The 1-112th is based in Bismarck and has a medical detachment in Fargo. The Army aviators fly UH-72 Lakota aircraft and UH-60 Black Hawks.

Left: Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support) and 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviaiton Assault Regiment qualify with their M16 rifles Jan. 9 during their winter annual training at the Camp Graton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Upper right: Sgt. 1st Class Scott Horst (left) and Staff Sgt. Jordan Dinius, both of the 1-112th, attempt to start a fire using cotton balls, petroleum jelly, twigs and a striker during their winter survival training Jan. 10. Bottom right: Sgt. Jason Kalvoda, of the 1-112th, clears snow from under a newly-constructed tent Jan. 10 in an effort to create a shelter sufficient for withstanding winter elements, a skill he garnered during winter survival training.

Everlasting Light “Foxhole Chaplain” Tracy Kindled Legacy of Faith and Hope By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters

f there are no atheists in foxholes – as the old adage goes – North Dakota’s 164th Infantry Regiment would’ve been well served by having its own “Foxhole Padre.” While fighting against a series of ruthless Japanese assaults during World War II, the Soldiers were tended to by Chaplain (Maj.) Thomas Tracy, a Catholic priest, of Bismarck. He was revered by the men he faithfully shepherded while the Soldiers reinforced the 1st Marine Division in the jungles of Guadalcanal, turning the tide of the Pacific campaign against the Japanese empire more than 75 years ago. Tracy and the 164th Infantry provide a clearcut depiction of brothers-in-arms and courage under fire inside the maelstrom of the most pivotal conflict of the 20th century. Known for his devotion to the Soldiers he served with, Tracy earned the nickname “Foxhole Padre” by tending to his flock face to face in the chaos of battle. While on leave from the South Pacific in March 1943, fellow Soldier Maj. Harry Tenborg told the Fargo Forum, “Regardless of the obstacles, Father Tracy was ever on the go. He was active in the field, he went into the front lines, he was back at the hospitals, bolstering morale, hearing the men’s troubles, going from battalion to battalion to conduct services. “In several instances that I know of, he had scheduled masses interrupted by enemy bombers, but that didn’t deter Father Tracy. He and his congregation would dive into the closest foxholes and when the raid (from Japanese air bombers) was over he would resume mass.” It was this kind of fearless dedication that

Courtesy Photo

Above, Chaplain (Maj.) Thomas Tracy, of the 164th Infantry Regiment, was called “Foxhole Padre” by the Soldiers he served with on Guadalcanal. He earned a Bronze Star Medal for heroism for his actions there. The citation read, “Chaplain Tracy repreatedly disregarded his own safety and traversed difficult terrain under enemy gunfire to offer guidance and encouragement to troops in foxholes and dugouts.” Left, the Chaplain Tracy Memorial Chapel is open to visitors at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Courtesy Photo

earned Tracy the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor. The chaplain would continuously prove his mettle on Guadalcanal, etching his place in North Dakota military history. Tracy’s story, as well as the chronicles of the courageous 164th Infantry Regiment, inspire an ethos of selfless service and exhibit the endurance of faith, even in the darkest times. Green Hell Fate — and a nation’s retribution for the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor — summoned 164th Infantry Guardsmen from homesteads and cities across North Dakota. After a year of training, the Soldiers would spend the beginning of 1942 guarding critical infrastructure stateside — dams, bridges, electrical installations —in the northwest region of the U.S. Later, they would sail for New Caledonia to serve as a defense force there. The Empire of the Rising Sun had cast its shadow across the South Pacific, occupying an array of strategic locations throughout the Solomon Islands. With a configuration of supply bases and airfields, the Japanese were poised to disrupt supply routes and communication lines between the U.S. and Australia, and threatened a potential invasion. To impede the Japanese conquest, Allied forces set their sights on securing the jungle island of Guadalcanal. On Aug. 7, 1942, Marines from the 1st Division had gained a foothold there, wresting away control of an unfinished Japanese airstrip. Dubbed Henderson Field, the landmark was a vital acquisition for mounting Allied counterattacks. Months later, however, the Marines’

