GUARDIAN Annual Report Edition
North Dakota Spring 2020
Volume 13, Issue 1
Our Impact on North Dakota Pg. 22
INSIDE:
Best of the Best, a Look Back at Fiscal Year 2019 PG. 6
The Road to Romania PG. 13
Community Outreach and the North Dakota National Guard PG. 16
Inside This Issue Features
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No Stranger to Change
Leadership Transitions
The North Dakota National Guard is no stranger to change. Fiscal year 2019 came with changes in senior leadership with three Army and two Air National Guard senior leaders moving into new positions.
Sending Them Off,
10 Welcoming Them Home
Deployments & Welcome Home
Our Soldiers and Airmen constantly train in order to be ready to mobilize for federal or state missions at a moment’s notice.
State Partnership
16 Program
Partnering
The North Dakota National Guard is committed to the parternership we have with Ghana, Togo and Benin. The program ensures sharing resources and training that are mutually beneficial to the National Guard and the partnered countries.
Commander in Chief North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann Public Information Officer Maj. Amber Schatz Graphic Design & Layout Staff Sgt. Ashley Johlfs Contributors Lt. Col. Mark McEvers Maj. Amber Schatz Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp Staff Sgt. Brett Miller Staff Sgt. Ashley Johlfs Staff Sgt. Brandi Schmidt Spc. Thea Jorgenson Spc. Kristin Berg Spc. Mudiaga Kpohraror Mr. Jon Haugen Mr. Jay Martinez Mr. Eric W. Jensen 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. • The North Dakota Guardian is published by the JFND Public Information Office, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511, 701.333.2007
Departments Dept. of Emergency Services .... Page 20 Civil Air Patrol ................................. Page 21 Our Fallen Heroes....................... Page 23
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On the Cover Staff Sgt. Ethan Johnson, an explosives ordnance technician in the 119th Wing, detonates an explosive which had been placed on a door as Senior Airman Tyler Herlihy, a tactical air control party (TACP) Airman in the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), provides support as they prepare to breach a door while conducting training during Exercise Southern Strike 19 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center near Hattiesburg, Miss., Jan. 18, 2019. 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, Miss., and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center near Hattiesburg, Miss. from Jan. 15 through Jan. 30, 2019. The exercise emphasizes air-to-air, air-toground and special operations forces training opportunities. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David
VIEW FROM THE TOP A MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
Annual Report Edition
W
Welcome to this special edition of the North Dakota Guardian. This issue highlights the activities of the Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees of the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) during Fiscal Year 2019. This report runs from Oct. Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019. Both of these entities are organized under the supervision of the Office of the Adjutant General North Dakota Adjutant General The North Dakota National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters continues to enjoy a successful State Partnership Program (SPP) with the three West African countries of Benin, Ghana and Togo. Our involvement in this partnership began in 2004 with Ghana, and we added Togo and Benin in 2014. We continue to grow this mutually beneficial relationship with these nations. In Aug. 2019, we broke ground for a new Reserve Readiness Center in Fargo, while Engineer Soldiers improved the grounds of a YMCA camp in Garrison. We witnessed the 119th Wing, nicknamed the Happy Hooligans, earn their 20th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) ensuring that our Airmen remain amongst the most decorated Air Wings in the National Guard. Our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen continue to live up to their commitment of service and readiness by always being prepared to mobilize in support of U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force missions and objectives world-wide and in defense of the homeland. In Fiscal Year 2019 we deployed nearly 80 Soldiers and 30 Airmen overseas in support of national defense. Most of the deployments were in support of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations. At home in North Dakota, we responded to spring flooding in the beginning of 2019 with a ten-Soldier team armed with engineer equipment. This Quick Reaction Team was on duty in Cass County for two weeks and provided sandbags and heavy equipment to assist