GUARDIAN
North Dakota
Volume 11, Issue 2
Summer 2018
Irons IN THE
FIRE
Guard Soldiers Attend N.D. Forest Service-Led Wildland Fire-Fighting Course Page 18
SCHMIDT REIGNS Civil Support Team Soldier Crowned, Earns Pageantry Title Page 8
Mission Ready Happy Hooligans Complete Unit Effectiveness Inspection Page 14
Inside This Issue Features
8
Breaking Boundaries
Capt. Laura Schmidt, an N.D. Army National Guard Soldier and full-time survey team leader for the 81st Civil Support Team, discusses how working in her various roles, including that of Mrs. North Dakota International 2018, are fueled by her passion to serve her community.
Broadening
12 Horizons
North Dakota civic leaders attended Civic Leader Day June 13 at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota, to learn more about the North Dakota National Guard’s capabilities. The group, which included Gov. Doug Burgum, had the opportunity to fly to the venue on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicoptors piloted by North Dakota aviators.
Superior
14 Performance The 119th Wing took a huge step in complying with the new Air Force Inspection System process by successfully completing a “Capstone” unit effectiveness inspection May 1722 at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota.
Departments 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. Al Dohrmann Chief of Public Affairs Maj. Amber Balken Editor 2nd Lt. Jennifer Anderson Contributors Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Corey Bjertness Lt. Col. John Kapocious Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Staff Sgt. Brett Miller Sgt. Brandon Bartlett Sgt. Sara Marchus Spc. Kristin Berg Spc. Thea Jorgensen Spc. Drew Ward Mr. Bill Prokopyk The North Dakota Guardian is an authorized publication for members, families and retirees of the N.D. National Guard. • Contents of the North Dakota Guardian are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army or Air Force. • Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard ( JFND) Public Affairs Officer. • Printed by United Printing, a private firm in no way connected to the U.S. Government under exclusive written contract with the JFND. Reproduction is by the offset method with a circulation of approximately 4,900. • The North Dakota Guardian is published by the JFND Public Information Office, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511, 701.333.2007
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
Contributions to the North Dakota Guardian are encouraged! Send articles, photos and art to Editor, JFND PIO, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please e-mail stories in Word format to: jennifer.m.anderson121.mil@mail.mil Phone: 701-333-2195 Fax: 701-333-2017 Digital photos should be 300 dpi, if possible.
On the Cover
Spc. Emily Krizan, of the 816th Military Police Company, advances toward a controlled burn site near Fort Yates, North Dakota, on June 14, 2018. She was one of 19 North Dakota Guardsmen conducting a weeklong wildland fire-fighting training under the supervision of the North Dakota Fire Service.
Photo by Sgt. Brandon Bartlett, 816th Military Police Company
VIEW FROM THE TOP A MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
T
strengthening relationships
The National Guard’s purpose is to fight America’s wars, secure the homeland and build enduring partnerships. To execute the first two prongs of this triad – win our nation’s wars and secure the homeland – we must build enduring partnerships. It is arguably the most important objective for the National Guard. The old saying goes, “You don’t want to meet for the first time on the battlefield.” Or, for that matter, at a scene of a 500-year flood event. A wise man once told me that the three most important things in coalition operations are, relationships, relationships, relationships. Building relationships into strong partnerships is the key to setting law and policy that support our readiness requirements, secure the resources we need to train and support our citizen-Soldier and -Airmen business model. Just in the month of June, we gathered command teams from every branch and component of the United States Armed Forces — residing in North Dakota — at Camp Grafton to discuss issues of mutual concern and to explore opprtunities that promote a military-friendly and accepting environment in our state. It may be the first such gathering of its kind and confirmed some things we know, and exposed some things we didn’t know that, if addressed, will make North Dakota even more welcoming for military forces. The next day, we hosted, along with our Commander in Chief, Governor Doug Burgum, partners from across state government and local community leaders to see our Guardsmen in action, training at Camp Grafton. Our elected officials know we are always ready, always there when needed to respond to natural disasters, but they may not know how much training and commitment it takes to be ready. Our civic leaders got a glimpse of this in June and a better understanding of our training facility requirements to maintain an operational force.
Concurrently, we partnered with Department of Emergency Services, the North Dakota Forest Service, the Indian Affairs Commissioner’s office, United Tribes Technical College, and Tribal Governments, to execute a wildland firefighting academy that trained firefighters from across the state. This coalition effort not only strengthened our relationships with our state and tribal partners, it also trained a generation of firefighters, disbursed across state and tribal lands, that already have a relationship that will enhance their mutual support of one another for years to come. We also continue to build relationships around the world. The National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) is celebrating 25 years of partnering state National Guards with an emerging democracies around the world. The North Dakota National Guard has been involved in the program for 14 years, beginning with Ghana in 2004, and adding Togo and Benin in 2014. As we work with our SPP nations, we are doing much more than training with and supporting these nations; we are strengthening an international partner and ally and building readiness within our formations. We also partner with our employers through Employee Support of the Guard
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann and Reserve (ESGR) and “Boss Lifts” for them to gain a better understanding of their employees’ commitment, and for us to say, “Thank you.” We partner with the 4-H and the North Dakota National Guard Foundation to put summer camps on for our youth to support our families. And, through ND Cares, we partner across government and the civilian sector to ensure we provide the resources needed to maintain our readiness and support of veterans, families and survivors. The less than one percent that choose to serve deserve the resources and support required to ensure readiness, not only for our service members, but also for our families and employers. Whether it is a new range complex at Camp Grafton, or policies that address the challenges that military families face, strong relationships and enduring partnerships will ensure the National Guard and the other armed forces stationed in North Dakota are provided the resources required to be always ready when called upon to serve.
Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson, North Dakota senior enlisted leader, visit with Soldiers conducting annual training June 14 at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota.