Illustration by Doug Burtell, 164th Infantry Regiment

grasp on Guadalcanal was tenuous and the fighting was at a standstill. The exhausted Marine contingent, thinned by casualties and illness, was in desperate need of resupply and reinforcements. On Oct. 13, 1942, North Dakota’s 164th Infantry would arrive on Guadalcanal, nicknamed “Green Hell,” where they were attached to the 1st Marine Division. They would become the first U.S. Army unit to offensively engage the enemy in World War II. Seventy-five years and one day later, on Oct. 14, 2017, several Soldiers from the 164th Infantry Regiment looked back at their first day on Guadalcanal during a reunion celebration at Bismarck State College. They recounted how their welcoming to the island came via Japanese air raids with incessant bombing greeting them throughout the day. “That night, Japanese battleships came in (the Kongo and Huruna) and threw in about 1,000 rounds of 14-inch naval shells, which is a big shell. You could pour a basement in the crater (of where one landed),” said Doug Burtell, who served with the 164th Infantry’s Headquarters Intelligence and Reconnaissance section. For Richard Stevens, of Company M, a retired colonel, his first day on Guadalcanal would comprise the most terrifying moments of his life. He remembered how the initial air raids that greeted the Soldiers had given them their first casualty. Cpl. Kenneth Foubert, of Grand Forks, was a member of Top, a group of 164th Infantry Regiment Soldiers attend mass while on the jungle island of Guadalcanal, sometime in early 1942. Left, Doug Burtell, who served with the 164th Infantry’s Headquarters Intelligence and Reconnaissance section, produced this illustration of a North Dakota Soldier taking fire while fighting at Guadalcanal.

Stevens’s M Company. The later Japanese naval bombing, which had been targeting Allied aircraft on Henderson Field, but ultimately landed on top of the 164th Infantry’s position, only added to the pandemonium. “They (the battleships) caused a lot of damage, and they scared us to death as those shells went over. Swish, swish, swish! Salvos of four from one battleship and then the other, and that kept on. Those of us who could be shaking like leaves — like me — were doing so,” Stevens said. Ten days later, on the night of Oct. 23-24, the 164th Infantry would catch the full brunt of a Japanese offensive during what was later dubbed “The Second Battle of Henderson Field.” A force of about 20,000 Japanese amassed on Guadalcanal to engage the American service members and retake the airstrip. New to the battle, the 164th Infantry was sent to guard the southeastern sector of a perimeter established around Henderson Field. Commanders believed that an impending Japanese assault would occur from the northwest, while in fact the enemy had been marching through the dense jungles to be in place for an attack from the south. When the Japanese arrived, they were exhausted but still ready for a fight and stormed the Marine sector of the perimeter. Marine Commander Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller requested assistance for his men, which he received when the 3rd Battalion, 164th Infantry brought its firepower to bear. Throughout the night, the North Dakota Guardsmen and Marines fought together, shoulder-toshoulder from their foxholes. “It was (the Japanese) or us,” Douglas Ferk, of Company A, said. “We fired as much as

