GUARDIAN
North Dakota Summer 2017
Volume 10, Issue 2
top gun 119th Wing Team Breaks 33-Year Winning Streak at State Marksmanship Competition Page 18
Inside This Issue Features
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Healing Together
Thirteen North Dakota survivors attended the annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) seminar this past May in Washington, D.C. TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service.
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Back in the Sky
For the first time in nearly four years, the N.D. Air National Guard flew a unit aircraft over Hector Field International Airport in Fargo, N.D. An MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft, was launched Aug. 8, 2017, marking the first Hooligan flight out of Fargo since Aug. 27, 2013, when the last C-21 left for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
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Community Service
Soldiers from two N.D. Army National Guard units refined their military skills during annual training this summer by making enhancements to the Wishek Municipal Airport. The work was completed through the National Guard’s State Civil-Military Construction Program, which provides Guardsmen with realistic training in their respective military jobs.
Departments Guardian Snapshots ..................... Page 20 News Briefs ..................................... Page 22 Sound Off! ..................................... Page 23
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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 Joyce Contributors Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson Lt. Col. Nate Erstad Capt. Jacquelyn Flemmer 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Sgt. Ashley Johlfs Sgt. Brandi Schmidt Spc. Kristin Berg Spc. Cody Graham Spc. Drew Ward 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
North Dakota marksmen take aim July 9 during the “Reflexive Fire” match at Camp Grafton’s firing complex. The competition was one of several shooting events comprising the 2017 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
VIEW FROM THE TOP A MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
Readiness: an operational imperative
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As summer comes to an end, we mark another extremely successful annual training period. As you’ll see in this issue, we not only increased our readiness across the force, we also gave back to our communities. In addition to our mission-essential training, we conducted the 34th Annual State Marksmanship Competition. This is a great event that brings marksman from across the force — Army and Air — together for a friendly and spirited competition. Congratulations to the Air Guard team, Tech. Sgt. Josh Von Band, Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rook, Airman 1st Class Gavin Rook and Staff Sgt. Matthew Jasper, on their win in the marksmanship match. Their win marked the end of the Army Guard’s 33-year winning streak. Over the past year, my staff has been reviewing our strategic objectives to ensure we have the resources we need to maintain our readiness now and into the future. The result of this effort can be found in our recently published Strategic Guidance. This is our road map for the future of the North Dakota National Guard. The guidance lays out our mission, vision, operational imperatives and the strategic lines of effort that will move us toward our vision. As leaders, our greatest obligation is to ensure our Soldiers and Airmen are trained and equipped to be successful in any mission. This is the focus of our strategic lines of effort. While my senior staff focuses on these lines of effort, I need all subordinate leaders to focus on our operational imperatives, which ensure
our readiness. Our mission “to provide ready units, individuals and equipment supporting our communities, state and nation” cannot be accomplished without the imperatives of readiness, profession of arms, leadership, people and relationships, and stewardship of resources. These imperatives are what the N.D. National Guard must keep in mind every day to ensure our members, their families and employers are ready to respond when called upon by the President or Governor. We cannot accomplish our mission and move our organization toward our vision of “being a premier force, relevant today and evolving to meet the missions of tomorrow,” without adaptive leaders, sound training management, world-class family programs and support programs. These imperatives ensure our entire Guard family has the resources they need to meet individual and team challenges. Underpinning our strategic lines of effort and operational imperatives are our values. As a profession of arms, we must live by our Army and Air values each and every day. We are one of the most trusted institutions in our state and nation because we live by our values and, as a profession of arms, are always ready and always there when our capabilities are needed. When any one of us fails to live by our values, it erodes the public trust that we have worked so hard to earn and negatively impacts our number one priority — readiness. I pledge to work every day to ensure we have the resources we need to accomplish our mission and reach our vision. I also pledge to live by our values each day. I
Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann ask each of you to join me in this pledge and dedicate yourselves to being servant leaders. I commend each of you for stepping up to the challenge of serving your state and nation. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
For an electronic copy of the Strategic Guidance, please email the Public Affairs Office at: ng.nd.ndarng.list.pao@mail.mil.
A North Dakota Guardsman monitors activity Jan. 27 near the oil pipeline protest camps established in southern Morton County. Nearly 1,500 Airmen and Soldiers served on state active duty between September 2016 to April 2017 to assist law enforcement in maintaining public safety during the protest events.
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THE POWER OF PEER SUPPORT N.D. Survivors Find Solace at National Seminar Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert, 119th Wing
The existence of the national organization Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) was unknown to me prior to May. After attending their national seminar, held annually over Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., I felt incredibly grateful to be afforded the opportunity to learn about TAPS through a shared experience with several families of fallen Soldiers from North Dakota. The knowledge I gained highlighted a tragic issue, an issue I didn’t realize was so pervasive, especially within the confines of our home state: suicide. The TAPS mission states, “TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service.” The second part of the mission statement contributed most profoundly to my experience. Of the 13 survivors who attended the TAPS seminar this year from North Dakota, eight were grieving the loss of a family member who died by suicide. These Soldiers who died, all members of the North Dakota Army National Guard, most certainly died “as a result of his or her service. “I miss my Tom every day as much as that first horrible day,” said Beth Doyle-Lautt, a survivor. “It doesn’t get easier, but you learn who you can share with and who you can’t. People really don’t get it until they are affected by it. TAPS families get it.” Through peer support, TAPS affords survivors the ability to
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connect with those who share a common experience or challenge. “They held our hand and guided us through our grief and they have never let go,” Beth said. “They understand when we break down and they comfort us like no one else can. Their pain is our pain and our pain is theirs. It’s a level of kinship like no other.” Beth and her husband, Dave Lautt, have long been open about their son, Spc. Thomas Doyle, and his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a battle lost Sept. 7, 2013. They’ve participated in several Out of the Darkness community walks in Fargo and organized the Ride to Silence the Stigma motorcycle run in Jamestown, which just marked its fourth year. The Lautt’s hope their participation in events like these will help bring awareness to the stigma that exists within the military culture concerning depression and PTSD, and hopefully helps people realize death by suicide can be prevented. “Maybe if I share, they will see the signs I missed and save a life,” Beth said. The military is also working to reduce stigma. In 2014, the RAND Corporation published the findings of research conducted to address the issue of mental health stigma as a barrier to mental health treatment
seeking among military service members. The research was sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. The findings focused on identifying programmatic and policy approaches to reducing stigma. Contact-based programs, or programs that empower service members who have mental health concerns to support their peers, were identified as an important approach the Department of Defense should consider to reduce stigma. I saw firsthand evidence that the peer support offered by TAPS at the national seminar (and at events throughout the year) helps those affected by suicide. The efforts by the Department of Defense to introduce programs focusing on peer support are a positive step to offer an additional option for military members, veterans, and their families to aid in their quest to reduce stigma associated with mental health and treatment seeking. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks the TAPS families for graciously accepting my presence with them at the seminar and for their unabashed honesty in sharing their stories and experiences. You all have contributed to enhancing my knowledge of the often taboo topic of death and the accompanying grief.