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DEFFENSIVE POSTURE
North Dakota IT Experts Prepare Students for Cyber Defense Competition By Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment with Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters A complement of cyber security trainers and advisors, including members of the North Dakota National Guard, helped prepare a team of North Dakota students for participation in the North Central Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CDCC) this past spring. This was the first time a team from North Dakota has entered the annual event, which took place March 23-24 in Madison, South Dakota. According to its website, the CCDC is an event that “focuses on the operational aspect of managing, securing and defending a ‘commercial’ network infrastructure. Students get a chance to test their knowledge by building, protecting and maintaining a realistic network and operations environment.” The idea for preparing a North Dakota team was suggested by Col. Ray Knutson, the N.D. National Guard’s chief information officer. Knutson, whose job includes overseeing network security operations for his organization, attended a past CCDC and saw an opportunity for local cyber security students to gain additional experience in their chosen field of study. “As I learned more about the competition and the value it provides students, it was clear that we needed to get students involved,” he said. Last year, Knutson reached out to university, business and cyber defense
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A team of North Dakota students for the first time competed in the DakotaCon North Central Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition March 23-24 in Madison, South Dakota. The students, with the assistance of advisors from multiple state agencies, placed third during the event. They are, from left to right, back row: Col. Ray Knutson, N.D. National Guard; Tony Aukland, N.D. IT Department; Jared Phelps; Mike Schafer; Tanya Taplin; Lincoln Rother; Dillon Andreas; and Dr. Kevin Fishbeck, University of Mary. Front row, from left to right, are: Austin Haakenson; Stephen Feldpausch; Justin Johnson; Matt Frohlich, Bismarck State College; and Lucas Pippenger, N.D. IT Department.
professionals throughout the state to gauge their interest in sending teams to the competition. Both Bismarck State College and University of Mary were eager to participate, and together formed a joint team of students. Knutson, along with Nick See and Matt Frohlich, of Bismarck State
College, and Dr. Kevin Fishbeck, from the University of Mary, volunteered to be team advisors. In addition to the Bismarck State College and University of Mary instructors, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Chandler Raab, a system administrator for the N.D. National Guard;
Jason Wald, of Basin Electric Power Cooperative; and Tony Aukland and Lucas Pippenger, from North Dakota’s Information Technology Department helped prepare the students for the CCDC. To prepare for the competition, the students met weekly with the team of advisors, where they were given instruction on a variety of topics to include Microsoft Windows server and client administration, Linux server administration, firewall administration and internet web services administration. Students were also presented a class on cyber incident response best business practices. At the competition, North Dakota’s team was tasked with providing cyber security for a fictitious hospital while a team of hackers tried to penetrate their network security. “Overcoming the apprehension from the students, who felt they weren’t ready for this, was one of the most challenging aspects of getting the students to commit to the competition,” Frohlich said. Fishbeck said the students saw things at the competition not usually seen in their college classrooms. At the CCDC, the team was exposed to scenarios they’ll likely encounter within their field while in the workforce. “There were real-life, no-holds-barred security breaching attempts, which provided tremendous hands-on experience,” he said. Tanya Taplin, a team member from the University of Mary, said despite her team’s nerves, the students learned and gained experience at the CDCC while having fun. What they didn’t expect was the team to take third place overall at the event. “It feels really good to come in third place,” Taplin said. “We had a really good first day, but struggled a little more on day two. We all were assigned specific roles, but were able to work as a team and move around and help as needed. It will be exciting to go back and tell other students that if we can do it, they can be successful, as well.” Knutson said participating as advisors for the CDCC was invaluable for his staff. It helped strengthen current relationships with other agencies, which will benefit his organization as a whole. “The North Dakota National Guard recently added several cyber security positions in support of the Department of Defense’s cyberspace forces,” he said. “Our mission is to help defend critical military and government computer network infrastructure. As we continue to determine exactly how our National Guard cyber resources will play a role within the state of North Dakota, we must prepare for the possibility of a cyber security emergency. It is vital we build relationships with our public, private and educational institutions to aid programs and individuals that could potentially impact and contribute to our efforts. Competitions like this are a great starting point.”
Jared Phelps, of Bismarck State College looks over Stephen Feldpausch and Tanya Taplin, both of the University of Mary, during the North Central Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition in Madison, South Dakota. The students contended with a team of hackers infiltrating a hospital server during a competition scenario.
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FTX
Maintenance Company Returns to the Field Story by Spc. Drew Ward, photo by Spc. Thea Jorgenson, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers with the Devils Lake-based 3662nd Maintenance Company participate in a field operations exercise June 6 near Lake Coe at Camp Grafton — South as part of the unit's annual training.
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Surrounded by razor wire, trenches and weapon emplacements armed with blank rounds, Soldiers from the 3662nd Maintenance Company — based at Camp Grafton Training Center — stood ready for potential threats from a role-played enemy during their annual training June 2-9 while situated next to Lake Coe at Camp Grafton South. The unit occupied a forward operating base (FOB) to conduct field maintenance operations while providing security and area defense of its site. The field training was a unique experience for the 3662nd, since it was the first time the Soldiers have participated in field operations since 2010. Recent organizational changes were implemented requiring the unit to be more capable and adaptable to multiple environments. Before the changes, the unit’s primary mission was conducting maintenance without an emphasis on supporting units in the field. The 3662nd will be more flexible and capable of attaching itself to other units in the field, making the objective of maintenance more efficient, since its Soldiers will be directly on site. The 3662nd’s annual training simulated a deployed wartime setting where Soldiers were performing maintenance missions on military equipment while other members provided security. Those Soldiers donned “full battle rattle,” consisting of body armor, Kevlar helmets and weapons, to reinforce the unit’s armament section in helping with security defense. To provide security, Soldiers halted any vehicle approaching the FOB gate and gave directions to drivers for accessing the site. “I’m a big fan of the ‘five P’s:’ proper preparation prevents poor performance. And we’re all about being prepared at all times and to do that we need to practice,” said Pfc. Matthew Munger, a field vehicle mechanic with the 3662nd. Munger recently joined the unit in February 2018, directly from his Advanced Individual Training (AIT). During annual training last month, he attended the beginning phase of drivers training to familiarize himself with military vehicles. He also assisted with security and responded when the FOB’s front gate was mock attacked by opposition forces. He said the exercise helped prepare him for how to react when needed to assist with security. With so many unit members fresh from Basic Combat Training and AIT, the field training provided an ideal setting to test the Soldiers and address the unit’s strengths and weaknesses. “We want to identify any shortcomings that we have during this week of training in order to work on it, to better prepare for future training and deployments,” said Master Sgt. Franklin Peterson, the maintenance control noncommissioned officer for the 3662nd. “It is a pleasure to see these Soldiers remove their self-doubt about working in a tactical environment. The more time they spend doing this, the more they overcome the obstacles and become more confident operating in any conditions.”
