GUARDIAN North Dakota
Winter 2019
Volume 12, Issue 1
STATE of the GUARD What the N.D. Legislature is Discussing This Session and How You Might be Affected Page 16
ALSO INSIDE: Two Units Return, Cyber Team Mobilizes Page 4
Wing ‘Outstanding’ for 20th Time Page 8
188th Army Band Hits the Road Page 10
Inside This Issue Features
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Home at Last
Two Army Guard units were home for the holidays, while one began the new year departing for a stateside mission. While the 191st Military Police Company returned from Afghanistan, members of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artlillery returned from Washington, D.C. Now, a team of cyber experts departs for Maryland.
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'Outstanding' Again
The 119th Wing has now garnered two decades worth of Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. The Happy Hooligans’ record of sustained excellence extends back to the 1970s. Read more about how Airmen of the 119th Wing distinguished themselves through exceptionally meritorious service and their outstanding achievements.
North Dakota
10 Rocks
After the 188th Army Band culminated a special performance at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks this fall, they began 2019 by visiting 21 schools across the state during the unit’s annual training. The road trip spanned four days, featuring three music ensembles as part of the band's “Music in Schools” tour.
Departments Guardian Snapshots ..................... Page 18 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 Schatz Editor Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Contributors Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp Mr. Bill Prokopyk Staff Sgt. Brett J. Miller Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson Mr. Jonathan Haugen 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert Sgt. Kelsy Johnson Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager Spc. Kristin Berg Spc. Drew Ward Spc. Thea Jorgensen Spc. Cody Graham The North Dakota Guardian is an authorized publication for members and families 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 Quality 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: eric.w.jensen.mil@mail.mil Phone: 701-333-2288 Fax: 701-333-2017 Digital photos should be 300 dpi, if possible.
On the Cover
Shirley Olgeirson, a retired lieutenant colonel of the N.D. National Guard, snapped this cover photo of the North Dakota State Capitol. The lights in the office windows annually are arranged to indicate the turn of the new year. Additionally, Jan. 3 marked the beginning of a new legislative session at the capitol.
VIEW FROM THE TOP A MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
EMPOWERMENT FOSTERS MISSION SUCCESS
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Throughout the North Dakota National Guard, we see examples of leaders creating environments that encourage disciplined initiative and empowers Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees. Creating a culture of trust and praising those who apply ingenuity to solve problems, make us a better organization. Recently, I have seen the results of this empowerment, to include an MQ-9 cuttingedge simulation center, an innovative leader who built an organizational development program, the acquisition of modern fitness equipment at the 119th Wing, and a Soldier taking it upon himself to donate hundreds of dollars in school supplies to children in Ghana. Each of these new ideas and projects are great examples of how a potent combination of empowerment and disciplined initiative can ensure we fulfill our mission of providing ready units for our state and nation, and that we are “Always Ready, Always There.” On a recent visit to the 119th Wing in Fargo, I was struck by how frequently I heard the phrase “It’s the Hooligan Way.” That motto describes an organizational culture that encourages initiative to generate ideas and solve problems. While not spoken, I’ve also seen the “Straight Arrow Way” as I’ve visited with Army Guard Soldiers who are finding innovative ways to solve problems, big and small. The Army’s approach to empowerment is codified in mission command, which is based on the principles of mutual trust, cohesive teams, shared understanding and taking prudent risk. Empowerment is a two-way street. Leaders must ensure a command climate exists that encourages disciplined risk-taking and tolerates mistakes, misfires and failures. Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees need to be engaged, positive and proactive within their team and know while doing so that their leader has their back. Engaged team members don’t wait to be told what
to do. Engaged team members take action. Empowerment is incubated within those cohesive teams where everyone is looking out for one another and are fully invested in each other’s success and the success of the team. The 33rd President of the United States, and former U.S. Army colonel, President Harry S. Truman said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Retired Gen. and former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who is known for empowering his service members, gave this advice: “Remember, Orville Wright flew an airplane without a pilot’s license.” While the day has come and gone for flying a plane without a license, Gen. Mattis’s quote highlights how a curious mind coupled
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann with discipline initiative and prudent risk can result in game-changing technologies. Whether you adopt “the Hooligan Way,” the “Straight Arrow Way” or you follow the principals of mission command, we must all embrace the principles of empowerment and take calculated risk to move our organization forward. MG Al Dohrmann “Always Ready”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Front row, from left to right, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, N.D. National Guard senior enlisted leader join members of the 191st Military Police Company Feb. 10 at the unit’s welcome home ceremony in Fargo, North Dakota. The Military Police Soldiers returned to North Dakota after a yearlong mission in Afghanistan providing protective service detail in the Kabul area. Read more about the unit's return on page 4.
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Two Army Guard Units Return, One Departs for stateside mission By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Joint Force Headquarters
191st Military Police company Members of the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 191st Military Police Company returned home to North Dakota in two groups — one in November and the other in December — after serving on a nearly yearlong mission in Afghanistan. The unit was led by Capt. John Mazur, of Pingree, North Dakota, and the senior noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Master Sgt. Cody Johnson, of Menoken, North Dakota. Nearly half the unit had served on previous N.D. National Guard deployments. Members of the 191st Military Police Company provided protective service detail and secure transportation to Resolute Support
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Headquarters staff while assigned to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Afghanistan. The Soldiers hailed from 20 communities across North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. During the year, the unit ran about 390 missions, according to Mazur. A majority of those missions were providing protective service detail while supporting the Train, Advise, Assist mission in Afghanistan. The 191st Soldiers would escort high-ranking U.S. officials around the Kabul area to meetings with Afghan leaders. They also did protective service detail for distinguished visitors, which included the President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and U.S. Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark Esper. “They (the unit) did an excellent job. Fortunately, we had a 100 percent success rate. We had no incidents and that’s what we’re there for, to prevent those things from happening,” Mazur said. “Our Soldiers performed outstanding. They had nothing but praise from everyone they worked with and everyone they assisted.”