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) youth participants spend time with their mentors at the Washington Monument during the annual seminar held in May in Washington, D.C.
Jayme Lautt, left, attends a Washington Nationals baseball game in May 2017 with her mentor, Shawna Pfaff, during the annual TAPS seminar in Washington, D.C.
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FLYING HIGH N.D. Air Guard Launches Aircraft from Fargo for First Time in Four Years Story by Lt. Col. Nate Erstad and Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing; photos by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp
On Aug. 8, 2017, for the first time in nearly four years, the North Dakota Air National Guard flew a unit aircraft over Hector Field International Airport. The last time the Hooligans flew a unit aircraft out of Fargo was Aug. 27, 2013, the day the last C-21 (Learjet 35A) left for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The new aircraft, a MQ-9 Reaper, is a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) that replaces the MQ-1 Predator the Hooligans flew out of Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB). Like their mission in Grand Forks, the MQ-9’s launch and recovery at Hector Field required considerable planning and coordination from many people at the 119th Wing and multiple government agencies over the course of the last few years. “Four years ago this month, the last C-21 departed Fargo and with it, the prospect of Hooligans in the skies over Fargo for the foreseeable future,” said Col. Britt Hatley, 119th Wing commander. “Today, the Hooligans returned to the skies over Hector using our newest platform — the MQ-9 Reaper. While this event marks the next chapter in an already incredible Hooligan lineage, it also culminates an incredible period of transition, growth and renewal.” Personnel from the 119th Operations Group, which includes 178th Attack Squadron and the 119th Maintenance Squadron,
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spent countless hours overcoming the unique obstacles that accompany flying a remotely piloted aircraft alongside other private and commercial aircraft. MISSION EVOLUTION In March of 2006, the 119th Wing faced one of its biggest challenges when then-Gov. John Hoeven announced the F-16, an aircraft the Wing had flown and maintained for 16 years, would be replaced. He also announced 60 years of flying fighter aircraft would end and the Wing would begin operating the remotely-piloted MQ-1 Predator while simultaneously preparing for the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft. “When that announcement came out, it was really a shock. For 60 years, the 119th Maintenance Group was a significant part of the Wing team that contributed to major national awards, such as William Tell, the Hughes trophy, and the National Guard Bureau (NGB) Daedalian Maintenance Trophy,” said Lt. Col. Nate Erstad, the 119th Maintenance Squadron commander. “Now, a maintenance organization with nearly 400 personnel would be reduced to 150. Unit members were wondering what the future held for them.” The 119th Operations and Maintenance Groups transitioned
to the use of the MQ-1 and reached initial operational capability in 2007, while flying the C-21 Learjet 35A as a bridge to the brand new C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft. However, the Department of Defense divested the C-27J in 2012 before the N.D. Air National Guard received its first aircraft and the unit lost its C-21s in 2013, resulting in the end of manned flying for the unit. In April of 2012, the NGB, the Air Combat Command (ACC), and the 119th Operations Group, began detailed discussions relative to civilian contract maintenance for the MQ-1’s planned Launch and Recovery Element (LRE). At this time, since unmanned aircraft were prohibited from flying in civilian airspace, the LRE would operate at Grand Forks AFB. More importantly, aircraft maintenance would be contracted out, effectively ending 60 years of Air National Guard “Blue Suit” maintenance at Fargo. However, 119th Wing leadership cultivated the idea that the Wing could, and should, take on the responsibility of providing “Blue Suit” (Air National Guard personnel) maintenance support to the LRE in lieu of the civilian contracted maintenance, saving the Department of Defense an estimated $10 million per year. By the end of April 2012, a plan began to develop and, in May, the plan was approved by both ACC and the Air National Guard Readiness Center. From May through October 2012, aircraft maintenance personnel and pilots were living in two different worlds: continuing C-21 operations while simultaneously establishing fully-operational RPA capabilities at the Grand Forks AFB. In September 2012, the 119th LRE taxied the first aircraft, and on Oct. 10, 2012, launched the first RPA to fly in North Dakota air space. By November, all four MQ-1s were officially mission ready. By January 2014, the Air National Guard Readiness Center allotted 12 more full-time positions for the 119th Wing, raising the maintenance ranks to 27 full-time on the path toward a total of 110 military and 52 full-time positions. “The increase in manning was an incredible win for the Wing,” Erstad said. “In true Hooligan fashion, with the help of personnel all across the Wing, we proved not only that we could do the job, we could do it at substantial cost savings to the U.S. government. In addition, we laid the foundation for future opportunities throughout the RPA enterprise.” The 119th LRE flew its final MQ-1 flight in March 2016, but the MQ-9 Reapers didn’t arrive at the N.D. Air National Guard Base until May 2017. When the new equipment arrived, aircraft maintainers began assembling the aircraft as communications specialists and aircrew readied the ground control station for flight operations in Fargo. Finally, on Aug. 8, 2017, the Happy Hooligans launched and successfully flew the MQ-9 over Hector Field. “We were home!” Erstad said. “We transitioned into a more capable weapon system and renewed our reputation across a myriad of joint task forces by placing the Hooligan stamp on MQ-9 operations,” Hatley said. “Rest assured, none of this was possible without the support of Hooligans, past and present. Every Hooligan across every group and squadron plays an integral role in what we do every day.”