Gone Fishing! Fish Camp Provides Support Network for Military Youth Story and photo by Spc. Kristin Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Nearly 50 military kids learned the art of sport fishing from skilled fisherman June 3-7 at Camp of the Cross near Garrison, North Dakota. This is the sixth year the North Dakota National Guard’s Child and Youth Program has partnered with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to host a Fish Camp for military children. Volunteers from Lure ‘Em for Life — a statewide non-profit organization of the North Dakota Game and Fish — brought their boats and donated their time to not only take the kids on the water, but to teach them the fundamentals of fish identification, fish dissection, anatomy, boat safety, learning to tie fish hooks and knots and catching a fish. Members of the N.D. Air and Army National Guard also assisted during the camp. “It’s important to bring these activities back to our kids. We use electronics and are indoors so often. This camp is something that’s outdoors and the kids love that,” said Mandy Malo, coordinator for the N.D. National Guard’s Child and Youth Program. The camp’s curriculum allows for learning in a hands-on and conversation-driven fashion, to encourage kids to communicate and learn as a team among their mentors and peers. The annual event was created to provide military youth an opportunity to increase selfesteem by using fishing as a tool for resiliency and to reinforce the importance of teamwork with community support. The week is not just about fishing, though. A wide range of activities were presented during the camp, including treasure hunts, flag folding and flag etiquette. Campers also discussed the military lifestyle with their peers and mentors and sang songs at a campfire each night. “Military kids say goodbye to their parents more than any other kids,” Malo said. “We have these campfire chats every night where we talk about struggles of having parents gone
for long periods of time, how they feel about being a military child or when a parent misses a birthday. That’s when kids really come out of their shell and bond with each other. It’s eye opening for the Soldier and Airman volunteers because they can experience how hard the military life can be on a kid. These kids have real struggles and military parents may not be aware.” Volunteers guide and mentor military youth during the camp activities to help foster new friendships. “We are here to provide a comfortable environment for military youth to discuss issues specific to them,” said J.J. Fankhanel, the N.D. National Guard’s Child and Youth Program lead coordinator. “In today’s world of social media and of constantly connecting, but not being together, trying to establish a relationship can be difficult. Especially in military families, one or both parents are gone for deployments, training, school or drill. The camp just gives the kids an outlet with peers who are going through a lot of the same things they are going through.” The mission of the N.D. National Guard’s Child and Youth Program is to promote and sustain the quality of life and resilience of National Guard children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs. Follow the Child and Youth Program on Facebook for more military youth events: www.facebook.com/ NDNGCYP
From left, Riyah Fleckenstein, Lt. Col. Jason McEvers and his son, Cale McEvers, proudly display the fish they caught during the N.D. National Guard Child and Youth Program's annual Fish Camp, held June 3-7 at Camp of the Cross near Garrison, North Dakota.
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A Girl Who Can Do Both N.D. Guardsman Crowned Mrs. North Dakota International 2018 Story by 2nd Lt. Jennifer Anderson, 816th Military Police Company; photo illustrations by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
8 ¡ Guardian ¡ summer 2018
As a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard, Laura Schmidt is identified as a Soldier, as “Ma’am,” as “Capt. Schmidt,” and as a survey team leader. However, out of uniform, she is identified as a mom, a wife, a daughter, and most recently, as “Mrs. North Dakota International 2018.” A lot of responsibility is tied to her roles, but Schmidt embraces all of her titles, as contrary as they may be. Schmidt’s roles as a Soldier and as a pageant contestant seem paradoxical, but she pursued both for the same reason: she yearns to make a difference within her community. She refused to view her demanding work schedule and busy home life as obstacles. Instead, the relative chaos fuels her drive even more. “I am a very philanthropic person and I have always wanted to serve,” she said. “I believe in giving back to organizations and people that create a positive impact in our communities. There is no greater satisfaction than being a part of organizations that serve others day in and day out.” Schmidt works full time as a survey team leader for the N.D. National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team (CST), a 22-member unit comprised entirely of full-time Guardsmen. The specialized unit travels around the state and nation to train for threats caused by weapons of mass destruction and to provide security for potentially targeted events. A CST assignment demands a high level of commitment due to the vast training requirements and frequency of missions, factors that piqued Schmidt’s interest. “What drew me to the position was the challenge of something outside my comfort zone, something new,” she said. “The challenge associated with this position is definitely the training requirements. However, it is doable – you just have to be very organized and on top of your courses.” Organization and prioritization prove to be some of Schmidt’s greatest strengths. While balancing a busy schedule, she is still able to devote time to volunteering on behalf of her platform as Mrs. North Dakota International 2018: Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Ronald McDonald House Charities does more than provide housing for
families of critically ill children,” she said. “They also provide on-site medical and dental care to youth and they sponsor scholarships and grants for high school students. It has been an honor to represent them.” Schmidt intends to use her title to continue advocating for her platform. “Pageantry is not all about pretty dresses, hair and makeup,” she said. “They are about being a part of a cause or experience greater than yourself. I have always been a volunteer and an advocate. Holding a title through pageantry acts as a microphone – causes and ideas are more visible and better heard.”
Schmidt’s passion for volunteerism and her commitment to serving others provide a strong foundation for her professional and personal goals. She said pageant involvement and military service have allowed her to be more involved in her community while strengthening her focus as a mother and wife. “Pageantry and my military service have taught me to be humble, compassionate, authentic and intentional,” she said. “Without those qualities, I would not be where I am today. Being a mother also really puts life into perspective: at the end of the day my favorite titles are ‘Momma’ and ‘Mrs. Schmidt.’”