property owners as Sheyenne River continued to rise. Annual Training periods incorporated domestic operations tasks and vignettes into training plans, helping to ensure we are postured to support our Federal and State missions. The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) through its two agencies, the Division of Homeland Security and Division of State Radio, provides efficient emergency support to the residents of North Dakota. The Division of Homeland Security coordinates emergency response, recovery and mitigation with counties, cities and tribal nations to assist in their recovery from disasters as efficiently as possible. The State Radio Communications System provides 9-1-1 services and has more than 4,000 users representing 287 local, state and the federal government agencies. North Dakota Civil Air Patrol, an official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, continues to support the citizens of North Dakota through the NDDES. The Civil Air Patrol partners with state and federal agencies primarily for aerial surveillance. They are an important component to the state’s emergency response support team. The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, administered under the Office of the Adjutant General, was established by an act of the 1989 Legislative Assembly and opened in 1992. This facility continues to be a respectful, hallowed grounds for the final resting place for deceased service members from all branches of service and their spouses. The Memorial Day ceremony held at the cemetery, is the most attended patriotic celebration in North Dakota, and continues to draw thousands on this annual day of remembrance. I am proud to share this report of the achievements of the North Dakota National Guard and North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. Sincerely, Al Dohrmann Major General, North Dakota National Guard The Adjutant General
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Joint Execu
Brig. Gen. Leo Ryan Army Commander
Command Sgt. Maj. Derek Heck State Command Sergeant Major
Col. Jonathan Erickson Chief of Staff - Army
Chief Warrant Officer Five Kiel Skager Command Chief Warrant Officer
4 · Guardian · Annual Report edition FY 2019
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock Senior Enlisted Leader
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann Adjutant General
utive Council
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber Assistant Adjutant General-Army
Brig. Gen. Todd Branden Assistant Adjutant General - Air Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller State Command Chief
Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte Chief of Staff - Air
Col. Darrin Anderson 119th Wing Commander
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Best
A Look Back at the Year’s Accolades
The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret”(I Am Ready) Award
2019 Recipients
Spc. Devon Blazek Sgt. Dustin Engebretson Spc. Marlyn Vondall Maj. (Ret.) Donavan Blazek Staff Sgt. Amy Bohl Spc. Nicole Brown Sgt. Jacob Burdick Sgt. 1st Class William Burdick Master Sgt. Robert Buzick Staff Sgt. Mitchell Cowell Sgt. Kelly Grotte Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Handegard Lt. Col. (Ret.) Curtis Kroh Col. (Ret.) Gordon Leingang Maj. Steve Inglish Staff Sgt. Eric Heupel Lt. Col. Mark McEvers Capt. Aaron Norgaard Maj. Waylon Tomac Spc. Matthew Wolf
Soldiers from the 188th Army Band participating in the Jazz Festival in Fargo on Aug. 11, 2019 take a moment to display their Army-level awards earned in Fiscal Year 2019. From left, Spc. Zachary Fischer, Sgt. Joshua Peterson and Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling earned titles of Army Bands Reserve Component Soldier, Junior NCO (non-commissioned officer), and Senior NCO of the Year of 2019 respectively. Photo by Sgt. Taryn Benton, 188th Army Band 6 · Guardian · Annual Report edition FY 2019
A framed gift featuring the Woodrow Wilson Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award is presented to Keeble’s family members during a ceremony at the Circle of Nations/Wahpeton Indian School on March 20, 2019. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
The North Dakota National Guard’s Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I Am Ready) Award can be awarded to any member, or former member, of the North Dakota National Guard. Its purpose is to recognize a Soldier or Airman for displaying courage, fortitude, and determination to protect or defend life, limb or property. This act may include, but not limited to, providing lifesaving measures, performing evacuation efforts, or assisting with a vehicle accident. Actions performed during a sanctioned emergency service operation may qualify for this award. This award is not intended for actions performed in a combat designated zone.