Members of the 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assemble an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft for the first time June 20, 2017, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo.
Members of the 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron remove an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft from its storage and transportation container. This was the second Reaper to arrive at the unit for use at the 119th Wing Launch and Recovery Element.
Members of the 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft for the first engine run power up July 17, 2017, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base.
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Engineer Units Partner with Local Community for Wishek Airport Project Story by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters; photo by Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
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Soldiers from two North Dakota Army National Guard engineer units refined their military skills during annual training this summer by making enhancements to the Wishek Municipal Airport. The work is being completed through the National Guard’s State CivilMilitary Construction Program, which provides Guardsmen with realistic training in their respective military occupational specialties, or MOSs, while providing local nonprofits and governmental agencies with needed assistance. About 40 Soldiers from the Wishek-based Detachment 1, 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) began work in early June by clearing debris and hauling about 60,000 cubic yards of fill dirt to grade and expand the airport’s hangar apron. The upgrade will allow additional hangars to be built there to accommodate increased traffic at the facility. Additionally, the unit constructed an access road running to the apron, as well as a parking lot across from the airport terminal. “This is the type of project that really adds training value for our Soldiers, allowing them to use their Army-acquired expertise to enrich their communities,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “Many of the Guard engineers involved in this
airport project call Wishek home. Their ability to work in their communities as military members shows the unique attributes of the citizen-Soldier. Being a part of the National Guard allows for opportunities to respond for missions around the globe, within our state and even our own neighborhoods.” In late June, another 30 Soldiers from the 815th Engineer Company of Edgeley, North Dakota, used their heavy equipment to build a new 2,500-foot taxiway in Wishek. Lorren Henke, a board member for the Wishek Municipal Airport, said the work done by the N.D. National Guard will help to enhance safety and help enable the airport’s future growth. “I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve been out there to visit the airport. (The Soldiers) are helpful people; they’re really concerned about doing a good job and they take pride in what they do,” he said. “They wanted a quality project and want people to come by (the airport) and be able to say ‘this is what our Guard can do.’” 1st Lt. Justin Johnson, the executive officer for the 815th Engineer Company, said the project in Wishek gave the unit an alternative to its typical training venue at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. It also gave the Soldiers an opportunity to interact with the community. While in Wishek, the Guardsmen hosted a pinochle tournament, softball game, golf scramble and flag ceremony to show their appreciation. “The community has completely accepted and supported us. To be able to help them out is great,” Johnson said. “It’s awesome to be able to give back.”
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on the safe side The 219th Security Forces Squadron Provide Missile Field Security Story and photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) performed an important, real-world, operational mission at the Minot Air Force Base (AFB) missile field complex for their annual training this year alongside their active-duty counterparts, demonstrating the effectiveness of the U.S. Air Force total force concept. From June 3 to June 22, the 219th SFS assumed full responsibility for the security of the missile alert facility (MAF) and its associated launch facilities, located near Minot, North Dakota, while simultaneously conducting training for drill-status Guard (DSG) members. The U.S. Military nuclear triad, which includes submarines, bombers and Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), provides an umbrella of defense for the U.S. and its NATO partners around the world. Two of the three legs of the triad are located at the Minot AFB. The 219th SFS contributes to the security of some of the nation’s most important defense assets at the base. “The number one priority of the Secretary of Defense is nuclear deterrence, which is why there is a very heavy commitment to securing nuclear assets, and we play a role in that,” said Capt. Greg Goodman, 219th Security Forces officer. Each year, the 219th Security Forces Squadron conducts the annual training period for its DSGs, who work seamlessly, side-byside, with full-time active guard and reserve (AGR) members of the N.D. Air National Guard, as well as active-duty U.S. Air Force security forces members assigned to the Minot AFB 91st Missile Wing performing their real-world mission. “The 219th SFS epitomizes the strength and enduring nature of the total force relationship between Fargo’s 119th Wing and Minot’s 91st Missile Wing,” said Col. Britt Hatley, 119th Wing commander. The integration of the 219th SFS Air National Guard personnel and the 91st Missile Wing U.S. Air Force active-duty personnel is considered a potential model for total force missile field security in other locations. “The 219th Security Forces Squadron is in a unique relationship that exists nowhere else, on any other ICBM base. They’re actually trying to mirror what’s been done here because it has been so successful,” said Col. Colin Connor, the 91st Missile Wing commander. Nuclear security operations continues to evolve. The latest evolution is with the missile security operating concept (MSOC). While the training period in the missile field has become routine for the 219th SFS Airmen, the new MSOC procedures have changed things to a certain degree. MSOC attempts to keep squad-level security members together in an effort to provide team leaders more ability to plan in the field. It also reduces travel back and forth to the MAFs, which allows 10 · Guardian · Summer 2017
for more efficient use of personnel. It provides the opportunity for better familiarity of specific flight areas and supervisors have more interaction with their personnel as they eat, train and work together as a cohesive unit in those flight areas. “The Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein has said the squadron is the core war-fighting element within the Air Force. It’s really getting back to that,” Connor said. Pairing the N.D. Air National Guard security forces members with active-duty security forces members is being done seamlessly at the Minot AFB missile field complex and offers many benefits for both organizations. “The only way you can tell the 219th SFS members from the 91st Missile Wing security forces members is by the patch on their sleeve,” said Col. Jason Beers, 91st Security Forces Group commander. “They are as good, if not better, at the security mission as we are and they are an awesome asset for us, and great partners in the mission.” The personnel assigned to this mission have a diverse skill set developed over years of civilian and military experience, which compliments the Air Force’s intentions with the total force concept. “I see professionals that understand this mission, have a long commitment to this mission, and a great deal of expertise in this mission and can teach my young Airmen how the security mission is supposed to be performed,” Beers said. “The other benefit is they are locals, and can help with the off-duty activities, and how to get into and enjoy being here in North Dakota. They are a great asset and a great resource to talk to and find out about what is great about this state.” In return, the 219th SFS members benefit greatly from the variety of experience, training and backgrounds of the active duty personnel who they interact with in the missile field and the other areas of the Minot AFB. “Ultimately, both units are united in ensuring a safe, secure, and reliable strategic nuclear deterrent for the United States,” Col. Hatley said.