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we could. Sometimes our barrels would get so hot, you couldn’t touch them.” During the first night of the battle, North Dakota Soldiers earned the respect of their Marine brothers-in-arms and proved themselves as a fighting unit. Armed with the newer M1 Garands, the Guardsmen’s semi-automatic firing capability was a boon to the Marines who were using bolt-action Model 1903 Springfields. Seeing how well the Guardsmen handled themselves in battle, the Marines shifted their forces to shore up other areas of the perimeter. Commanders figured the Japanese would not strike the same area twice. The North Dakota Soldiers, however, would again need to repel the enemy, this time from their own positions in an area called “Coffin Corner.” “The next morning, in front of our lines, were 1,800 Japanese bodies, killed on both the first and second nights (of the battle) by both the Marines and ourselves,” Stevens said. To hold the airfield would come at a cost, and the men of the 164th Infantry would experience profound horrors, including the loss of their own. The unit suffered 147 casualties during its 5 months on Guadalcanal, while 309 were wounded and 133 fell ill. The Soldiers’ grit and sacrifice, however, was critical for the Allied forces’ eventual victory in the Southern Pacific. “The truth is the Japanese were prepared on the first day (of the battle) to take our surrender of the whole island. They had the forces to do it, but they misused them,” Stevens said. “That was the battle where Japanese generals, after the war, when they were asked, ‘When did you know that you were going to lose in the Pacific?’ One of them said, ‘After Guadalcanal.’” ‘Everybody Was Praying’ In addition to a determined, relentless enemy, the men of the 164th Infantry contended with the volatile environs of Guadalcanal. Some would suffer from dysentery, jungle rot, heatstroke or tropical disease dispensed by the island’s mosquito hordes. Father Tracy’s time there ultimately would be altered by those conditions. The unit had also brought with it two protestant chaplains to Guadalcanal. One ended up becoming injured and the other contracted malaria. This left Father Tracy as the sole chaplain at one point, responsible for his Soldiers’ pastoral care. Conveniently, many of them knew the chaplain from their previous lives back in the states. “It was very unique for a parish priest to go with Soldiers in the unit. In the National Guard setting, I suppose it wasn’t unusual. But I always say, when we went into the service, we took everyone with

Courtesy Photo

Chaplain Tracy, second from right, leads mass on Dec. 31, 1942, during ceremonies at a Marine cemetery at Guadalcanal.

“His faith in God was his shield and strength and we knew that he had a powerful friend and ally.” us, including the parish priest,” said Harry Vadnie, a first lieutenant with the 164th Infantry, of Bismarck, during a 2004 interview with the Bismarck Historical Society. The men not only knew Tracy, but they liked the chaplain, as well. He was lauded for his personal demeanor and ability to connect with his Soldiers. “Father Tracy was well thought of by the 164th. He would bury the dead of all religions — say their prayer in their faith. It meant a lot,” Jim Fenelton, a staff sergeant from Marshalltown, Iowa, said in an interview with the Devils Lake Journal. “He never pressured you about going to church or anything. After we got up into combat they didn’t have to force too much religion — everybody was praying.” Tenborg, the major who shared stories of Tracy’s gallantry on the battlefield with the Fargo Forum, said the chaplain cared for everyone under his tutelage, regardless of religious affiliation or background. “Father Tracy was every inch a Soldier. Creed didn’t enter and Father Tracy took care of his duties as chaplain gloriously,” he said. “Father Tracy would say mass for the Catholic boys and then conduct services for the Protestants …” The chaplain, though principled in his faith, was remembered for his temperate approach when it came to discussing spiritual matters. Alvin Paulson, a retired colonel and friend of Tracy’s, recalled during a speech in June 1978 an encounter between a Soldier in his company and the chaplain in which the two took opposing sides on the existence of a creator. Tracy posed a series of questions about the “miracle of the solar system, its creation and perpetual orbit without collision,” nature and its “necessity for life” and he also pondered the significance of the “miracle of (the Soldier’s) own birth and life.” “He concluded his remarks by saying, ‘When you find all the answers to all these things, come and see me and I’ll be willing to listen.’ To him, this agnostic was a human being and important enough for this priest to attempt to stir his conscience and make him think for himself,” Paulson said. Converting non-believers, however, has never been the intended profession of a U.S. Army chaplain. Their military profession has three primary competencies: to nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead. These were the tasks to which Tracy dedicated himself. “It was not intended that chaplains should perform front line duty on the battlefield, but rather to serve in the general area, conducting religious services when possible, counseling and praying for the sick and wounded, and burying the dead. Father Tracy was not content with this role,” Paulson said. “He was not afraid to walk the torturous jungle and front lines unarmed. His faith in God was his shield and strength and we knew that he had a powerful friend and ally.” True North Today, hundreds of North Dakota Guardsmen each year visit