Photos by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters
Detachment 1, 174th cyber protection team
Mazur said the Soldiers were notified about their mobilization about a year and a half in advance, which gave them ample time to train. Some of the unit’s preparation included keeping in contact with protective service detail teams who were serving on the same mission before the 191st’s rotation in Kabul and sending the unit’s Soldiers to the protective service school in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Five North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers were lauded for their service and wished well Dec. 2 prior to their departure for a yearlong stateside mission during an open house and farewell event at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. Members of Detachment 1, 174th Cyber Protection Team (CPT) departed for Fort Meade, Maryland, in early January. A first-of-its-kind mission for a North Dakota unit, the Soldiers will provide network security and cyber defense operations in support of the Department of Defense. Detachment 1, 174th CPT was established in January 2017 and is comprised of Guardsmen from North Dakota, as well as Colorado, South Dakota and Utah. North Dakota’s Soldiers will be led by 1st Lt. Charles Werner, of Upham, North Dakota, during their mission.
“Working at Fort Meade, helping to guard our nation’s networks, is definitely going to be an exciting mission. I’m looking forward to broadening my knowledge and skills in the cybersecurity field,” said Sgt. Phillip Budd, a member of Detachment 1, 174th CPT. Budd, who works full time as a postal carrier in Bismarck, joined the unit upon its inception two years ago. He received an invitation to become a member of Detachment 1, 174th CPT, right on the cusp of finishing his initial enlistment with the N.D. Army National Guard. Originally an active-duty Soldier, Budd began his military service as a satellite communication systems operator/maintainer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He later separated from active duty and joined the N.D. Army National Guard as an automated logistical specialist with the 957th (continued on page 6)
188th Air Defense artillery About 28 Soldiers of the North Dakota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (1-188th ADA) Regiment returned home Nov. 16 after protecting the airspace around the nation’s capital. Most of the 200 Soldiers from this mission returned in February 2018; the Soldiers who returned this fall volunteered to remain on duty in Washington, D.C., for an extended period. 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. The unit is headquartered in Grand Forks with units in Bismarck and Fargo. The Soldiers hailed from communities across North Dakota, as well as cities in Minnesota, California, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The 1-188th ADA contributed to Operation Noble Eagle in the Washington, D.C., area during its mobilization. The Soldiers’ mission involved collaborating with other Department of Defense agencies as part of the integrated air defense system designed to protect the airspace around the National Capital Region.
Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing Above, Sgt. Tyler Nagel, of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, gets a hug from his son as he is greeted by friends and family upon his return home to Hector International Airport Nov. 16 in Fargo upon the completion of his 18-month deployment to Washington, D.C. Top, Sgt. Magdalena Masset is greeted at the Bismarck Municipal Airport Nov. 14 after serving with the 191st Military Police Company during a yearlong mission in Afghanistan. Opposite page, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Milbrath also is greeted n Bismarck after returning from Afghanistan with the 191st Military Police Company.
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Photos by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge). Members of his unit encouraged him to reenlist and made recommendations to selecting officials for him to become a member of the 174th CPT. It was a prospect Budd couldn’t pass up. “This seemed like a golden opportunity to move into an exciting up-and-coming field in the military with lots of potential for advancement. The only hitch in my plan was that I didn’t have a heck of a lot of cyber experience to speak of. (I had) no industry certifications, anything like that. But I applied anyway, thinking that maybe I at least had a shot of being picked up for the intel analyst position. Imagine my surprise when I got the phone call several months later informing me that the selecting committee wanted me as a cyber operations specialist.” The road to becoming a cyber security expert, however, required intensive training, which Budd was happy to accomplish. He’s already obtained global certifications, such as CompTIASecurity +, which introduces the baseline skills needed to perform core security functions, and certified ethical hacker, which teaches professionals how to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities within target systems, but use their knowledge in a lawful way to assess system security. During the mission in Fort Meade, Budd said he and
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his team members are expected to complete additional training during their spare time. “So, there’s a very good chance that in addition to the certs I’ve already obtained, I will be coming home with more advanced certifications. This would allow me to at least consider the possibility of moving into cybersecurity for my civilian job, as well,” he said. Sgt. Andrew Stein, another member of the 174th CPT, also had one foot out the door of the N.D. Army National Guard when a Guard Your Future retention event tipped him off to the opportunities possible by continuing his service with the cyber team. An interior electrician with the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), Stein said he had enjoyed his time with the National Guard, but wanted to focus on his family and civilian career in cybersecurity. “I had understood the benefits that I was giving up such as retirement (if I made it to 20 years), health insurance, and transferring my education benefits to my kids. The biggest factor was that my military career didn’t line up with my civilian career, since my MOS (military occupational specialty) was an interior electrician. Although cybersecurity is in high demand, it is also competitive industry and required my free time to continue learning in that field. Rather than
Right, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks with Sgt. Phillip Budd, of Detachment 1, 174th Cyber Protection Team, during a send-off ceremony Dec. 2 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck prior to the unit’s departure to Fort Meade, Maryland. Left, from left to right, Sgt. Jesse Wright, Sgt. Phillip Budd, Sgt. Andrew Stein, 1st Lt. Charles Werner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan Cossette comprise Detachment 1, 174th Cyber Protection Team.
going to drills, I could be learning more about my civilian career. At the Guard Your Future event, Stein was introduced to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, IT services branch chief, who told him about the establishment of the 174th CPT. In just a 15-minute conversation, Stein was extremely interested in continuing to serve with the National Guard. “I got that position (on the team) and ended up reenlisting for another 6 years. I'm 2 years into the 6 year commitment and the likelihood of staying for 20 years has increased,” Stein said. “Now when I'm conducting military cybersecurity training (and there has been several hundred hours completed outside of weekend drills), it can be used at my civilian job. This helps me succeed in my civilian career and also my military career, and in-turn, helps better support my family.”