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Reports from the Field N.D. Army National Guard Soldiers Conduct Annual Training
Photo by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers of the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) construct a latrine facility in June during their annual training at Camp Grafton-South, near McHenry, North Dakota.
Hundreds of North Dakota Guardsmen conducted annual training throughout the state and region over the course of the summer. The N.D. National Guard’s greatest obligation is to ensure that Soldiers and Airmen are trained and equipped to be successful in any mission. Annual training is valuable to our force because it provides an opportunity for Guardsmen to collectivly train on their mission-essential tasks to maintain fully-ready units prepared to support our communities, state and nation. Annual training activities vary depending on unit capabilities. Read the highlights below to learn about what some of our Army Guard Soldiers did this summer. 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) Story by Spc. Kristin Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment About 30 Soldiers from the Wahpeton-based 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) continued the construction of new facility at Camp Grafton South Training Center, near McHenry, North Dakota, during their annual training in June 2017. The construction of the new facility is part of the ongoing development of a contemporary operation location (COL), designed to provide latrine and shower facilities for service members to use during field training. “We are building a COL to mimic what you see overseas,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan Doblar, of Portland, Oregon, who serves as a platoon leader with 2nd Platoon, 188th Engineer Company (Vertical).
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“We are building the showers and latrines, but eventually we will have barracks and a dining facility here. It will be an area where Soldiers can come on range day and during field training to conduct operations and practice battle drills.” By the end of the two-week annual training period, the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), had the building covered with house wrap to prevent infiltration of air and water. Due to the time constraint, approximately 10 days-worth of work remained after the training period ended. Other units at Camp Grafton and students who attend training at the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute will complete the project. As of June 6, the project was two days ahead of schedule thanks to the number of experienced carpenters in the unit. In addition to building similar projects while deployed to Kuwait, the unit has many Soldiers that do this type of work in the civilian sector. Many of the Soldiers are masters in their trade, which is the highest skill level. “More than 75 percent of the Soldiers in the unit work as contractors, master plumbers, master electricians, rough framers, finishers and framers,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Howey, of Fargo, North Dakota, who serves as a platoon sergeant. “We have always been really blessed with always having civilian contractors in our company. At this site specifically, more than half of the Soldiers have civilian experience. At least two people on each crew are rough framers.” Howey, who has more than 24 years of experience as an
electrician, applies his civilian knowledge to his military occupation to help develop his subordinate Soldiers. He said the civilian experience helps him as a leader in the unit, especially with pre-planning. For new Soldiers to the unit, like Pfc. Harleigh Thompson, annual training mission provided an opportunity for skill development and new experience. “I didn’t think I would be able to put a floor down,” Thompson said. “I have learned how to square a deck, put a building on cement pillars, install floor joists and so much more. They are really accepting of the lack of knowledge that I have. Everybody treats me as a member of the team.” In addition to conducting a military operation and teaching from army doctrine, the unit uses their “trade secrets” to save labor costs. “Even though we are stuck with the same hours, we are trying to save the state a lot of time, which equates to money,” said Howey. “If we can save time on this project, that means we have more money to do projects. That is what a lot of us try to bring into the military from the civilian world.”
Photo by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Pfc. Bailey Duffy, of the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), prepares a rafter for setting June 6, 2017, at the Camp Grafton-South latrine and shower construction site near McHenry, North Dakota.
Photo by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
From left, Sgt. Chris Senff, Sgt. Anthony Christensen and Sgt. Eric Blumhagen, all of the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) set up scaffolding to prepare for continued construction June 6, 2017, at the Camp Grafton-South latrine and shower construction site during the company’s scheduled annual training period.
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815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) Story by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Soldiers with the 815th Engineering Company (Horizontal) worked on multiple projects in June during their annual training at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota. The projects included the installation of an access road, a cofferdam and a perimeter road, which includes at least one bridge. The cofferdam was installed through a slough at the Camp Grafton Training Center in order to allow for easier water management during excavation and construction of the access road, which circles the slough and will eventually lead to a new training site for the 12C Bridge Crewmember Military Occupational Specialty Qualification (MOS-Q) course. The cofferdam will remain in place until construction is completed, and will then be removed. The 12C Bridge Crewmember MOS-Q course will use the new training site to haul in floating bridge sections,
drop bridge sections and place them in the water to form a floating bridge. “The goal for the 2nd Detachment of the 815th Engineering Company is to complete the main road and access road, and complete the cofferdam,” said 2nd Lt. Sean Updahl, one of the officers overseeing the project. “Currently, we are about 60 percent complete on roads and about 50 percent on the cofferdam. There are 35 Soldiers working on the main project, including equipment operators and mechanics. Most of our Soldiers work as equipment operators or hold construction positions, and this has been invaluable to our unit for these projects.” Soldiers with the 815th Engineer Company worked on the construction projects at the Camp Grafton Training Center for the duration of their two-week annual training period, but the training site needs a significant amount of work before it will be finished. “Realistically, it will take one or two more years before the training site is operational and the project is fully completed,” Updahl said.