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, mostly during the summer months, for required annual training. As the Soldiers drive past the post’s front gate, they traverse over a stretch of road bounded by a leafy tunnel of ash and elm trees. Near the end of the straightaway, a right turn will take them past a sign adorned with a line of scripture, and behind it, a modest chapel named after the well-regarded chaplain who showed determined bravery while serving with the 164th Infantry on Guadalcanal. The Chaplain Tracy Memorial Chapel was built in 1957, but it wasn’t until June 9, 1978, when the facility was officially dedicated with the name. It serves as a house of worship, but also has been used for weddings, military funerals or as a gathering space during retirees’ weekend retreats. Open to visitors year-round, Tracy Chapel is a special feature at Camp Grafton. “Chapels in the military inventory aren’t designated with a name. I think we’re (North Dakota) unique in that regard, that it’s named after a specific chaplain. It’s the only building on post facing true north,” said Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson, staff chaplain for the N.D. National Guard. “To

have that constant reminder of Tracy Chapel is important because it tells the story of a humble, faithful man of God, who served everybody and who offered what all chaplains offer, and that is hope.” That message, in fact, is enshrined on one of the stained glass windows fitted within the outside walls of the brick chapel. The ornamental features weren’t installed until the late 1990s. Three windows on the west side of the building feature the words faith, hope and love, which are the eternal qualities of mankind, according to Paul the Apostle in Corinthians 13:13. On the east wall, the words duty, honor and country are etched into three windows. The words represent the core values military members are called to live by. Retired Chaplain (Col.) Jeff Franko, who served as state chaplain for the N.D. National Guard, gave remarks during a window dedication ceremony held on June 14, 1998. At the event, he spoke about the careful selection of the words chosen for the windows. “You start with a simple citizen-Soldier and you add the content of these six words to his or her heart and mind and will, and you end up with a beautiful world. This is

our hope. That is our prayer. That is our dream,” he said. The chapel ultimately serves as a tribute to Father Tracy’s message of faith and actions of courage. For North Dakota’s chaplain corps, it’s also an inspiration. Franko said during his time as a chaplain in the N.D. National Guard, stories about Tracy’s dedication on Guadalcanal remained prevalent and “left a big mark” on the state. “He was the kind of guy that didn’t sit in an office, but put himself right in the middle of the troops and provided face-to-face ministry. And that kind of legacy speaks to the kind of role that inspired me, and I think many other chaplains,” Franko said. “Instead of waiting for people to come, you go out and meet Soldiers where they’re at.” The 164th Infantry Regiment helped turn the tide of World War II 75 years ago. Some of the Soldiers who served in the unit equate entering combat on Guadalcanal to the expression “baptism by fire.” The embers of their courageousness and faith in one another continue to burn, not only at Tracy Chapel, but within the loyal service of those who continue to wear the uniform in the N.D. National Guard.

The Right WOMAN for the Job McGough Becomes State's First Female Combat Engineer By Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

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Sgt. 1st Class Jill McGough joined the North Dakota National Guard in 2000 for college benefits. At that time, she didn’t expect her military service to evolve into a full-time career. She also didn’t set out to make state history, but she did just that when she became the state’s first female to hold a 12B (combat engineer) military occupation specialty (MOS). McGough was offered the option to reclassify as a combat engineer, a qualification accompanied by a promotion, based on her placement on the enlisted promotion system list for full-time Soldiers. She knew that passing up the offer could potentially inhibit her from reaching her full potential during her military career. So, she made the choice to pursue a different MOS and began preparing for her reclassification course. She viewed the situation as an opportunity to venture outside of her comfort zone, a change from her previously-held positions in administration and supply. “It is important for females to incorporate themselves into these roles and to be aware of the challenges that go with it,” McGough said. “But, if I can do this, anyone can do it. It is not impossible for women to accomplish. I felt I was set up for success, especially with the insight I received from the staff at the schoolhouse. It was exactly what I expected.” McGough’s 12B course was held over a 2-week period in June 2017 at the 164th Regional Training Institute at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota. She found the curriculum and requirements to be informative and challenging. The physical requirements included completing a 12-mile ruck march, throwing a hand grenade within 5 meters of a target, carrying five 40-pound cratering charges over a distance of 100 meters within 15 minutes, and carrying 16 sandbags for 10 meters within five minutes. She also had to complete and pass the Army’s OPAT (occupational physical assessment test) as a prerequisite for the course. “I knew that if I didn’t prepare for the physical demands, it would have been more challenging,” McGough said. “I was fortunate enough to train with the 817th Engineer Company while they conducted their annual training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, last spring. That experience helped me physically prepare for my course.” McGough said the highlight of her combat engineer reclassification course was completing a 12-mile ruck march. When she crossed the finish line, she knew she had successfully completed the course.