CHANGING OF THE GUARD By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Joint Force Headquarters
Soldiers and Airmen welcome new Senior Enlisted leader
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new senior enlisted leader assumed the role as advisor to the North Dakota adjutant general on all matters relating to the North Dakota National Guard’s 4,000 Soldiers and Airmen. Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson formally relinquished duties to Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock during a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 12 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. Following the change of responsibility, Nelson was honored during a retirement ceremony after nearly 37 years of military service, 22 of which were with the N.D. National Guard. As the senior enlisted leader, Binstock now will be responsible for morale, welfare, discipline, performance, training, awards, recruiting, retention, equal opportunity, promotions and assignments for North Dakota’s enlisted Guard members. “I am pleased that Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock has accepted the position of senior enlisted leader for the North Dakota National Guard. Command Sgt. Maj. Binstock has the experience, the background and the leadership to excel in this position and to continue to mentor and guide our enlisted Soldiers and Airmen,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “We also wish Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson well as he retires after more than 36 years of military service. His contributions and sacrifices and those of his family have made our organization stronger and we thank them for all they’ve done.” Nelson served as the command sergeant major for Camp Grafton Training Center and the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, both near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Previous to his current position, he was assigned as the command sergeant major for the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Nelson has served as the senior enlisted leader for the N.D. National Guard since February 2016. He works full time as the chief of police for the Grand Forks Police Department. Binstock most recently has served as the operations sergeant major for the Bismarckbased 68th Troop Command, area operations sergeant major for the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and command sergeant major for the Minot-based 164th Engineer Battalion. In his full-time civilian occupation, he’s employed as a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations.
Above, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson passes the N.D. National Guard colors to Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, during a change of responsibility ceremony between Nelson and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, the N.D. National Guard’s new senior enlisted leader. Below left, Dohrmann presents Nelson with the North Dakota Distinguished Service Medal during Nelson’s retirement ceremony. Right, Binstock addresses Guardsmen in formation at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory after assuming responsibility as the senior enlisted leader.
Photos by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters
1993 • 1994 • 1971 • 1973 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1995 • 1997 • 1997 • 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 1998 •• 2001 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 2006 • 2007 1971 • 1973 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • • 2008 • 2010 1997 • 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 • 2012 •• 2012 2013 •• 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 2014 • 2015• 1979 • 1971 • 1973 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1997 •2016 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 1971 •• 1973 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 1979• 1973 • 1992 • 1971 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1993 • 1994 • 1997 • 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 1995 • 1997 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 1998 • 2001 • 1971 • 1973 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • Happy Hooligans Earn Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1997 • 1998 •Again 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 1971 T • 1973 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1997 • 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 1971 • 1973 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1997 • 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010
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By 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert 119th Wing
he Happy Hooligans of the North Dakota National Guard’s 119th Wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) for the 20th time Jan. 5 during a ceremony at the Air National Guard base in Fargo. Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, presented the award to the unit’s members and commended them for their exceptional service, commitment and mission accomplishment. “The Happy Hooligans have a history, a culture, an attitude and a habit of excellence,” Dohrmann said. “With the Reaper mission, what we’re doing in the nuclear fields and the new ISRG (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance group) mission, we are more relevant right now to our homeland security and to the war fight in supporting our combatant commanders, than I believe we have ever been in our history.”
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, right, attaches a streamer, representing the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, onto the 119th Wing guidon as Col. Darrin Anderson, the 119th Wing commander, lowers the unit flag during a recognition ceremony. Chief Master Sgt. Duane Kangas, the 119th Wing command chief master sergeant, center, looks on. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
The award was accepted by Col. Darrin Anderson, 119thWing commander, on behalf of the unit. “This award symbolizes that all missions across this Wing are successfully executed at the highest level, with pride, professionalism and patriotism,” Anderson said. “Thank you, Happy Hooligans, for being steadfast guardians of our freedom and our way of life.” The AFOUA is awarded by the secretary of the U.S. Air Force to numbered units of the active-duty Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement, including successful involvement with combat operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. This recent award period was for achievements rendered from Oct. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2017, in which the 119th Wing successfully executed combat and support operations for U.S. Central Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Global Strike Command. Notable accomplishments by the Wing included conducting the first ever MQ-9 sortie from a joint-use airfield, the 119th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group leading the entire Air National Guard enterprise in target production output and the 219th Security Forces Squadron achieving an unprecedented 99.6 percent alert rate while safeguarding $3.3 billion in U.S. Strategic Command nuclear assets. The Hooligans previously received the award in 1971, 1973, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
1971 • 1973 • 1979 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1997 • 1998 • 2001 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2010 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016
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CHIEF AMONG US
Brig. Gen. Todd Branden, the North Dakota National Guard assistant adjutant general for Air, second from left, presents a symbolic trophy representing the North Dakota Air National Guard state command chief position Jan. 5 to Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller during a ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base in Fargo. Miller is replacing Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Muehler, who is retiring. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
Miller Takes on Role as State Command Chief By 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Colbert 119th Wing