Photo by Capt. Jacquelyn Flemmer, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Photo by Capt. Jacquelyn Flemmer, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers from 2nd Detachment, 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) deposit soil Jun. 9, 2017, for the Richie Slough cofferdam construction project at the Camp Grafton Training Center.
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141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Story by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) and 426th Signal Company collaborated for a natural-disaster relief training exercise at Camp Grafton Training Center in June. The objective of the mission was to simulate reaction and response to a notional damage-producing tornado impacting the Devils Lake area. “The duties of each company are largely independent, but critical to one another” said 1st Lt. April Kuck, a platoon leader with the 426th Signal Company. “It is our mission to make sure that the 141st MEB is capable of accomplishing their mission.” During the annual training, Soldiers from both units were able to practice their mission-essential tasks in a domestic operations capacity. In a real-world domestic emergency, the 141st MEB (headquarters and subordinate elements) can establish a rear-area security and support element, while the 426th Signal Company has the capabilities to support tactical and state networks. The 426th Signal Company is able to provide operational elements in order to engineer, install, operate, maintain and defend the network and extend network services to elements operating in the mission area. “The 141st MEB is a well-oiled machined,” said Sgt. David Hooge, the noncommissioned officer conducting the flow of information during the exercise. “Everyone knows their job, and if everyone is doing their job well, this is an easy exercise. The training scenarios might change, but the knowledge of how to perform your job stays consistent.”
Photo by Spc. Drew Ward, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
The 426th Signal Company used a joint network node to provide remote, satellite-based communication for the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in June for a natural-disaster relief exercise held at the Camp Grafton Training Center.
Photo by Spc. Drew Ward, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers with the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and 426th Signal Company establish a tactical operations center (TOC) in June for their natural-disaster relief exercise at the Camp Grafton Training Center. In the TOC, personnel receive, distribute and analyze information, synchronize resources and coordinate assets for a specific mission.
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Photo by Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Capt. Russ Sundby, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Putz and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Yancey Demoe, all pilots with 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), conduct a training mission using downlink camera operations June 8, 2017, for a Homeland Response Force exercise at the Camp Grafton Training Center.
N.D. Hosts 350 Utah National Guardsmen Story by Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Approximately 350 Utah National Guardsmen operated as a Homeland Response Force (HRF) June 4-9 and conducted Exercise Devils Breath at the Camp Grafton Training Center. The HRF element is a component of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and responds,with consent from the governor of the directed state to a catastrophic event while bridging the gap between National Guard and active-duty military capabilities. North Dakota falls under FEMA Region Eight. Over the past three years, N.D. National Guard members coordinated with personnel from FEMA Region Eight headquarters and the Utah National Guard to plan Exercise Devils Breath. North Dakota was chosen as the training location because it is the furthest state in distance from Utah, which provided an opportunity for the Utah National Guard to test their readiness. “North Dakota has been accommodating and we’ve enjoyed our training time here,” said Col. Scott Burnhope, commander of the HRF element from the 97th Troop Command in Draper, Utah. “We’ve had an extremely productive week with reaching all of our training goals. The relationship between Utah and North Dakota will carry into the future.”
The HRF, when directed by authority, assembles within six to 12 hours. They work alongside first responders in casualty assistance, search and extraction, decontamination, and medical triage and stabilization. HRFs are validated by the adjutant general of each state and can operate at a regional or national level. Aircrew members Capt. Russ Sundby, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Putz, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Yancey Demoe, all of the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), participated in a training exercise involving the Lakota UH-72 helicopters. The pilots were able to transmit a digital feed during a downlink camera training flight to Brunhope while he was on the ground. The camera is in the Lakota aircraft while the hand-receiver is on the ground transmitting a clear picture of exactly what the pilots are seeing. “I can’t believe how clear the picture is for both us in the aircraft and those on the ground,” said Sundby. “I’m able to get an extremely clear visual 12 miles away.” The HRF conducted daily training missions to include possible real-life situations that could occur while they were deployed. The training included scenarios of a contagious and quick-spreading disease, tornado, heat casualties, and other hazards.