of
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, the N.D. adjutant general, attaches a streamer, representing the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, as Col. Darrin Anderson, 119th Wing commander, holds the unit guidon and Chief Master Sgt. Duane Kangas, 119th Wing command chief looks on. This recognition ceremony held at the N.D. Air National Guard Base in Fargo on Jan. 5, 2019 marked the 20th time the N.D. Air National Guard has earned this award, an achievement, shared by only one other Air National Guard unit. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing
Happy Hooligans Recognize Outstanding Airmen of the Year Airman 1st Class Gretchen Freed Tech. Sgt. Robert Desilet Master Sgt. Jason Coalwell
the
Annual Award Recipeints Warrant Officer of the Year: Chief Warrant Officer Three Arnold H. Zins Army Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. John R. Mazur Air Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Brett R. Nelson Army Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Nicolette Daschendorf Air Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Robert Davidson 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award: Jill Mazur 2018 Air Family of the Year: MSgt Mitchell and Rianne Kuhn Gold Award: Kathy Benson 2018 Department of Defense’s National Guard Family Program Youth Volunteer Award: Mr. Gavin Larson Roughrider Award recipient: Cpt. (Ret.) Randy Fuss Always Ready, Always There Award Winners: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Alexander P. Macdonald, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Darrol Schroeder, Col. (Ret.) Vern Fetch, Chief Warrant Officer Four (Ret.) Ben Kemp and Mr. Delton Steele
Company A, 164th Engineer Battalion was presented the Valorous Unit Award (VUA) for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom from Nov. 2005 to Nov.2006. Company A deployed with 122 Soldiers and was under the command of the 110th Engineer Battalion of the Missouri Army National Guard. Their main mission was security of main supply routes used by friendly forces. The unit is credited with locating and disabling about 450 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and successfully patrolled more than 135,000 kilometers of routes. Company A was deactivated in 2008, but the award ceremony was held on Sept. 14, 2019 at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center, drew most of the former members of the unit together to celebrate their achievement. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, North Dakota National Guard Visual Information Winners of the North Dakota National Guard Best Warrior Competition display their North Dakota National Guard State Meritorious Service Medal citations in recognition of their achievement on Aug. 18, 2019. Sgt. Joao Valenzuela (left), of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was the winner in the noncommissioned officer category. Spc. Grant Schafer of the 816th Military Police Company, took top honors in the Soldier category of the competition. The Best Warrior Competition was held Aug. 15-18, 2019 at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Photo by Spc. Krystal Heth, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Best
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Master Sgt. Kevin Hopfauf and 1st Sgt. Elizabeth “Lisa” Ouradnik unfurl a U.S. Army brigadier general flag as its description and purpose is read to the attendees of Jackie Huber’s promotion to brigadier general ceremony on April 22, 2019 at Bismarck State College. Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, who presided over the promotion ceremony, and Huber stand at attention. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, the new senior enlisted leader, addresses the formation after the Change of Responsibility ceremony at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck on Dec. 7, 2019. Binstock replaced Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson, who retired. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Brig. Gen. Todd Branden, the North Dakota National Guard assistant adjutant general for Air, left, presents a symbolic trophy representing the North Dakota Air National Guard state command chief position to Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller during a ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo on Jan. 5, 2019. Miller replaced Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Muehler, who retired. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing 8 · Guardian · annual report edition fy 2019
Transitions in Leadership
Robert A. Schulte has the rank of brigadier general pinned on his uniform by family members during his promotion ceremony on Sept. 7, 2019. Schulte is assigned as Chief of Staff for Air. Photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
Leo Ryan was promoted to brigadier general on Oct. 18 , 2018 during a ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. Ryan assumed command of the North Dakota National Guard’s Army component. Photo by Spc. Drew Ward, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