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he North Dakota Air National Guard welcomed a new state command chief Jan. 5 as Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller assumed duties from Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Muehler during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Air National Guard base in Fargo. As the state command chief, Miller reports to Brig. Gen. Todd Branden, assistant adjutant general for the N.D. Air National Guard. In his new role, Miller will advise senior military leaders on matters concerning discipline, morale, welfare, effective utilization, professional development and career progression of the state’s Airmen. “I’m truly humbled and honored to represent the Airmen of the finest Air National Guard unit in the United States,” Miller said. “I look forward to serving you over the next three years.” Miller began his career in the N.D. Air National Guard in 1981 as an F-4 aircraft armament systems mechanic. In 1990, he transferred to the Maintenance Data System Analysis Office where he remained until 2000 when he became a first sergeant for the Aircraft Generation Squadron. In December 2001, Miller accepted a full-time position in the Base Education and Training Office as the non-
commissioned officer-in-charge and was then named manager of the office in 2004. In August 2016, he was assigned as the classification specialist and force support manager in the Human Resources Office at the N.D. National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Bismarck. Muehler served three years as the command chief and was honored with a retirement ceremony immediately following the change of responsibility. “Chief Muehler, I know you truly care about the men and women of our Air National Guard,” Branden said during the ceremony. “You always did the right thing for the organization and for our Airmen. Thank you for being a great leader and for all your years of faithful service.” Muehler began his career in the U.S. Air Force in June 1978 as a pneudraulics system specialist, providing aircraft maintenance for the F-5E Aggressor Squadron. After only two years, he was chosen to become a maintenance member of the prestigious U.S. Air Force Thunderbird demonstration team. After his active duty service, Muehler spent two years with the New York Air National Guard before transferring to the N.D. Air National Guard in 1988. He was a long-time member of the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron before moving into the intelligence career field in 2006 when the 119th Wing assumed the MQ-1 Predator mission. As a mission intelligence coordinator and superintendent of the Wing’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, Chief Muehler supported Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
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TAKING THE FIELD 188th Army Band entertains during UND Halftime show Story and photos by Spc. Kristin Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
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lues in Green, a musical ensemble featuring members of the 188th Army Band, preformed on the 50-yard line at the Alerus Center Oct. 27 during a military appreciation event at a University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks football game in Grand Forks. The performance was a collaborative effort by the 188th Army Band and the University of North Dakota’s Pride of the North Marching Band. “The event feels really big,” said Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling, Blues in Green director from the 188th Army Band. “We don’t often play in giant spaces like this. Usually we are playing for military unit’s Christmas parties or similar events. So being in a big arena is a completely different space. It’s a lot harder to get used to, sound wise, but it’s a fun challenge.” The Blues in Green Band also ceremoniously carried the U.S. flag during the National Anthem before kickoff. As part of the halftime show, the Soldier-musicians preformed “Walkin’ on Sunshine” and “Uptown Funk.” Members of the Pride of the North Marching Band assisted with the band’s performance. “Coordination between both bands was almost seamless,” said Rob Brooks, director of the Pride of the North Bands at the University of North Dakota. “The first time we practiced together was this morning. We’ve only gone through it twice. The second time we practiced, it was like we had been working together for 10 years. Working with the Army band is great. They are all professionals.” Spc. Zach Fischer played a dual role at the game. He is a saxophone player for both the Blues in Green Band and Pride of the North Marching Band. “He’s out there representing the 188th Army Band as a part of the University of North Dakota Marching band,” Fylling said. “That’s been pretty neat.” Blues in Green previously played at the Alerus Center in 2010. Brooks said the colloborative experience was positive and he decided to ask Blues in Green back for the military
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(continued) appreciation event this year. Both bands have hopes of doing another performance together in the future. The 188th Army Band provides music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our Soldiers the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens and promote our national interests at home and abroad.
See More ONLINE! Follow the 188th Army Band on Facebook for other community involvement photos and announcements: www.facebook.com/188AB
Opposite page, top, Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling leads members of the 188th Army Band in carrying the U.S. flag in preparation for the National Anthem during the military appreciation event at a University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks football game at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Middle, Staff Sgt. Aaron Bedford plays “Uptown Funk” with the Blues in Green Band during the ensemble's performance. Bottom, Staff Sgt. Brent Rider keeps time during “Uptown Funk.” Above, Sgt. Samuel Kroll, left, and Spc. Zach Fischer also perform with the Blues in Green Band.
188th Army Band hits the Road for 'music in schools' tour
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s students returned to the classroom in January, the North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Army Band geared up to bring musical performances and lively entertainment to schools across North Dakota Jan. 7-10 as part of the unit's annual training. Three ensembles from the band performed at 21 stops as part of its “Music in Schools” tour, which incorporates student interaction and features popular music, lights and fog machines. This year’s tour marked the seventh time the band has brought this special musical experience to North Dakota schools. The first tour happened in 2007. Since then, the band has performed 135 successful shows throughout the state during the tours. The three performance groups that embarked on the tour included Flashbang and Blues in Green, both variety bands, and the Rally Point Group, which include Soldier-musicians who also perform as the Flatland Dixieland Band and the Full Battle Rattle brass quintet. “The tour in January was an absolute blast,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Landman, 188th Army Band commander. “The focus of the tour was to share the Army message and connect with students and staff at schools to continue fostering community relations and spread some joy in the cold month of January.”
Photo by Sgt. Kelsy Johnson, 188th Army Band Staff Sgt. Lynne Krug interacts with elementary students at Lakota High School Jan. 9. during the 188th Army Band's "Music in Schools" Tour. Krug performs with Flashbang , one of the 188th Army Band’s several music ensembles.
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BNSF HOLIDAY TRAIN TAKES MILITARY FAMILIES DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW By Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment group of nearly 200 passengers, including military members and their families, boarded the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Holiday Express Train Dec. 1 in Mandan, North Dakota, for a special journey across the rails. The Holiday Express is in its 11th year of operation and features 15 vintage rail cars decorated for the holiday season, traveling around the country as a tribute to military members.