Wellness Camp Story by Spc. Kristin Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment About 55 soldiers from units throughout the North Dakota Army National Guard took part in a 3-day wellness camp May 1921 at the Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. The camp was established in 2016 to help Soldiers improve their health and physical readiness, as well as to foster a lifestyle of personal wellness. Participants learned the practical application of Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT), including the use of PRT exercises, activities and drills, basic nutrition and healthy eating habits, all of which can be applied for an overall lifestyle change. “If you’re struggling with PT (physical training) or height and weight, it’s a good place to start,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lawson, of the 164th Engineer Battalion Forward Support Company. “There is such a positive vibe here and it (the camp) provides the framework to develop goals and information that can help people achieve those goals.” Capt. Michelle Thomsen, the N.D. National Guard’s resilience coordinator, said the N.D. National Guard’s Resilience Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Office (R3SP) modeled the program off a similar camp developed by the Florida National Guard. North Dakota’s camp was designed to bolster Soldier readiness, which Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, has stated is his No. 1 priority. Camp participants emerged from the program with new methods to apply to their everyday lifestyles to help improve their habits and manage time for diet and exercise. Time and lifestyle management techniques were only a few of the topics covered on the detailed,
multifaceted wellness camp agenda. Three days of wellness courses were developed with input from the program’s instructors, many of whom serve in the N.D. National Guard. Some of the nutrition courses were taught by licensed registered dieticians Sgt. Erin Walters, of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and 1st Lt. Vanessa Lennick, of the 814th Medical Company. Both Soldiers have extensive experience with nutrition in their civilian careers. In addition to the dieticians, the camp instructors included personal trainers, fitness instructors, gym owners and experienced athletes to assist Soldiers with their wellness journeys. Instructors covered a range of topics, including classes about overall health concerns, the importance of sufficient sleep, importance of proper footwear, and responsible alcohol consumption. Each class was tailored to have some connection with mission readiness in the N.D. National Guard. Soldiers also received functional instruction on a wide variety of exercise options, including Army PRT, circuit training, yoga/ stretching, functional fitness, running, weightlifting and proper physical fitness techniques. The camp featured a running clinic instructed by accomplished triathlete and physical therapist Melanie Carvell. She also spoke with camp participants about her personal experiences with recovering from serious injuries. She spoke about how to get back into a routine of regular exercise while battling injuries. Capt. Badger Koepplin, of the 141st Movement Enhancement Brigade, who participated in the wellness camp, encourages others to participate in the program. “Everybody gets treated with respect here,” he said. “It’s not a derogatory environment focused on weight and PT issues. It’s about changing the way you live life and making improvements.”
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Lock and Load
N.D. Guardsmen Vie for Top Honors at State Marksmanship Competition Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
More than 50 Airmen and Soldiers in July took aim downrange at Camp Grafton’s firing complex to pick apart targets and amass winning shooting scores during the 2017 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match. Using pistols, rifles and shotguns, the North Dakota National Guard shooters took part in a number of individual and team contests, testing their marksmanship skills and learning new techniques to further develop their competitiveness. Attendees at this year’s competition witnessed a three-decade-long winning streak come to an end when the 119th Wing’s “A” team bested perennial winners from the Jamestown-based 817th Engineer Company (Sapper). The Fargo-based Airmen attained the highest aggregate score from multiple shooting matches. They are Tech. Sgt. Joshua VonBank, Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rook, Airman 1st Class Gavin Rook and Staff Sgt. Matthew Jasper. The 817th Engineer Company, which came in second, previously had won the “Overall Team Aggregate” category during each of the last 33 years it competed. This year’s team included Spc. Bryce Solie, of Fertile, Minnesota; Spc. Tyrel Hoppe, of Fargo; Spc. Drew Topp, of Jamestown; and Spc. Brent Mittleider, also of Jamestown. “I salute our 119th Wing marksmen for their outstanding victory,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “I also
congratulate the 817th Engineer Company for its 33-year winning record, a record that will probably never be matched in our state. Marksmanship is an extremely important military skill, and the experience, time and practice each of our participating Guard members invested to improve their skills will allow them to better assist their battle buddies and wingmen back in their units, on the firing line.” In individual competition, Sgt. Tyler Goldade, of Jamestown, who serves with the 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal), was named the best overall marksman, or “top gun” He was followed by Airman 1st Class Gavin Rook, who came in second, and Hoppe, who finished third. North Dakota’s shooters now will set their sights on the 46th Annual Winston P. Wilson Championship in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where they will compete against National Guard marksmen from across the nation next spring. They entered the event as returning “Overall Aggregate Champions” in team competition, a distinction they earned in April 2016. Two four-shooter North Dakota teams will be sent to compete. The competitors are chosen based up their scores from the state match. VonBank said regardless of the state competition outcome, Guardsmen from both branches — Army and Air — are intent on
congealing as a team to represent North Dakota nationally. “You come into the state match and everyone’s trying to give each other a bloody nose; everybody wants that prize. But then moving from that, it’s unity of effort,” he said. “This is a brotherhood, even the new shooters coming in. You’re scored as an individual, but you succeed as a team. A lot of other teams with real strong (state marksmanship) programs were surprised when we won nationals (last year), but we weren’t. We’ve been building on this program for five to six years.” North Dakota’s teams have leaned on their depth of experience, levying veteran shooter talent to train and mentor novice marksmen who are new to the program. This strategy was put into practice to help the teams continue to accumulate regional and national accolades and ensure North Dakota’s marksmanship program remains effective into the future. Some of the veterans who are available to team members for coaching include Sgt. Evan Messer and Goldade, both of whom hold positions on the All-Guard Marksmanship team — a “who’s who” of the best shooters in the entire National Guard. Messer, of Mandan, North Dakota, and a member of the 817th Engineer Company, was sidelined with an injury during this year’s state competition, but helped coach shooters at the Winston P. Wilson Championship. The N.D. National Guard also is home to two “Double Distinguished” shooters, including Messer and Hoppe. Fewer than one percent of all shooters ever reach “Double Distinguished” status. The achievement is earned by accruing compounded “leg points” during state, regional and national marksmanship competitions. A marksman acquires “leg points” by finishing in the top 10 percent of shooters in rifle and pistol “Excellence-in-Competition” matches. “In the last five years, we’ve seen as many distinguished shooters as we have in the previous 20. And that’s indicative of the program we’re running,” VonBank said. “Our new shooters that are coming in are better coached, better focused. This is a stronger state program than we’ve had for some time.” The pairing of veteran and novice shooters was on full display during the Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match. Veteran shooters could be seen coaching new competitors, regularly providing tips and advice in between matches, most of which involve complex movements, reloading ammunition and varying target engagement sequences. For instance, in an event like the “3-Gun Match,” shooters must switch between three weapons systems — rifle, pistol and shotgun — while changing out ammunition and firing at an array of targets. “The positions and the strategies behind a lot of the matches is the most difficult thing to learn,” said Sgt. Andrew Maley, a veteran marksman who competed on the Company A, 231st Brigade Support Battalion team. “We’ve shot these competitions for years and we’re always learning something new, a better way to do it. It just takes time to get a good strategy down.” Sgt. Caitlin Hanson, a member of the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), is one of the Soldiers new to the marksmanship program. This year’s Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match was her second year participating in the state competition. She said being part of the marksmanship program has made her a better shooter, but she’s also been able to help bolster her unit’s marksmanship qualification scores by sharing what she has learned with others. “I love marksmanship. Growing up, I’ve always loved shooting. I had heard about the marksmanship teams, so I started asking around in my unit to see if I could join one,” she said. “Last year was a good introduction, and this year, I’ve gained even more knowledge. I’m just learning as much as I can so I can go back to my unit and give them those tools and any information that can help them with marksmanship qualification.”