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Deployments & Homecomings During FY 2019, we saw nearly 80 Guard Soldiers mobilized for federal service. This included about 30 Military Police and five Aviation Soldiers deployed overseas. About 30 Air Defenders extended their tour of duty protecting the airspace over our National Capital Region. We sent six bridge building engineers to CENTCOM last summer and five Cyber Warriors served at Fort Meade, Maryland. More than 325 Soldiers with 230 pieces of equipment from the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade traveled to Romania to participate in Saber Guardian 2019, a multi-nation exercise. About 30 Security Forces Airmen served overseas in the CENTCOM area during this timeframe. Thirteen Airmen of the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron returned home from a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia in Nov. 2018 while fifteen 119th Security Forces Squadron Airmen out of Fargo mobilized in Aug. 2019 in support of their six-month mission. Sgt. Magdalena Masset is greeted at the Bismarck Municipal Airport on Nov. 14, 2018 after serving with the 191st Military Police Company during a year-long mission in Afghanistan. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
191st Military Police company poses with Gov. Doug Burgum, flanked by Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann left and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock at their welcome home ceremony on Feb. 10, 2019 in Fargo after a year-long mission in Afghanistan. Photo by Spc. Kristen Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Gov. Doug Burgum speaks with Sgt. Philip Budd of the 174th Cyber Protection Team during a sendoff ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck. The 174th Cyber Protection Team deployed to Fort Meade, Md. in early 2019. Photo by Spc. Cody Graham, 116th Public Affairs Detachment 10 ¡ Guardian ¡ Annual Report edition FY 2019
Senior Airman Ty Haaland, in green, leads a group of thirteen 219th Security Forces Squadron members into the terminal at Minot International Airport, Minot, N.D., upon their return home from a six-month deployment to southwest Asia. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
Master Sgt. Lee Johnston, 219th Security Forces Squadron, looks at a homecoming sign his son made. He was greeted by his family upon his return home to Minot International Airport, Minot after completing a six-month deployment to southwest Asia on Nov. 3, 2018. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp www.ndGuard.nd.gov ¡ 11
Best Warrior Competition
Marksmen Sweep Awards
Seventeen Army National Guard Soldiers from across the state pushed through physical and mental challenges to try to outscore their fellow competitors during this year’s Best Warrior Competition (BWC) Aug. 15-18 at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. Each Soldier was tested on various warrior tasks over the competition’s four days. When the winners were announced during the awards ceremony, two Soldiers earned the opportunity to represent North Dakota in the regional competition. Sgt. Joao Valenzuela, of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was the winner in the noncommissioned officer category. In the Soldier category, Spc. Grant Schafer of 816th Military Police Company, took top honors. “It feels amazing to win,” said Valenzuela. “All of the hard work proved to be worth the time invested. You get to compete against some of the best Soldiers from the across the state. I have to give a shout-out to these Soldiers, because they all helped one another out at every step of the BWC by helping build motivation and improving everyone’s confidence. It’s a great and rewarding feeling knowing that everyone tried their best all four days of the competition.”
Range safety officer Lt. Col. Benjamin Cleghorn, North Dakota Army National Guard, briefs competition rules to marksmen on July 27, 2019, at Camp Guernsey, Wyo., during the Marksmanship Advisory Council Region 6 Championship. Photo by Capt. David Bedard, Alaska National Guard
119th Civil Engineer Squadron
Master Sgt. Steven Schwartz (left) and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terry hoist the Colonel William L. Deneke Outstanding Civil Engineer Unit Award for excellence as 119th Civil Engineer Squadron members gather around at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, on June 8, 2019. The Deneke Award is given to the Air National Guard (ANG) outstanding civil engineer unit of the year, which is chosen from more than 100 units throughout the 54 states and territories. This was the second time the Happy Hooligan engineers won. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing
Sgt. Joao Valenzuela, 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, negotiates the confidence course during the State North Dakota National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Gilbert C. Grafton, ND on Aug. 18, 2019. The competition challenges participants on multiple aspects of Soldier tasks. Photo by Spc. Kristin L. Berg, 116th Public Affair Detachment
12 · Guardian · Annual Report edition FY 2019
The Road to Romania
Staff Sgt. Josh Knutson, A Company, 231st Brigade Support Battalion, operates a forklift during loading operations in Grand Forks on Apr. 17, 2019. The equipment was headed to Romania for Saber Guardian 2019. Photo by Spc. Kristin L. Berg, 116th Public Affair Detachment Spc. Chelsey Stoppleworth, 231st Brigade Support Battalion, secures vehicles during loading operations in Grand Forks on Apr. 17, 2019. The equipment was headed to Romania for exercise Saber Guardian 2019. Photo by Spc. Kristin L. Berg, 116th Public Affair Detachment.