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“In North Dakota almost everyone has a connection to a member of the National Guard and it is very similar with the railroad. We have a huge connection with the community here and across the state,” said Amy McBeth, director of public affairs for BNSF. “It just makes sense for us to honor these men and women. When they get on board today, whether young or old, they love the train; it is just exciting. We are pleased and proud to be able to offer this special treat today.” For most, it was their first time on a train, but for others it was a familiar feeling. Virgil Kiten shared stories of his time in the service and on the railroad. “I served in the Army from 1953 until 1954, but worked on the railroad from 1949 until 1994. It is just such a nice experience to share this with my family,” Kiten said. The BNSF staff wanted to make sure that people
Photos by Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Left, all ages boarded the BNSF Holiday Express Train in Mandan Dec. 1 to enjoy a special hour-anda-half-long train ride with other military families. Above, the Holiday Express awaits its passengers prior to departure.
remember: it is not just the service member that serves, but their families, as well. “We’ve recognized over the course of these 11 years the kind of sacrifices that military families make. We want to honor not only those who wear the uniform, but also to take it one step further,” said Andrew Johnson, BNSF assistant vice president of community affairs. “When mom or dad is deployed, there is a whole new set of challenges that their family has to endure.” After receiving snacks and sodas while on the train, the passengers were surprised by another holiday gift: Santa Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus walked each of the train cars handing out small gold gift boxes to the military children, which were filled with beautiful tree ornaments. Staff Sgt. Erin and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Yancey Demoe, both N.D. National Guard members, were on the train with their three children. “It’s rare that this many members of the military get together, so I just think it is amazing that we can celebrate the holidays together with our families,” Erin Demoe said. At the end of the ride, Johnson presented a check for $10,000 to Col. Paul Harron, N.D. National Guard chief of staff, to support the North Dakota National Guard Foundation. The funds will go towards the foundation’s two primary support services: North Dakota National Guard Emergency Relief Fund and the North Dakota Tragedy Assistance Program. “We appreciate this kind gesture from the staff at BNSF,” Harron said. “This was a great opportunity to get together and share the holidays in a nontraditional manner. The Holiday Express was a special event for us, just seeing the excitement on our kids’ faces.” During the holiday season, the BNSF Holiday Express also made stops in South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming and Kansas.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Above, Col. Paul Harron, chief of staff for the N.D. National Guard, accepts a check for $10,000 from Andrew Johnson, of BNSF, after the Holiday Express train ride. The donation was presented to support the National Guard Foundation, which provides support services for Guard families, including the Emergency Relief Fund and the North Dakota Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS. Top, Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, of the 116th Public Affairs Detachment, and his family are visited by Santa while riding the BNSF Holiday Express Train.
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FOCUSED onWORD ofMOUTH buzick credits team, community for ‘Expert SEVEN’ RECRUITING award By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Joint Force Headquarters
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aster Sgt. Bobby Buzick’s recruiting message has been an enduring one. As a recruiting noncommissioned officer-in-charge (NCOIC) for the North Dakota Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, it’s a philosophy he instinctively imparts to his team of recruiters, who promote the organization in a geographical area comprised of communities, both small and large, from Grand Forks to Devils Lake. “The message is always the exact same. ‘Have you ever thought about serving your community? Here’s what we’ve identified in you that can help our team; come join our team,’” he said. “I’ve been doing this for about 14 years. Regardless of the generation and regardless of the times we’re in, there is one constant, and that is people having a desire to help other people.” And that message has worked well for Buzick. During the 2018 fiscal year, his training and mentoring empowered his recruiting team to exceed its annual enlistment goals by bringing 61 new Soldiers into the N.D. Army National Guard’s ranks. Achieving that benchmark earned Buzick the chance to represent North Dakota Nov. 7-10 at the Strength Maintenance Advisory Group (SMAG) VI Expert Seven Awards board in San Diego, California, where he competed against 40 recruiting NCOICs to garner top honors and received the Expert Seven Badge. “This accomplishment is not easily attained,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Miller, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s command sergeant major. “These honors are in recognition for (Buzick’s) superior leadership and strength maintenance skills in all functions of recruiting and retention.” During the SMAG event, Buzick was required to don his Army Service Uniform and answer a range of questions from a board of sergeants major, testing his aptitude as a “Total Soldier.” The questions touched on topics including readiness, Army programs, leadership, physical fitness, retention, the duties and responsibilities of 14 · Guardian · Winter 2019
Courtesy Photo Left, Lt. Col. Brock Larson, N.D. Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Miller, Recruiting and Retention Battalion command sergeant major, right, present the Expert Seven Award plaque to Master Sgt. Bobby Buzick, who won the honor by besting 40 other recruiting noncommissioned officers-in-charge at a board event held in San Diego, California.
a noncommissioned officer and the history of the Army National Guard. The competitors at the SMAG hailed from eight states: North Dakota, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Miller said Buzick is only the second Soldier in the N.D. Army National Guard to win at the regional Expert Seven boards. Buzick, however, credits the recruiters he works with for the achievement. They all “made mission” this year by reaching their recruiting objectives, which, according to the battalion, is a rare accomplishment. Buzick said the Soldiers are successful because they build networks and seek out influential members from their communities to find potential enlistees. The team, for instance, attend high school athletic events and work with principals and their cities’ Chambers of Commerce. “It’s (recruiting) about embracing your community and understanding how to build relationships. My recruiters do that very well. They’re very integrated into their communities,” Buzick said. Buzick also credited the community in which he works for propelling him toward the Expert Seven Award. He said community leaders understand the value the National Guard adds to their regions and, in turn, identify potential members who can add value to the organization. “It’s a really good reflection on our community and those wanting to serve North Dakota,” he said. “I wanted to represent our state and the people in the Grand Forks, Devils Lake and surrounding areas. I live in Grand Forks and I love that community. I’d do this job for 30 more years if I could.”