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North Dakota Guard at National Shootin By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
The North Dakota National Guard’s top marksmen joined more than 300 National Guard members from 48 states to take aim at shooting targets downrange at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The Soldiers and Airmen vied for top honors in multiple shooting matches April 29 - May 4 during the 47th Annual Winston P. Wilson (WPW) Championship, which is hosted by the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center. This year, North Dakota’s “A” team took third place in the “Bianchi Battle” match, which requires shooters to fire with rifles, pistols and shotguns at a variety of targets. The team is comprised of Sgt. Tyler Goldade, of Jamestown, North Dakota, who serves with the 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal); Sgt. Andrew Maley, of Enderlin, North Dakota, who serves with the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper); and Staff Sgt. Matthew Jasper and Senior Airman Gavin Rook, both of the Fargobased 119th Wing.
In individual competition, Goldade took first in the “Close-Quarter Battle” match. He also earned a spot on the All-Guard Marksmanship Team, which is comprised of the top National Guard shooters in the country, and earned the “Chief ’s 50” badge in the rifle category. The award is presented to the top 30 individual rifle competitors and top 20 individual pistol competitors at the WPW event, using a combined aggregate score from the shooters’ respective marksmanship matches. Senior Airman Gavin Rook was able to earn “distinguished” status with a rifle during the WPW. 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. “We have some strong, young, upand-coming shooters this year — both
Contributed photo
North Dakota's marksmen fire M16 rifles during a match at the Winston P. Wilson Championship in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
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dsmen Score High Marks ng Competition Army and Air — coupled with some top-notch veterans. Our shooters keep winning new honors at each competition. Our marksmanship program is thriving, and our competitors can now take their knowledge and develop better shooters within their respective units,” said Maj. Mike Champagne, state marksmanship program coordinator. North Dakota additionally had a “B” team compete at the WPW. The team members are Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rook, Senior Airman Cody Dewandeler and Senior Airman Tyrel Hoppe, all of
the 119th Wing; and Spc. Drew Topp, of Jamestown, who serves with the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper). In individual competition, Topp took first place in the “Close-Quarter Battle” match in the novice shooter category. According to staff from the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center, the WPW event is designed to promote marksmanship training and offer National Guardsmen an opportunity to test their skills and weapon systems in a battlefocused environment. It also encourages the mentorship and marksmanship
development of novice service members new to competition. The N.D. National Guard’s Marksmanship Program will continue to develop new shooters this summer for regional and national competitions during the annual Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match. Marksman from across the state gather at Camp Grafton Training Center’s firing complex to compete in individual and team shooting matches. The winners there go on to compete regionally and nationally throughout the year.
Contributed photo
North Dakota’s “A” team, from left to right, is Sgt. Andrew Maley, Sgt. Tyler Goldade, Senior Airman Gavin Rook and Staff Sgt. Matthew Jasper.
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Civic Leader Day State and Community Leaders Learn About N.D. Guard's Capabilities Story by Maj. Amber Balken, 119th Wing; photos by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters
Twenty-two North Dakota civic leaders had an opportunity to experience first-hand what a typical day is like for Guardsmen training at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota, during Civic Leader Day June 13, 2018. The event was organized by North Dakota National Guard staff members to educate city and state leaders about the state’s Army and Air National Guard capabilities and to showcase Camp Grafton’s facilities. Units from across the state gave the civic leaders an up-close look at a typical day at Camp Grafton Training Center. “We are honored to have you all here with us today,” Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general said to the
attendees. “What you will see today is just a small glimpse of the jobs and equipment we use in the North Dakota National Guard.” Civic Leader Day participants flew to Camp Grafton via UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. They spent the morning learning about the N.D. National Army National Guard’s counter drug capabilities, watching a demonstration of a UH-72 Lakota helicopter MEDEVAC hoist, and getting hands-on experience with various weapons systems on the range, where they were able to shoot using training munitions. For a truly authentic field/annual training experience, attendees were provided meals ready-to-eat (MREs) for lunch. Following “chow,” they participated
in an exercise showcasing the domestic and federal capabilities of the 119th Wing’s MQ-9 Reaper. They spent the remainder of the afternoon visiting various training areas at Camp Grafton to learn about the state’s multi-role bridge, heavy equipment and brigade-level warfighting capabilities. “We have the finest in the nation right here in North Dakota and I am honored to be here today,” said Gov. Doug Burgum. “I want to start with gratitude and thank the General and all the people here for pulling together this day. One of the mottos of the National Guard is, ‘Always ready, always there.’” It is important that we support our National Guard with the appropriate resources so they can be ready, whether for drought, wild fires, floods or fighting the War on Terrorism.”
Gov. Doug Burgum prepares to shoot an M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) under the instruction of Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher Anderson, of the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, June 13 during Civic Leader Day at Camp Grafton — South, near McHenry, North Dakota. 12 · Guardian · summer 2018
Civic Leader Day attendees arrive at Camp Grafton — South via a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter June 13 to kick off the event organized by N.D. National Guard staff members.
Civic Leader Day attendees watch bridging operations from a bridge erection boat at Lake Coe, near Camp Grafton — South.