Courtesy Photo Then-Staff Sgt. Jill McGough pauses at the 6-mile mark of her 12-mile ruck march, the final event of her combat engineer course, which she completed in June 2017 at the 164th Regional Training Institute at the Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

McGough said receiving the 12B MOS has been just one of the many positive aspects of her already-fulfilling military career, but her most rewarding experience has been meeting her husband, retired Sgt. Nathan McGough, with whom she was able to deploy. She also has gained lifelong friends and mentors who have helped her through her career. She said had she not chosen the path she did in the military, she would not be where she is today. “I hope the things I’ve done in my career inspire others to better themselves,” McGough said. “I’m not sure if I would call myself a role model for females, but I do think anything is possible if you set your mind to it. When I accepted the promotion, I didn’t look at it as making history. It was an opportunity presented to me. I just happened to be the first female in North Dakota to receive the offer.” McGough resides in Valley City, North Dakota, with her husband, and their daughter, Autumn. She currently serves as the readiness noncommissioned officer for the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper) in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Jill McGough is joined by her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Autumn, Oct. 6, 2017, as she is promoted to the rank sergeant first class during a ceremony held in Valley City, North Dakota. Maj. Matthew Voeller presided over the ceremony.

Courtesy Photo McGough is joined by her husband, retired Sgt. Nathan McGough, and their daughter, Autumn, in December 2016 for the HHC, 231st Brigade Support Battalion dining out in Valley City.

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Leader Profiles: Col. Jac Lt. Col. Jennifer Sil Col. Jackie Huber

J/G1, Diretor of Manpower & Personnel Enlisted Jan. 30, 1989; Commisioned Jul. 30, 1992 What military assignments have you previously held? • Commander, 164th RTI Regimental • J3 (Operations and Training) • Commander, 164th Engineer Battalion • Commander, 1st Engineer Training Battalion (164th Regional Training Institute) • Executive officer and S3, 68th Troop Command executive officer • Commander, HHD, Joint Force Headquarter • Commander, HHD, 68th Troop Command • Commander, 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment • Platoon Leader What officer branch qualifications do you hold? 12A (engineer), 46A (public affairs — functional area qualification), 31A (military police). What is a major challenge you faced in your career? I’m married and have three children. The biggest challenge has been balancing my military career and family life. What is your greatest achievement? My biggest achievements were being selected for and completing a successful brigade-level/O6 command this past year, as well as serving as National Guard Bureau’s Human Resource Advisory Council (HRAC) National Chairperson from 20142016. In that position, I represented 54 human resource offices on national-level issues. What’s something that has changed for females since you joined the military? Air defense artillery and combat engineer positions now are open to females in the North Dakota National Guard. What advice would you give your younger self? Hang on! It’s going to be quite a ride. However, I wouldn’t change a thing; it is those challenging moments that have defined my character and made me the person and leader that I am today. What advice would you give young women contemplating military service? Be true to yourself and be genuine.

ckie Huber, N.D. Army National Guard & lbernagel, N.D. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jennifer Silbernagel