FROM THE DESK OF
Greetings North Dakota National Guard Service Members — On behalf of the North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Committee (ESGR), I hope that your 2019 is off to a great start. And most importantly, let me say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our state and nation. On Oct. 1, 2017, I assumed the duties and honor of serving as state chair for the North Dakota ESGR State Committee. I work with more than 60 volunteers throughout the state to carry out ESGR’s mission. I serve at the pleasure of the Department of Defense, as well as the North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann. For those of you not familiar with ESGR, here is a very brief history: ESGR was established by the Department of Defense in 1972 as a volunteer agency under the department, and has a vision of “creating a culture where all American employers support and value the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees.” The ESGR carries out this mission in three ways: 1. Recognizing outstanding support from employers who support their National Guard and Reserve service members. 2. Educating employers and service members about their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, also known as USERRA. 3. Resolving conflicts by providing free mediation services in the case of any employment issues between an employer and a service member. During the 2018 fiscal year, North Dakota ESGR volunteers gave over 2,000 hours of volunteer service. Some of the more practical ways we carry out the mission of educating employers is by providing educational opportunities to show the military mission employee service members carry out. We do this through “Boss Lift” and “Lunch with the Boss” events, various outreach events, speaking to service groups, interviews with the media on
the ESGR mission, presenting at Yellow Ribbon events, and most of all, by recognizing employers for outstanding support through various awards. And that is where you come in. As ESGR volunteers, we cannot nominate employers for various levels of awards. Service members need to nominate and recognize employers who provide valuable support for them to carry out their military mission. Recognizing your employer is easy. Simply go to the ESGR Website (ESGR.mil) and select “Nominate your employer.” Follow the instructions, tell the story about why you want to recognize your employer and then submit the nomination. The most common and recognized employer award is the Patriot Award. This award typically is for an immediate supervisor who has shown support for their employee service member. These awards can be completed any time of the year. Once we are made aware of these award requests, ESGR volunteers will make arrangements with the service member to publicly recognize their employer. The other award I would encourage you to consider is the ESGR Freedom Award. This award recognizes a select few employers across the country for outstanding support of their service member employees. The window to nominate an employer for this award runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 each year. This is a very competitive process nationally and many times it may take a number of nominations before a company may be recognized. Only 15 companies nationally are recognized each year by the Department of Defense for this prestigious award. Don’t let those statistics discourage you. There are other awards that your state committee may recommend upon receiving various nominations from service members. For example, the Above & Beyond Award recognizes employers who go beyond employee support requirements. Our highest state award is the Pro Patria Award. The state committee, along with the state chair of ESGR, reviews various Patriot Awards and other comments from service members to see if their employer is deserving of a higher award. Feel free to reach out to our North Dakota ESGR office at 701-333-2057. Again on behalf of the North Dakota State ESGR Committee, thanks for all you do. Best wishes to you for a great and safe 2019. Sincerely, Delton Steele, Chair, North Dakota State ESGR Committee
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capitol affairs
How Will the legislative session affect you? Information provided by Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard strategy and policies officer
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he legislative team of the North Dakota National Guard has been hard at work for months researching, writing and preparing bills and testimony for the 66th North Dakota State Legislative Session. The team worked with many bipartisan groups to ensure that issues facing the N.D. National Guard and all service members in North Dakota are being heard by the legislative body. Each one of these bills is intended to support our Guardsmen and enhance the readiness and capabilities of the N.D. National Guard Here are the bills being introduced by the N.D. National Guard, and some that are of interest to service members across North Dakota.
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North Dakota National Guard Bills Senate Bill 2016 — Encompasses the Office of the Adjutant General’s appropriations (budget). In this bill, the adjutant general is requesting funds (as recommended in the Governor’s budget) to fully fund the N.D. National Guard’s State Tuition Assistance Waiver and Grant Program. This program is our No. 1 legislative priority. This will continue to allow the N.D. National Guard to provide assistance to our Guardsmen as they pursue higher education. We also have asked for funding to expand Camp Grafton South. The expansion is a top readiness priority. As early as this year, the N.D. National Guard will have significantly reduced range capacity due to the implementation of the Enhanced Performance
Round (EPR). The effect on the National Guard would be a complete loss of capability in firing machine guns, and our M-16 range would be reduced from 16 to only 8 firing lanes. An additional 5,000 acres would be needed to ensure Camp Grafton South provides the space the N.D. National Guard needs or weapons qualification requirements. This expansion also would help curb the loss of training days from traveling out of state to accomplish required training. House Bill 1095 — The bill broadens job protections for individuals who work in North Dakota but are called to State Active Duty because they belong to another state’s National Guard. This protection already exists for N.D. National Guard members who live in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana. House Bill 1101 — Requests the adjutant general be given the authority to accept and expend donations in order to support service members, veterans, families and survivor programs. Some examples of existing programs include the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS; North Dakota Remembrance Weekend and N.D. National Guard Youth Camps. Senate Bill 2097 — This bill covers a few different areas. It is referred to as “house keeping,” meaning much of what the bill covers is reoccurring and done each session. The topics covered in the bill include updating the Service Member Civil Relief Act, synchronizing the adjutant general’s and deputy adjutant’s time requirements (3 years) in the N.D. National Guard in order to hold those positions.
bills of interest to military Members House Bill 1046 — This bill adjusts the legal language for the State Tuition Assistance Waiver and Grant Program to allow new members to enlist after the start of a college semester and remain eligible to receive tuition assistance for that semester. House Bill 1053 — A bill to deduct military retirement pay from North Dakota state taxes. This bill was in the Governor’s budget recommendations and the adjutant general testified in support of this bill. Rep. Steve Vetter (Grand Forks area) sponsored this bill and video of his full testimony is on his professional Facebook page. Senate Bill 2306 — These bills are for military spouses with certain professional licenses. The purpose of the bill is to ease the process for spouses who are relocating with their military member and require a professional license to gain employment quicker. The bills are more impactful for active duty, but could be leveraged by Reserve component spouses, as well. Senate Bill 2173 — This bill adds North Dakota to an interstate medical licensure compact to broaden access to health care through new delivery methods. This bill would allow physicians of the member states to more easily practice medicine in other member states. This allows physicians to provide services through the use of technology to patients in other compact states. For the full text for each bill, visit http://www.nd.gov/veterans/legislation www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 17
GUARDIAN Snapshots See More, and Download Photos! Visit www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/
Photos by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
UNTO THE BREACH Top left, Senior Airman Tyler Herlihy, a tactical air control party (TACP) Airman in the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), detonates an explosive device mounted on a door as Staff Sgt. Ethan Johnson, an explosives ordnance technician in the 119th Wing, provides support as they prepare to breach a door Jan. 18 during Exercise Southern Strike 19 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Southern Strike 19 is a total force, multi-service training exercise hosted by the Mississippi Air National Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport and Camp Shelby. The exercise, which took place Jan. 15-30, emphasized air-to-air, air-to-ground and special operations forces training opportunities. Top right, Staff Sgt. Ethan Johnson, an explosives ordnance technician in the 119th Wing, detonates an explosive tool which had been placed on a door as Herlihy provides support. Above left, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Glynn, an explosives ordnance technician in the 119th Wing, places an explosive tool on a door. Right, Glynn shouts a warning prior to detonating and explosive tool.