Gov. Doug Burgum and his staff member, Levi Bachmeier, prepare their MREs, which were provided to them for lunch June 13 during Civic Leader Day at the Camp Grafton Training Center. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 13
119th Wing Deemed Effective by Inspection Team Story and photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
The 119th Wing took a huge step in complying with the new Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) process by successfully completing a ‘Capstone’ unit effectiveness inspection (UEI) May 17-22, 2018, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure units critically and objectively assess their own abilities to comply with U.S. Air Force regulations and policies and further codify that data to efficiently assign resources, guaranteeing force lethality. The new AFIS system is geared toward a continual inspection process, rather than an inspection event every few years, and is designed to focus on mission readiness rather than inspection preparation leading up to inspection events. In the new system, unit members routinely assess themselves for problems and deficiencies, and unit inspector general (IG) members at each base periodically evaluate their own functional areas. There is a remote monitoring of procedural documents and practices by Air Combat Command (ACC) IG team members using the web-based management internal control toolset (MICT), and a team of ACC IG members visit the base to see things for themselves. Self-assessment communicators (SAC) are found in MICT and are similar to checklist items in the old inspection system. The SACs are studied topics for compliance to Air Force Instructions (AFIs) by the unit members for their own self-assessment and for review by the inspectors. 119th Wing IG team members include Lt. Col. Kevin Gaeu, Lt. Col. Nate Brenneman, Maj. Kris Gillett, Maj. Shaun Carlson, and Senior Master Sgt. Shane Amundson. “The 119th Wing has made great strides in this new paradigm of inspections, which in essence, is an everyday continual process improvement (CPI) way of doing business,” Gaeu said. “The ACC IG Team was not here to inspect every facet of the Wing. They were predominately here to inspect 14 · Guardian · summer 2018
how well we can self-assess and improve our overall mission effectiveness.” The visiting ACC IG team sent individual inspectors to functional areas on base to conduct interviews with 119th Wing members and walk them through the self-assessment process, examine documents and practices, and evaluate compliance to the AFIs. Upon completion of the inspection, several top performers were recognized. The IG selected nine individual unit members and four functional area teams as superior performers. Additionally, two functional areas were recognized with the honor of ACC “benchmark’’achievers. Superior performers included Capt. Tim Soderstrom, Senior Master Sgt. Nolan Carlson, Senior Master Sgt. Shane Amundson, Master Sgt. Dennis Olsen, Tech. Sgt. Taylor Voelker, Tech. Sgt. Tony Hubbard, Staff Sgt. Cody Hassler, Staff Sgt. Kelsey Peterson and Staff Sgt. Taylor Wolford. Additionally, two Airmen were recognized with special honors. 2nd Lt. Mike Schuldt received the ACC IG General’s coin, a rare honor given only to a select few inspected Airmen across the Air Force, and Senior Master Sgt. Ken Rosson received an ACC IG recognition coin. The 119th Services Flight dining facility functional area was recognized as a superior performing team, along with three functional areas within the 119th Logistics Readiness
Squadron: the Airlift Support Function, the Mission Support Contracting Function and the Installation Deployment Readiness Cell. ACC “benchmark”achievers included the vehicle maintenance fall protection program and the government purchase card program. The final inspection report will be utilized to help the organization make improvements for future unit and mission success. “I want to pass along my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to each and every Happy Hooligan for their collective efforts during the CAPSTONE inspection,” said Col. Britt Hatley, 119th Wing commander. “With the inspection behind us, we can continue to build upon an already strong framework in the commander's inspection program by strengthening and fine-tuning the processes we worked so hard to put into place. Recurring self-assessments will keep the Hooligans mission ready because mission ready equals inspection ready.” The ACC IG team members departed with corrections and improvements already underway. “We are already doing a validation (which is a quick-look evaluation) of a functional area today,” said Lt. Col. Nate Brenneman the day after the ACC IG team departure, demonstrating the ongoing nature of the new AFIS and proving the work doesn’t stop simply because the inspection team visit has concluded.
Master Sgt. Brandon Hill, of the Air Combat Command (ACC) inspector general team, right, discusses unit standards and practices with Tech. Sgt. Rachel Syverson, left, and Senior Master Sgt. Lee Gunderson, both assigned to the 119th Logistics Readiness Squadron contracting office during a unit effectiveness inspection May 19 at the N.D. Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota.
Adventure Helps Mold Future 119th Wing Leaders Story and photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
A group of 10 junior enlisted Airmen recently had the opportunity to participate in an Air Guard member-led, overnight leadership seminar at Fort Ransom State Park June 4-5 after being selected from a list of volunteers. The attendees were representatives of the 119th Wing Junior Enlisted Advisory Council ( JEAC), an organization created by Airmen for Airmen. The professional development group — for Airmen in the military grades of E-6 and below and with less than ten years of military service — gives members the ability to voice their opinions and concerns about issues affecting the North Dakota Air National Guard. Junior enlisted organizations are common at U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard installations and are highly valued among senior leadership across the Air Force enterprise. The issues raised by JEAC members are presented to 119th Wing leadership and can be addressed early on, which Air Guard members say can be very important for retention and mission success. “The 119th Wing commander (Col. Britt Hatley) wants to hear about what our young Airmen think about what’s going on within the unit,” said Chief Master Sgt. Duane Kangas, the 119th Wing command chief. “It’s an opportunity for him to tap into the pulse of the unit at its very foundation.” JEAC members, and others who are interested in joining, attend monthly meetings during unit training assemblies (on Sundays) to address issues affecting morale, welfare and quality of life for themselves and their peers. According to the group’s mission statement, the JEAC also educates junior enlisted personnel about various benefits and services available to them. During the two-day adventure to Fort Ransom, JEAC members were able to go canoeing on the Sheyenne River, hike through the state park and stayed in unique billeting quarters. The Airmen were
lodged in portable, round, tent-like structures called “yurts.” “This is the coolest leadership training I have ever had in the Air National Guard,” said Senior Airman Maggie Swenson, of the 119th Medical Group. Prior to leaving on the trip, JEAC members researched and developed leadership exercises, drawing from their individual experiences to create a schedule of events . They kicked their activity agenda off with an Air Force Specialty Code swap, which was an exercise in which they described each other’s jobs. The Airmen also learned communication and conflict resolution techniques. They were assigned roles to play in different scenarios and discussed effective techniques for handling potential work-related personality clashes. During the second day of the trip, Kangas and Senior Master Sgt. Chris Walberg, 119th Wing first sergeant, visited the junior Airmen to discuss their views on career success. The JEAC members also spent time helping with a community service project, which included decorating pots with plants for veterans at the veterans home in Lisbon, North Dakota. The Airmen presented the potted plants and visited with the veterans on their way from Fort Ransom, back to Fargo. “I really want to thank all the people involved in helping us to make this happen,” said Tech. Sgt. Shelly Fink, a recruiter in the 119th Wing and a JEAC member on the trip. “Events like this can really make a difference in a young Airman’s career and contribute to molding terrific future leaders for the 119th Wing.” For more information about the JEAC, Airmen can attend any of the group’s meetings, which are held at 1:30 p.m. in the 119th Logistics Readiness Squadron classroom on Sundays during unit training assemblies. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 15
AN OATH TO SERVE N.D. Soldiers Help Boy Scouts Earn Merit Badges By Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment, with Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
Over a 3-day weekend at Camp Grafton Training Center, nearly 80 Boy Scouts had the opportunity to work side-by-side with North Dakota Army National Guard Soldier-instructors from the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute (RTI). The annual event — dubbed the Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend — brought in Scouts from troops across the state May 18-20 where they earned badges under the tutelage of North Dakota Guardsmen in a variety of subjects and skills. The collaboration between the North Dakota Scouts and the state’s National Guard is in its eighth year. Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Grinsteinner, who served as the 164th RTI commandant when the relationship began, said having the Scouts gain expertise with North Dakota Guardsmen has been rewarding for everyone involved. “Part of the reason for starting the event was community service. Part of it was because the idea of helping the Scouts earn their merit badges really struck a chord with the instructors,” he said. “The instructors took great pride in working with the Boys Scouts and it’s something they look forward to each year.” Instructors from the 164th RTI are uniquely qualified to provide the merit badge-specific teaching. In their full-time capacities, the Guardsmen instruct military occupational specialty courses to Soldiers nationwide. Some of the curriculum includes training in horizontal and vertical construction, electrical systems, plumbing and culinary arts. Many of those skill components are pertinent to topics studied by the Scouts when pursuing merit badges.