Deputy Commander, 119th Mission Support Group Enlisted Dec. 19, 1996; Commisioned Jun. 27, 2003 What military assignments have you previously held? • Commander, Force Support Squadron • Logistics Readiness Officer • Financial Management (enlisted) • Medical Administration (enlisted) What is a major challenge you faced in your career? I have faced many challenges during my time in the military, but that is what has helped me continue growing in my career. Becoming a squadron commander was a challenge. Not only was the Force Support Squadron an entirely new book of information for me, I went from supervising three people to commanding 49 people. I was fortunate to have strong leaders and Airmen throughout the entire squadron. What is your greatest achievement? I am most proud becoming a commissioned officer in the

military. When I first joined the military, I had no intentions of commissioning, nor did I see a military retirement in my future. I am proud to have been given so many opportunities and I hope to continue mentoring others to reach their goals. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t let anything stand in your way. We all face challenges in our careers and life, but let those challenges be an opportunity to grow and become a stronger leader. What advice would you give young women contemplating military service? Go for it! There is great pride that comes with serving in the military. Step up and take the challenge, learn a new skill and become a mentor for other young women.

NewsBriefs 191st Military Police Soldiers Leave for Yearlong Mission in Afghanistan By Maj. Amber Balken, 119th Wing Well-wishers, friends and family gathered Feb. 17 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck to give their best to about 30 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers about to depart on a yearlong mission. The Soldiers, who serve with the 191st Military Police Company, then underwent additional mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying to Afghanistan. “This mission is important to the safety and security of our nation, and our partner nations. The 191st MP Company is prepared and ready to accomplish their mission,” said Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford "Today, we honor these heroes as they prepare to deploy and promise to support them and their families throughout this deployment and when they return home. We are proud of these Soldiers and grateful for their selfless and courageous service to our state and nation." Members of the 191st Military Police Company will provide protective service detail and secure transportation to Resolute Support Headquarters staff while

assigned to NATO in Afghanistan. The Soldiers hail from 20 communities across North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. In addition to the Soldiers, families and employers were recognized at the event for their support and service leading up to the mobilization, as well as for the continued efforts they will need to make during the next 12 months. “As Soldiers, we signed up to serve, but our families serve and sacrifice with us,” said Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “We train and deploy. Meanwhile our families and employers serve our nation with the sacrifice of missing their Soldier for a year. These sacrifices are something that we, as

Photo by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Find More Guard News Online! N.D. Guaurd and Northern Plains Announce UAS Test Site Agreement The North Dakota National Guard and the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (NP UAS TS) on March 1 announced an agreement, which will allow UAS systems to conduct flights over portions of the Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) near Devils Lake. The NP UAS TS, one of seven nationally designated FAA UAS test sites, and the N.D. National Guard have signed a memorandum of agreement which outlines the terms of use and costs associated with flights at the Guard facility. The test site will be permitted to overfly the CTGC’s 12,000 acres and use camp facilities.

18 · Guardian · spring 2018

Soldiers, may never understand, but it's important to always stay appreciative of the efforts on the home front.” The unit is led by 1st Lt. John Mazur, of Pingree, North Dakota, and the senior noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Sgt. 1st Class Cody Johnson, of Menoken, North Dakota. Nearly half the unit has served on previous North Dakota National Guard deployments. The 191st Military Police Company previously has been mobilized for multiple overseas missions, including serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, supporting recovery operations after a devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and a mission to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2012.

“This agreement provides the NP UAS TS with sufficient area and facilities providing the agency excellent options for testing aircraft right here in North Dakota,” said Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “CGTC compliments the operations of the NP UAS TS by hosting suitable locations for groundbased sensors, launch and recovery and other necessary support so the Test Site can focus on coordinating airspace, conducting flight operations and collecting data.” “Partnering with the National Guard will allow us to test in a controlled environment with access to the unique facilities and ground space at the CGTC” said Nicholas Flom, the Test Site’s executive director. “This agreement

http://nd.ng.mil also showcases the strong partnership and support that the Test Site has received from various North Dakota state agencies to fulfill our mission.” This agreement takes a holistic approach to supporting the growth of the UAS industry in North Dakota. Through this agreement both organizations are finding efficiencies. The NP UAS TS is one of seven FAA UAS test sites in the nation. The mission of the test site is to collaborate with FAA and industry partners to develop, systems, rules and procedures to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System without negatively impacting existing general or commercial aviation.