Photos by Mr. Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs
100 YEARS Left, Chairman of North Dakota’s World War I Commission Darrell Dorgan renders remarks Nov. 2 during a proclamation signing ceremony at the North Dakota capitol. Gov. Doug Burgum, center, signed a proclamation recognizing 100 years since World War I ended. Also present, right, was North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger who verified the Governor’s signature with the State Seal. This proclamation encouraged North Dakotans to observe the 100th Anniversary of the armistice that ended the Great War. Below, a number of North Dakota Guardsmen were present for the proclamation signing in the Capitol building’s Memorial Hall.
Photos by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
BACK NORTH Above, a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 aircraft taxis onto the flight line Jan. 26 at the N.D. Air National Guard Base in Fargo, carrying 119th Wing personnel and equipment as they return from Exercise Southern Strike 19. Southern Strike 19 was a total force, multi-service training exercise hosted by the Mississippi Air National Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center. Right, Master Sgt. Jason Kolness rolls his luggage across the flight line upon his return from Exercise Southern Strike 19. He was one of bout 70 Happy Hooligans to make the trip to Gulfport, Mississippi, to participate in the exercise.
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A MOST WONDERFUL TIME Below left, Master Sgt. Jarrett Permann, a chaplain assistant for the 119th Wing, loads Christmas gifts onto a cart Dec. 11 as he prepares to bring them into the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon. Permann was among a group of Airmen and Soldiers visiting veterans at the home to share a holiday meal and present gifts, which is an annual event for the North Dakota National Guard. The gifts were purchased through donations and were presented by N.D. National Guard members to demonstrate appreciation to the veterans who have served before them. Below, right, Staff Sgt. Blake Lehman, of the 119th Wing, delivers a Christmas present to U.S. Army Veteran Jim Diemert. Right, Staff Sgt. Nathan Reitan, of the 119th Wing, delivers a Christmas gift to Army Veteran Marvin Hieb. Photos by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
HAPPY RETURN Master Sgt. Lee Johnston, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, kneels to look at a homecoming sign his son made for him Nov. 3 upon his return home to Minot International Airport in Minot. Johnston was greeted by his wife and son after completing a 6-month deployment to southwest Asia. Thirteen members of the 219th Security Forces Squadron unit, including Johnston, returned home to Minot in November.
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Courtesy Photos
TRAVELING WITH CHAOS Members of the 191st Military Police Company provided protective service detail and secure transportation to Resolute Support Headquarters staff while assigned to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Afghanistan. The unit also escorted high-ranking U.S. officials around the Kabul area, including former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who is pictured with the unit here. After a yearlong mission in Afghanistan, the unit returned home to North Dakota in two groups, one in November and the other in December. Read more about their mission on page 4.
LIFE SUPPORT Maj. Katherine Headley, bilateral affairs officer from the U.S. embassy in Accra, Ghana, facilitated a CPR mannequin donation to Ghana’s 37th Military Hospital, which was given on Dec. 17. The donation was funded by the University of Mary’s Kappa Upsilon Chapter, based out of Bismarck, in cooperation with Capt. Annie Gerhardt, assistant professor at the University of Mary and a member of the Guard’s State Medical Detachment. The full donation package included 7 CPR mannequins, an AED (automated external defibrillator) trainer and a Basic Life Support instructor manual, as well as training compact discs. These items will allow the 37th Military Hospital to train personnel within their organization, saving nurses and medical providers money and time. In 2019, North Dakota begins its 15th year of partnership with the Republic of Ghana. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 21
NewsBriefs Ryan Promoted to Brigadier General By Mr. Bill Prokopyk, Joint Force Headquarters Col. Leo Ryan, of Jamestown, was promoted to brigadier general Oct. 18 during a ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. Ryan assumed command of the North Dakota Guard’s Land Component Command in September. Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund, the North Dakota deputy adjutant general, presided over the ceremony. Ryan brings more than three decades of experience to his new assignment as land component commander. He enlisted in 1985 as a bridge crewman in the 957th Engineering Company. In 1992, he completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He has held a number of leadership positions throughout his military career, to include commanding the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment; the N.D. Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School and the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute.
Photo by Spc. Drew Ward, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, administers the oath of office to newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Leo Ryan during a ceremony Oct. 18 at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. In September, Ryan assumed command of the organization’s Land Component, which is assigned nearly 3,000 Soldiers.
Ryan twice has served overseas during federal mobilizations. In 1990, he deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm as a squad leader in the 132nd Quartermaster Company. He deployed again in 2007 in support of
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Operation Iraqi Freedom as the executive officer for the 164th Engineer Battalion. In his civilian profession, Ryan is an owner and practicing attorney of Dalsted and Ryan, P.C., which has offices in Jamestown and Carrington, North Dakota.