In particular, the 164th RTI has been an ideal venue for Scouts to earn their home repairs badge by using the electrical and plumbing labs located at the engineer schoolhouse. Attendees also use cooking stations at the facility to begin the process for obtaining a cooking merit badge, which is a requirement to advance to Eagle Scouts. Others learn the basics of operating a compass and navigating using a map for their orienteering badge. In recent years, agencies from around the Devils Lake area also have been able to assist with the Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend. Some of the Scouts have worked on acquiring their crime prevention merit badge with assistance from staff at the Ramsey Country Regional Law Enforcement Center where Scouts are given a tour of the facility. The Scouts also have been able to earn their fire safety badges during the weekend event when they have visited the Devils Lake Fire Department and Rural Fire Department. This year, the boys spent time in the classroom learning about fire safety and were later able to operate a fire hose to put out a controlled fire. “The boys get to don all the equipment and put out fires with the hoses; the fire department has the pumper trucks out there … so the boys learn how to man the firehose, which they just love,” said Paul Zent, a former North Dakota Guardsman and committee chair for Boy Scout Troop #11 in Bismarck. Zent has been integral in coordinating the Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend and has been its key organizer since its inception. He has seen the event grow in size from beginning the annual get-together
Boy Scouts from the Mandan-based Troop 54 work toward earning their fire safety merit badges May 19 after learning about the basics of fire safety and controlled fires in Devils Lake, North Dakota.
Sgt. 1st Class Elliott Larman, of the 164th Regional Training Institute, teaches Boy Scouts how to use a compass May 19 during a 3-day event at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, which was held to help Scouts earn merit badges.
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with 20 Scouts to now hosting nearly 80, as well as their parents. At the end of the weekend, Zent presented a special memento to those in attendance. “It’s a patch that was designed by Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann (North Dakota adjutant general) and me,” he said. “It has the Boy Scout emblem in the middle of the North Dakota National Guard spear. It says Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend and the year 2018. We give these to everyone who helps with the event.” But the weekend was about more than earning merit badges. The Scouts reaffirmed their duty to serve others and showed reverence to the U.S. flag while standing in formation with Soldiers preparing to become future leaders at the 164th RTI’s Officer Candidate School. The Scouts were able to assist the aspiring officers during a formal retiring of the U.S. flag at the end of the duty day. “We have a flag ceremony at every troop meeting (in Scouts), we say the Pledge of Allegiance and the Scout Oath, and then we retire the colors. They learn respect for the flag and what it means to our country during their time as a Scout. The event isn’t new to them, but to be within the ranks of National Guard Soldiers means a lot to the boys and their parents,” Zent said. Members of the N.D. Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention also had some time to visit with the Scouts about the similarities between being a part of their troop and service in the National Guard. There also is another existing bridge between the two organizations. Those who become Eagle Scouts have the opportunity to enlist into the National Guard as a private, E-2, if they ever choose to serve in later years. “Stick with it,” Sgt. Joe Scanlan, a Devils Lake-area recruiter, said to the Scouts during the weekend. “An organization like the Boy Scouts focuses on honor, structure and helping others and will set you up for success in any direction you go.”
Jason Richter brought his son Landis, from Troop #213, out of West Fargo, to the event this year. They were first time attendees and said they both gained a lot from the visit. “It was a great opportunity to go somewhere we haven’t been before and gain experiences alongside the Soldiers,” Richter said. “The weekend broadened the view of what the Guard does, rather than just seeing someone in their uniform. As a parent, the way we are treated by the National Guardsmen, and to watch the instructors with the Scouts, has just been incredible; it’s been fun.”
Staff Sgt. Jascon Rundquist of the 164th Regional Training Institute teaches Boy Scouts about plumbing safety and how to properly thread pipes May 19 as they worked toward earning their plumbing merit badges at the Camp Grafton Training Center.
Boy Scouts stand in formation with Officer Candidate School students May 19 as they prepare to retire the colors at the Camp Grafton Training Center. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 17
Photo by Mr. Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office
A Fire-Fighting Army:
North Dakota Soldiers Train with State Partners for Potential Wildfire Response
By Lt. Col. John Kapocious, N.D. National Guard State Safety Office, with Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
Photo by Mr. Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office
North Dakota National Guard members dig a fire break during wildfire fighting training June 12 at the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota.
behavior, basic wildland firefighter training and skills and culminated with a full-scale exercise, featuring a controlled burn at Fort Yates near Lake Oahe on the Missouri River on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. “We have a joint effort for training between the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Suppression, the North Dakota Forest Service and the North Dakota National Guard. So it’s a combination of agencies working together to use their resources if the time comes (to respond to an emergency),” said Mike Faith, Standing Rock Sioux tribal chairman. One hands-on aspect of the training included learning how to construct a fire line, emplaced by using an anchor point which could be a road, a lake, a stream or river or a large rock outcropping. The fire line is used to prevent wildfires from flanking the crews during response activity. The Soldiers and wildfire trainees also saw the integration of response air tankers and helicopters for retardant and water drops, including a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter
Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
Spc. Krishna Bhetwal, of 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Assault Regiment, participates in wildfire fighting training June 12 hosted by the North Dakota Forest Service.