SoundOff!

Chaplains’ Corner:

What Do You Do? By Chaplain (Capt.) Scott Noyes, 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion “What do you do?” Upon returning from my recent tour in Afghanistan, a child in my church asked, “What do chaplains do in the Army?” I pointed to our pastor and explained how my job as a chaplain is similar except I serve military members and their families. That seemed to satisfy this child’s curiosity, but what I didn’t tell her was that Unit Ministry Teams (UMTs) provide religious support in a variety of ways. Religious support functions include advising the command on religion, morals, morale, and ethical issues; leading and administering religious services; providing pastoral care and counseling; teaching family wellness through Strong Bonds presentations and other like events; and ensuring the right to free exercise of religion for all military members and their families. We do this on behalf of commanders and the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. And, of course, we don’t do this alone. The chaplain and the religious affairs specialist (formerly known as chaplain assistant) form the UMT. As UMTs, we fulfill three basic core competencies: nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead. The following is taken from the Chaplain Corps Handbook: Nurture the Living: Develop and provide care activities to strengthen and sustain the spiritual resilience of military members and their families before, during and after operation(s). Care for the Wounded: Bring hope and strength to those who have been wounded and traumatized in body, mind and spirit, by assisting in the healing process. We also provide religious support, spiritual care, comfort and hope to the dying. Through prayer and presence, the chaplain provides courage and comfort in the face of death. Honor the Dead: Our nation reveres those who have died in military service. Religius support honors the dead. Funerals, memorial services, and ceremonies reflect the emphasis the American people place on the worth and value of the individual. Chaplains conduct these services and ceremonies, fulfilling a vital role in rendering tribute to America’s sons and daughters who paid the ultimate price serving the nation in the defense of freedom. I want to share a bit more about this third core competency. While in Afghanistan, one of the missions of our battalion, the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, was to perform memorial services/ceremonies for the fallen. The UMT’s job was to assist in leading and supporting these events in honor of those who paid the ultimate price. But honoring our nation’s fallen doesn’t stop on the battlefield. In North Dakota, we take it a step further and provide much more for the survivors of our fallen.

In addition to honoring the individual, we provide ongoing support to the affected families throughout the year. North Dakota took the initiative a number of years ago to be the first state to sponsor and accompany survivors at the annual Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp held in Arlington, Virginia, which are sponsored by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS is a national organization that offers around-the-clock compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one. TAPS holds multiple support events around the country throughout the year to remember and care for family members of the fallen. Each year, the North Dakota National Guard sends staff, including chaplains and counselors, to the survivor seminar. Throughout the 5-day event, chaplains and counselors accompany and support family members while they journey with others across the nation who are grieving, sharing, and celebrating the memories of our nation’s heroes. In addition to TAPS, North Dakota also offers a state event each year called “We Will Never Forget.” This event gathers North Dakota Families of the Fallen in much the same way, so that they have a supportive environment to connect with each other while remembering their loved one who has died. Our team helps to support this event alongside other offices and individuals. We all work together to do one thing: provide care for families of our fallen. So, back to the child’s question: what do Unit Ministry Teams do in the N.D. National Guard? Bottom line: we are in the business of taking care of military members and their families who have been entrusted to us. How do we do this? By nurturing the living; caring for the wounded in body and spirit; and by honoring the fallen and their families.

Courtesy Photo Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson, left, and Chaplain (Capt.) Scott Noyes accompany North Dakota survivors May 25, 2015, during former President Obama's Memorial Day Speech at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 19

Photo by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 116th Public Affairs Detachment About 30 Soldiers of the 191st Military Police Company gather Feb. 17 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota, for a send off ceremony prior to their departure for a yearlong mission in Afghanistan, where they will provide protective service detail and secure transportation to Resolute Support Headquarters staff while assigned to NATO.