Brig. Gen. Robert Fode, N.D. National Guard Army Component commander, left, and Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund, N.D. deputy adjutant general, right, presented the Fargo-based 119th Wing marksmanship team with awards July 9 during the 2017 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match held at Camp Grafton’s firing complex. The Airmen had the highest aggregate score from multiple shooting matches. Team members are, second from left to right, Tech. Sgt. Joshua VonBank, Airman 1st Class Gavin Rook, Staff Sgt. Matthew Jasper and Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rook.
Sgt. Andrew Maley, who competed on the Company A, 231st Brigade Support Battalion team, tallies his score following a pistol match July 9 at Camp Grafton’s firing complex. Maley was one of more than 50 Soldiers and Airmen who competed in the 2017 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match.
From right to left, Master Sgt. Charles Welle, Senior Airman Hunter Martineau, Capt. Chris Kennedy and Airman 1st Class Cody Dewandeler (behind Kennedy) run past the starting line during the “3-Gun Match” July 7 at the Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match at Camp Grafton’s firing complex. The Airmen competed as the “B” team for the Fargo-based 119th Wing.
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GUARDIAN Snapshots
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
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Staff Sgt. Samantha Nuenthal, of the 119th Medical Group, left, applies chest compressions as Senior Airman Kally Anderson provides rescue breaths to a training apparatus June 3, 2017, during a unit training assembly at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
Photo by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
A member of the N.D. National Guard’s Bismarck-based 81st Civil Support Team (CST) participated in a no-notice exercise with Bismarck Fire and Rescue June 29, 2017, to locate and identify a hazardous contaminate at the Bismarck Fire and Rescue Training Tower, as part of an evaluation conducted by U.S. Army North (ARNORTH). The 81st CST is a 22-member team poised to support civil authorities in the event of use (or threatened use) of a weapon of mass destruction, including nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical agents.
Airman 1st Class Ty Haaland, in the foreground, along with several 219th Security Forces Squadron members, do flutter kicks in an attempt to elevate their heart rate prior to shooting M9 handguns July 21, 2017, at the shooting range at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota. There the Airmen perform annual weapons familiarization training and qualification for their assigned mission of missile field security at the Minot Air Force Base, near Minot, North Dakota.
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
Capt. David Geu, the Fargo Military Entrance Processing Station operations officer, left, administers the oath of enlistment June 29, 2017, to several recruits during a ceremony at the military appreciation night at the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks baseball game at the Newman Outdoor Field. The 119th Wing’s four new members (in navy blue student t-shirts) from left to right are Benjamin Noah, Peter Griffin, Brian Schreiner and Riley Wilhelm. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
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North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann congratulates Brig. Gen. Ron Solberg, the North Dakota assistant adjutant general for Air, June 3, 2017, during Solberg’s retirement ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota.
NewsBriefs
Photo by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
N.D. National Guard Withdraws Presences from Mayville, Mott The North Dakota National Guard this summer celebrated its nearly 60-year partnership with the city of Mayville and nearly 70-year partnership with the city of Mott. After stationing an assortment of units with varying military specialties over the last several decades, the National Guard withdrew its presences in these cities due to force structure changes. Celebration activities in both cities featured a “casing of the colors,” which is a military tradition of retiring a unit’s guidon by placing it into a carrying case during a formal ceremony witnessed by members of the unit.
Hooligans say Farewell To Brig. Gen. Solberg Brig. Gen. Ronald W. Solberg, assistant adjutant general, Air, was honored in a retirement ceremony at the 119th Wing in June. Approximately 200 guests, plus a wing formation of nearly 750 Happy Hooligans, filled the aircraft maintenance hangar to celebrate a storied career spanning more than three decades. In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, had high praise for Solberg, commenting, “Ron is just one of those guys who connects with everyone, is respected by everyone, and for those reasons he has really left a lasting impression on the Air National Guard.” Solberg was presented with the Legion of Merit and the North Dakota Distinguished Service Medal, the highest state award available within the North Dakota National Guard. Referencing Solberg’s deployment to Iraq, Dohrmann went on to say, “It’s just one of those things that’s embedded in Ron, that sense of service, that sense of leading by example, and that he would never expect someone to do something that he wouldn't do himself.” Solberg served as the North Dakota National Guard assistant adjutant general, Air since 2013. He is responsible to the adjutant general for all matters pertaining to the Air National Guard such as readiness, 22 · Guardian · summer 2017
Current and former members of the 191st Military Police Company stand in front of the Mayville armory for a final photo June 23, 2017, after a final formation and “casing of the colors” ceremony was held to honor the N.D. National Guard’s nearly 60-year partnership with the city.