Waking at sunrise, hiking to their point of attack and carrying equipment packs weighing more than 25 pounds, all in summer temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees. They train to become the last echelon of protection between a wildfire, life, personal property and natural resources. The journey for 19 Guardsmen to assume this tremendous responsibility started with five days of intense training. Typically, they worked more than twelve hours each day to earn the coveted “Red Card,” to become certified, Type 2 wildland firefighters. The group of Army Guard Soldiers joined personnel from partnering agencies to participate in a basic wildland fire-fighting course June 9-15, which was sponsored by the N.D. Department of Emergency Services, N.D. Forest Service, N.D. Indian Affairs Commission, N.D. Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, N.D. Firefighters Association and the United Tribes Technical College. The collaborative training provided attendees an introduction to wildland fire
A North Dakota National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter drops water from its 660-gallon water bucket on a controlled burn June 14 near Fort Yates, North Dakota.
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters Students participating in wildfire fighting training by constructing a fire break with hand tools June 14 near Fort Yates, North Dakota. Nineteen North Dakota National Guard members were among a class of about 25 individuals training at a controlled burn under the supervision of the North Dakota Forest Service.
Photo by Mr. Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office
operated by North Dakota Army National Guard aviators. While retardants do not stop an advancing fire, they impede its progress, allowing hand crews to do their job by digging a fire line. The fire line has to be dug to mineral soil with no combustibles inside it. “There’s a lot of science behind how fire behaves. That’s been really interesting to learn.” Said Kyle Bossert, of the 3662nd Maintenance Company, who attended the wildland fire-fighting course. Faith said the terrain used by trainees out at the live burn site on Standing Rock was chosen because it was similar to areas where wildland fire fighters have habitually responded to emergencies, including the states of New Mexico and Arizona, where personnel must traverse hilly terrain. “The importance of the training is being prepared for the worst and getting these young men and women conditioned and in shape to endure whatever type of climate they may be in, and being ready at all times,” he said. The physical prerequisites for the course are challenging, even for the fittest. In order to graduate, a trainee must complete a 3-mile trek carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes. Physical stamina is a necessity to meet the standard for a Type 2 wildland fire-fighting crew. “I was nervous about the pack test, so I went ahead and did some of my own training beforehand to see what I needed to work on and if I was even close to ready. And I did pass it the first day,” said Staff Sgt. Toni DeBerg, a course attendee from the N.D. Army National Guard’s 188th Army Band. While fitness and teamwork are important aspects of the fire-fighting training, safety is the No. 1 priority. Students learn the fundamentals of wildfire behavior so they can properly incorporate a safety plan into their fire-fighting strategy. One such safety element is the safety zone, which is a large designated area crews can move to, should the fire threaten them. Wildfire crews are self-sufficient. They are expected to work hard, and long days are the norm. They often eat and sleep where they work without luxury. They face danger daily and are the backbone of the "fire-fighting army.” “I wanted to do something to give back. That’s why I joined the National Guard. I wanted to give back to the community,” DeBerg said. “It’s (the course) an opportunity to challenge myself and see what I can do.”
A North Dakota National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter drops water from its 660-gallon water bucket June 14 during wildfire fighting training conducted by the North Dakota Forest Service near Fort Yates, North Dakota.
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GSnapshots UARDIAN
Photo by Mr. Bill Prokopyk, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office
See More, and Download Photos! Visit www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
119th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians Chief Master Sgt. Bill Kennedy, right, and Senior Airman Ethan Johnson, strap Tech. Sgt. Andrew Glynn to a litter while conducting self-aid and buddy care (SABC) training June 8, 2018, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota.
Photo by Sgt. Sara Marchus, Recruiting & Retention Battalion Soldiers with the Recruit Training Company participate in rappel training June 9 at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota. 20 ¡ Guardian ¡ summer 2018
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment conduct MEDEVAC hoist training in a UH72 Lakota helicopter June 6 in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing Tech. Sgt. Nathanael Baardson, of the 119th Wing, documents a simulated attack June 10 during an exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo.
Contributed photo Lt. Col. Jason McEvers participates in a disaster exercise hosted by the North Dakota National Guard and the Republic of Ghana's National Disaster Management Organization in Accra, Ghana in May. The exercise provided an opportunity for personnel with the Ghana National Police, the National Ambulance Service, Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana Fire Service to test their capabilities and response practices in the event of a large-scale disaster. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
Share your photos! Submit your photos to be considered for inclusion in the N.D. Guardian! Email high-resolution photos to 2nd Lt. Jennifer Anderson, N.D. Guardian editor, at jennifer.m.anderson121.mil@mail.mil
Senior Master Sgt. Darrick Mischke, the petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) superintendent assigned to the 119th Logistics Support Squadron, prepares to take a fuel delivery May 2 at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil ¡ 21
NewsBriefs Community Recognizes Air Defense Soldiers for Successful National Capital Region Mission Story and photo by 2nd Lt. Jennifer Anderson, 816th Military Police Company The North Dakota National Guard, along with family, friends and community supporters, recognized more than 200 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (1-188th ADA) Regiment April 15, 2018, during a formal welcome home ceremony at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The event, which was open to the public, celebrated the 1-188th ADA’s recent return from the National Capital Region (in and around Washington, D.C.), where they were deployed for a nearly yearlong mission in support of Operation Noble Eagle. During Operation Noble Eagle, Soldiers with the 1-188th ADA collaborated with personnel from other Department of Defense agencies as part of an integrated air defense system designed to protect airspace around the National Capital Region. “We offer our deepest gratitude for protecting our nation’s capital,” said Gov. Doug Burgum. “Our pride in this battalion continues to grow with each deployment. You have proven once again that the North Dakota National Guard has some of the best Soldiers in the country.” Lt. Col. JoDee Aubol, of West Fargo, commands the unit and Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Entzel, of Bismarck, serves as the unit’s senior enlisted leader. Although the unit is headquartered in Grand Forks, it has units in Bismarck and Fargo. The Soldiers hail from communities across North Dakota, as well as cities in Minnesota, California, Nebraska and Wisconsin. More than 30 Soldiers volunteered to remain on mission with the South Carolina-based 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment to continue to support Operation Noble Eagle. They are expected to return to the state later this year. “Today is about recognizing how you continue to serve our state and our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “We’re here today to thank you for
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your volunteerism and your level of commitment, which has made you one of the most relevant units in the U.S. Army.” The most recent National Capital Region mission marked the first deployment for about 80 Soldiers in the unit. More than half of those Guardsmen have been mobilized up to six times. “The deployment was an overall great experience,” said 2nd Lt. Nick Kindelspire, who served as a tactical control officer in the Joint Air Defense Operations Center during the deployment, which was his first. Along with his team members, he was responsible for monitoring the air picture of weapons systems and
coordinating with U.S. Air Force personnel. “Our teams worked together well,” he said. “We took a lot of pride in our mission to protect the nation’s capital and we developed a strong sense of camaraderie during deployment.” This was the 11th deployment for the 1-188th ADA since 2004, making it the most-deployed unit in the North Dakota National Guard. The unit supported the Operation Noble Eagle mission once before from July 2013 to April 2014. Prior to its National Capital Region mission, the unit deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission, six times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.