Capt. Blake Hillerson constructs an antenna for the 141st MEB Camp in Romania during exercise Saber Guardian from on June 3, 2019. Photo by Spc. Mudiaga Kpohraror, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
The 231st Brigade Support Battalion provided meals for nearly 400 Soldiers throughout the mission in Romania from June 3 -24, 2019. Photo by Spc. Mudiaga Kpohraror, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Four hundred Soldiers from the North Dakota Army National Guard comprised of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), 426th Signal Company (Sig. Co.), and Company B, 231st Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) completed their annual training in June as part of exercise Saber Guardian 2019 in Romania. This annual exercise is co-led by the Romanian Joint Force Command and U.S. Army Europe, and took place June 3-24, 2019 at various locations in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. The exercise is designed to improve the integration of multinational combat forces. Some of the main goals of this international exercise are building readiness and improving partnerships. Our units worked with military partners and Romanian civil authorities to promote interoperability in a multi-national environment. This outstanding support provided by the host nations provided our Soldiers the opportunity to learn new skills, experience and appreciate other cultures and develop new perspectives on military service. These experiences increased the overall capability of the North Dakota National Guard.
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188th Army Band
N.D. National Guard’s 188th Army Band’s “Battle Rattle” Brass Quintet performs at the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on May 27, 2019. Photo by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs
Sgt. Kacie Beatch performs the song “Ex’s and Oh’s” at Langdon High School on Jan. 9, 2019. Langdon was one was one of seven schools on Flashbang’s 2019 Music in Schools Tour. Photo by Sgt. Kelsy Johnson, 188th Army Band
Spc. Zach Fischer leads the students at Valley City High School in audience participation during Blues in Green’s performance of “One Call Away” on Jan. 9, 2019. Photo by Sgt. Taryn Benton, 188th Army Band
Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling, Sgt. Nathan Johnson, Sgt. Kacie Edwards, and Sgt. Leah Brooks perform “Royals” at Valley City High School on Jan. 9, 2019 during the 2019 Music in Schools Tour. Photo by Sgt. Sam Kroll, 188th Army Band 14 · Guardian · Annual Report edition FY 2019
Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Landman of the 188th Army Band, performs the national anthem on a trumpet during Red Hawks Military Appreciation Night on June 18, 2019 in Fargo. Photo by Sgt. Kelsy Johnson, 188th Army Band
While playing her tenor saxophone, Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling moves into the audience to interact with students at Barnes County North High School in Wimbeldon, N.D. during Blues in Green’s Music in Schools Tour on Jan. 9, 2019. Photo by Sgt. Taryn Benton, 188th Army Band
81st Civil Support Team Photos by Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116 Public Affairs Detachment
Staff Sgt. Mike Mclaughlin, left, 119th Wing, removes his HAZMAT suit with help from Staff Sgt. Leroy Filler, 81st Civil Support Team, during a multi-state training exercise in Denver on Apr. 23, 2019. The exercise evaluates the participants’ response capabilities for natural disasters or terrorist incidents that may include chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks.
Staff Sgt. Mike Mclaughlin , 119th Wing, goes through a decontamination process in preparation to remove his HAZMAT suit during a multi-state training exercise in Denver on Apr. 23, 2019. The exercise evaluates the participants’ response capabilities for natural disasters or terrorist incidents that may include chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks.