training, mobilization, policies, recruiting, equipping and morale for more than 1,000 Airmen. “I've had a truly blessed career,” said Solberg. He reminisced about the honor to command at the squadron and group levels in Fargo and the great opportunity to command U.S. Air Force personnel in combat operations overseas. He also recalled projects he worked on as base engineer, many of which, he noted, are still part of the base footprint today. “At the end of a journey like this, what really matters is not what you wear on your shoulder, or how much money you earn,” Solberg said. “What really counts are the experiences and the relationships you’ve had with the people around you, those people who shared the journey with you.” Solberg left the audience with these parting words and one final salute, “The Happy Hooligans have a record of excellence that is unparalleled. The challenge for those of you still in uniform is to continue that heritage of excellence into the future; and I am positive you will succeed.” Solberg was commissioned in 1989 through the Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tennessee. He held various positions and commands within the 119th Wing, including civil engineer squadron (CES) officer, CES staff officer, CES commander, mission support group commander, and maintenance group
commander. In 2012, Solberg was selected by the adjutant general to serve as the chief of joint staff for the office of the adjutant general and director of staff for the Air National Guard. In July 2013, he was appointed assistant adjutant general for Air, a position held until retirement. Solberg is a licensed professional engineer and is a lifetime member of the Air National Guard Civil Engineers Association and the National Guard Association of the United States. Additionally, he served as president of the Edgewood Lions Club, is active as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and has coached soccer for over 12 years. He is employed by the city of Fargo as an engineer. His military awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (with three bronze oak leaf clusters); Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster); Meritorious Unit Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with two silver oak leaf clusters and one bronze oak leaf cluster); Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster); National Defense Service Medal (with one bronze service star); Iraq Campaign Medal (with two bronze service stars); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Humanitarian Service Medal (with one bronze service star).
Chaplains’ Corner: spiritual first aid
SoundOff!
By Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson, N.D. National Guard Staff Chaplain On August 18, 1967, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Francis L. Sampson became (the) 12th Chief of Chaplains. Though many know Father Sampson as the inspiration for the film, “Saving Private Ryan,” he received a Distinguished Service Cross for another heroic feat. As part of the elite 501st Parachute Regiment, Chaplain Sampson landed in France on D-Day. He was staying behind with the wounded who could not be moved when the area was taken over by the Waffen SS. Chaplain Sampson was taken prisoner and lined up to be shot. He later said that he was too scared to remember the Act of Contrition and instead began reciting the Catholic prayer for mealtime. A Catholic German soldier recognized the prayer and ordered his release. Chaplain Sampson later went on to reunite a young Soldier with his family after his brothers were killed in action, the basis for the film, “Saving Private Ryan.” (Source: U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. Dated August 19, 2014)
Chaplain Sampson, like many service members, found himself in a life and death situation. All the training in the world could not prepare him for that particular moment. He simply had to face it. That said, like all of us in uniform, he’d received the fundamentals of military training (minus the weapons training, of course) and in his case, civilian training as well. Now, in addition to the training, when he landed on D-Day, he landed in a river with all of the gear the Army gave him to survive. Because of the urgency of this situation, however, he quickly cut away all of his military gear and dove after one his most important pieces of equipment: his Chaplain Kit. After several dives, he retrieved it. With the basics “in hand,” he went right to work ministering to the wounded as his unit moved forward with the fight. In the course of ministering to the troops, he was quickly captured and nearly killed, but he was spared after reciting a well-known prayer. It wasn’t the prayer he wanted to pray, but it was the prayer that he could remember while a weapon was being leveled at him. Hearing the Catholic table prayer, a German Catholic Soldier stepped in and ordered his release. And so, he went back to work. All told, while ministering to so many in WWII, Chaplain Sampson would end up being captured twice and lived the life of a POW for four months. He then went on to minister to the troops again in the Korean War and ultimately finished his military ministry serving as the 12th Army Chief of Chaplains. Now, like Chaplain Sampson, when you and I have found ourselves in some very difficult situations, what do you think gets us through? We go back to the basics, right? Everything is “cut away” and we “dive after” what’s most important. For Chaplain Sampson and for people of faith, prayer is one of those things; it’s one of the basics. Prayer is one of the ways that we connect with God for all things, wherever we find ourselves. And even if we struggle with the words, God knows what we need. You and I, like the good Chaplain, are faced with all kinds of uncertain situations each day. It’s a fact of life and we can’t escape
it. When facing these situations, from a faith perspective, we go back to what has gotten us to this point in life and we dig in. While we don’t know the outcomes of these circumstances, like Chaplain Sampson, we do know “where” to go for help. With all this in mind, how do you and I go about readying ourselves to face/meet our challenges from day to day? Part of it is simply living life. “We live and learn,” as they say. But I’d argue that it’s a lot more than simply “reacting” to life and its challenges. It’s about being intentional in all areas of our lives. In the military, for example, we plan/practice and plan some more so that we become proficient at our respective jobs. We also maintain ourselves physically/mentally so that we can meet the demands of our profession. But we’re also spiritual people. How do we maintain ourselves in this area? From a religious perspective, what that means for me, is that I need to have ongoing connection with God and have people of faith in my life to build/maintain a strong foundation so that I am ready. Maintaining these connections, for me, is life giving! And while I never will be fully prepared for every circumstance, I have a foundation that will help me weather the storm. What about you? What does your foundation look like these days? And how do you nurture yourself from a spiritual perspective? Blessings, Chaplain Johnson “The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.” — Matthew 7:25
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Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing Staff Sgt. LaMitchell Primm, left, and Airman 1st Class Christopher Novotny, both of the 119th Medical Group, hoist a litter and simulated battle casualty into a 54th Helicopter Squadron Bell UH-1N Iroquois helicopter July 20, 2017 at Camp Gilbert C. Grafton, near Devils Lake, North Dakota.