Lt. Col. JoDee Aubol, left, and Sgt. Maj. Russ Garrett, right, present a North Dakota state flag to Gov. Doug Burgum and North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven during the 1-188th ADA’s welcome home ceremony Apr. 15 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The flag accompanied the unit during their nearly yearlong deployment to the National Capital Region in support of Operation Noble Eagle.
SoundOff!
Chaplains’ Corner:
Why I am a Chaplain By Lt. Col. Corey Bjertness, Joint Force Headquarters
People are often interested to know why I’m a chaplain. Perhaps you are too, so let me tell you why. I am a chaplain because Herb was a Soldier. At age 17, he came out of the Lumber Mills of Montana and headed for the Army recruitment station to volunteer. He was assigned to a unit from Valley City, North Dakota, that was on its way to war. On June 6, 1944, he landed on Utah beach. He fought across Europe. The Battle of the Bulge was an intimate memory for him until the day he died. His unit was the first to pull into Dachau. On the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau, Herb told me his story: They had not seen showers in months when they took Dachau. But, at Dachau, there were showers, and there was soap too. He said, “What a night to pull guard duty.” While everyone else was showering, he was shivering in the April evening. The next morning, they learned that the soap they had found was made out of human ash. He said, “I saw battle-hardened men hit their knees and puke.” His mother called him “Herb,” the Army called him “private,” Glenda and Cheryl called him Dad. My wife and I called him “Grandpa.” I am a chaplain so that men and women, like Herb, can find peace with God. I think they deserve the chance. I am a chaplain because Harley was a Soldier. Sitting in my office on a summer day in New London, Minnesota, I received a call from a hospice nurse who had seen my picture in the Olivia newspaper because I had given an address at a Lion’s Club meeting there. Harley was her patient, and he learned that morning that he had three months to live, and that pancreatic cancer would be his last battle. She had asked him if he wanted her to call a pastor. His reply was “Hell no! I want to talk to a #%@@#$ #$%#$%# good old fashion chaplain.” I guess that’s what I am, because by the end of the afternoon, I was sitting with Harley. When his wife left the room, he turned to me with overwhelming emotion and said, “Chaplain, when I came home from World War II, I had to learn how to live again. It was the hardest damn thing I ever did. Now, I gotta figure out how to die. I’m going to need some help.” I am a chaplain so that men and women like Harley can find peace with God. I think they deserve a chance. I am a chaplain because Jack was an Airman. When I met Jack, he was retired and the epitome of success. He had a family and career that would be the envy of anyone. He was a successful businessman, he had a beautiful family, and he was an adjunct engineering faculty member at North Dakota State University in his retirement. I learned during one of his visits that he was a tail gunner in a B29 in Korea. Jack was over six feet tall, and I asked him how he could have been a tail gunner. He said with a smile, “When you shoot as well as I do, the Air Force finds a way to squeeze you in.”
On one of his missions over Korea, their sister B29, as a joke, flew under them and then came up and nudged them back in the sortie formation. Ten minutes later their sister B29 was shot down over Korea. There were no survivors. To his dying day, Jack would tell me that it was supposed to be him that didn’t make it home. When I think of losses of war, it is Jack’s voice that I can hear wistfully say, “Such good men.” (Now we get to say, “Such good men and women.”) I am a chaplain so that men and women like Jack can find peace with God. I think they deserve a chance. I am a chaplain because Carl was a Navy Seal. I met Carl ten years after his three tours of duty in Viet Nam ended. Carl was still wired tighter than a fiddle bow. On three different missions in Viet Nam, he was the only SEAL to make it back. I asked him one night, “What was it like to be the only one who survived?” He said, “What the hell makes you think that I survived? Every part of my life is cursed by that #^*#%* war. I did not survive.” I am a chaplain so that men and women like Carl can find peace with God. I think they deserve a chance. These members of the military stand as stony sentinels beckoning me to serve the calling of a Soldier and chaplain. Furthermore, based on their sacrifice, they command me to live a life worthy of their loss. Also, my understanding of God draws me to the same commitments. These men I mentioned earlier – they and men and women like them – are the reason I am a chaplain. But, they are more. They are the foundation of the house that God built, called Corey. God took His word and these people, and he made this house and is bringing me to some semblance of maturity. I am not there, but I am getting there. I bet the same is true for you. Take a moment and thank God for the building blocks that made you. I bet there are a lot of them.
Photo by 2nd Lt. Jennifer Anderson, 816th Military Police Company Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Corey Bjertness performs the invocation during the 1-188th ADA's welcome home ceremony Apr. 15 in Grand Forks North Dakota.
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Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing Tech. Sgt. Roman Gaughan, of the 119th Medical Group, evaluates and assists post-attack reconnaissance (PAR) team members responding to a simulated injury June 10 while performing self-aid and buddy care during an exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, North Dakota.