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Photo by Mr. Jonathan Haugen, N.D. National Guard Multimedia
Erickson Awarded Ancient Order of St. Barbara Maj. Gen. Timothy Sherrif, commanding general of the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, left, anointed the Ancient Order of St. Barbara Jan. 12 on Col. Jonathan Erickson, commander of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, during a 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment “dining out” event at the Avalon Center in Fargo. The Ancient Order of St. Barbara is the most distinguished level of the Order of St. Barbara, which is given to members of the Air Defense Artillery and Field Artillery branch who have made extraordinary contributions within their membership. The award is named for Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen. Capt. Arthur Christiansen and Maj. Lucas Klettke also were awarded the Order of Saint Barbara. Additionally, the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe was presented to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Dorneman. Past Members of the Ancient Order of St. Barbara include Col. Lannie Runck and Col. Scott Fontaine, pictured right, both retired. Erickson is the only active member of the North Dakota National Guard with the award.
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SoundOff!
Chaplains’ Corner: A Time to be Silent, A Time to Speak By Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson, Joint Force Headquarters A robber breaks into a house while the residents are away one dark night. Eager to see what he can loot, the robber quickly starts searching through cupboards and dressers, grabbing valuables with a trained eye. Suddenly, he hears a voice come out of nowhere. “Jesus is watching you.” The criminal jumps, scared the residents are back, and freezes. After a few minutes of silence however, he assumes it was his imagination and goes back to work. A couple minutes pass before, once again, the voice returns. “Jesus is watching you.” Quite confused, the thief searches the house and checks the front door, but nothing seems unusual. He finally decides to move rooms and finds a parrot, but ignores it. Before he can begin to do anything, the voice calls out again, “Jesus is watching you.” The robber realized it was the parrot talking! Going to the parrot, he asks, “Are you the one who’s been talking to me?” The parrot responds, “ Yes.” The thief couldn’t believe it and then asks the parrot’s name. “Moses,” the parrot replied. The man mocked the bird saying, “What kind of a person names a parrot Moses?” The parrot replied, “The same kind of person who names a Rottweiler, Jesus.” (Source Unknown) When I exited the “cattle truck” that took me from reception station to my Basic Training site, I was quickly met by a bunch of drill sergeants who immediately got in my and others’ faces, “encouraging” us in the strongest of ways to do a lot of things at once. Who am I kidding? They simply wanted to bring a lot of “shock and awe” into our world so that we would know who was in charge. And, of course, they succeeded! A time to be silent and a time to speak. Basic Training was truly a time to heed this gem of wisdom. In fact, most of Basic Training was like that for all of us. They spoke, we listened. And all was right with the world. It was a simple concept. Of course, we did not remain silent for the whole time we were there, but it “behooved us” (another great Basic Training word) to listen and be wise in the words that we spoke. There are a lot of times in life that cause us to pause, reflect and then speak. The thief in today’s story found that out. In the silence, fear seized him. He then paused, sized up the situation, let his guard down, spoke and then was filled with fear again when he found out the Rottweiler’s name! A time to be silent and a time to speak. The thief now knew that it was additionally a time to run! In life, this nugget of wisdom bears itself out over and over again. For example, when a loved one has had a hard day, it’s important to listen more than we speak. But we can’t just listen, right? It’s important to listen, acknowledge what they are dealing with and “be engaged” in the conversation. Simply listening doesn’t work. There is, after all, a time to be silent and a time to speak. This is simply one example. Life, in fact, offers us many more situations where it “behooves” us to listen and speak proportionately. Now, if you think about it, silence is a good thing! You see, it’s not simply a lack of noise. It is, rather, an entry into a place where you can just be. There are no demands placed on you.
Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson renders the invocation Jan. 12 during the senior enlisted change of responsibility ceremony between Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock. North Dakota Deputy Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund, left, and North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann also were in attendance. Read more about the event on page 7.
There are no required interactions with another person. It’s a pause button on everything that is happening to you and around you. And it’s a gift, if you really stop and think about it. So, how is it a gift? It provides balance to an otherwise busy world and life that we live. In silence, we see things that we don’t normally see and hear things that we don’t normally hear. I saw a cartoon recently where Jesus (not the Rottweiler) is lying in the back of the boat during a storm (see Mark 4:35-41 for the story) and the caption reads, “In the midst of a long day, even Jesus took naps.” That is, he took some time to rest, reflect and prepare for what was coming next. As a person of faith, I strive daily to have a regular quiet time, as well. This is a time where I can stop/be, reflect on God’s Word for my life and have a time of prayer (in other words, speak to God about the needs of others, myself and thank him for his many gifts). Again, a time to be silent and a time to speak. As a part of my spiritual walk, this is essential for me. It’s Spiritual PMCS, (preventative maintenance checks and services) to use a good military acronym. I listen/reflect on God’s Word and then am empowered to speak/ reflect that word of grace into the lives of others. The good news is that God uses other people to speak a word of grace into my life, as well. A time to be silent and a time to speak. There is a balance and rhythm to this. Sometimes, I am the encourager and other times, I need encouragement. We are all spiritual people and we all need to nurture our spirits regularly. A time of silence and reflection in our lives is vital so that we are prepared for what is coming next. So, what does your quiet time look like? It will look different than mine, but what does it look like for you? Also, who are those key people in your life that afford you the time to be silent and a time to speak? Finally, who do you go to and where do you go for words of inspiration, words of “life, hope and encouragement?” During this New Year, I pray that, in addition to your other resolutions, you resolve to think on these things, as well! Blessings, Chaplain Johnson “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to be silent and a time to speak …” Ecclesiastes 3: 1 &7 www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 23
Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller pours coffee for retired Chief Master Sgt. Fred Quam at the annual retiree breakfast get-together at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo. Quam had his 102nd birthday Oct. 2, 2018, and is a charter member of the N.D. Air National Guard, which he joined Jan. 16, 1947. The 119th Wing Chief’s Council hosts the annual breakfast get-together for retired unit members as part of their community relations program. About 130 retired unit members attended the event.