The 81st Civil Support Team (CST) is comprised of 22 full-time National Guard members whose primary mission is to support civil authorities, at the direction of the Governor. In Fiscal Year 2019, the CST conducted 28 exercises with local authorities across North Dakota, participated in a multi-CST exercise at the Disaster Management Institute in Denver. They also participated in Vigilant Guard, Puerto Rico, Regional Best Warrior, and completed more than 1,200 hours of unit training. The CST augmented other teams across the nation supporting National Special Security Events (NSSE). The CST also assisted in more than a dozen NSSEs and events including the Boston Marathon, Mardi Gras, Travers Stakes, NFL and NCAA games, and the S.D. Governor’s Inauguration.
Staff Sgt. Austyn Haider, right, 81st Civil Support Team, and Staff Sgt. Mike Mclaughlin, 119th Wing, search a bedroom for evidence during a multi-state training exercise in Denver on Apr. 23, 2019. The exercise evaluates the participants’ response capabilities for natural disasters or terrorist incidents that may include chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks.
Staff Sgt. Austyn Haider, left, 81st Civil Support Team and Staff Sgt. Mike Mclaughlin, 119th Wing, search a mock lab found for evidence during a multi-state training exercise in Denver on Apr. 23, 2019. The exercise evaluates the participants’ response capabilities for natural disasters or terrorist incidents that may include chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks. www.ndguard.nd.gov · 15
State Partnership Program
Story by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, SPP Coordinator Photos by Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
The State Partnership Program (SPP) between North Dakota and Ghana began in 2004. In 2019, the SPP celebrated its 15th Anniversary with Ghana and 5th Anniversary with both Togo and Benin supporting the only regionally-aligned partnership. The purpose is to foster mutual interests and establish habitual long-term relationships across all levels of society. The program as a whole encourages the development of economic, political and military ties between the states and partner nations. The National Guard functions as a role model in demonstrating how a military organization can interact with the citizens and their government while reinforcing the concept that the military is subordinate to that nation’s civil authorities. During FY 2019, 27 events took place through the SPP to include 13 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers participating in the Lignite Coast Flood Exercise, the largest disaster preparedness exercise in the Republic of Togo’s history. The key stakeholders who participated were Ministry of Security and Civil Protection and the Ministry of Health. Other participants inluded Togo Fire Service, the Gendarmerie, the Red Cross, and first responders effectively training over 500 personnel in disaster management operations and incident command system principles. The SPP events were organized under four lines of operations that include: defense support to civilian agencies, command programs, professional military education, and peacekeeping operations. The engagements included senior leader engagements; horizontal, vertical and combat engineer operations; advanced military police operations; Gender Integration, and Professional NCO development.
Members of the North Dakota National Guard were welcomed by local students while touring & distributing donations at a local school for students March 18-22, 2019.
Members of the North Dakota National Guard and USAID/OFDA visit an exercise location in preparation for Lignite Coast. The exercise simulates a response to a massive flood caused by heavy rains takes place in the West African nation of the Republic of Togo March 18-22, 2019. 16 · Guardian · Annual Report edition FY 2019
Members of the North Dakota National Guard were welcomed by local students while touring & distributing donations at a local school for students March 18-22, 2019.
Members of the North Dakota National Guard and USAID/OFDA attend a briefing in preparation for Lignite Coast, March 18-22, 2019.
Members of the Togolese Fire Brigade brief a water rescue mission for Lignite Coast to Capt. Chad Worrel. The exercise simulates a response to a massive flood caused by heavy rains takes place in the West African nation of the Republic of Togo March 18-22, 2019. www.ndGuard.nd.gov ¡ 17
North Dakota Engineers Assist YMCA Camp
GARRISON, N.D. — About 25 Soldiers of the North Dakota National Guard’s Wahpeton-based 188th Engineer Company (VERTICAL) assisted the Minot YMCA by improving the grounds of the Triangle YMCA camp near Garrison in August 2019. The area is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is leased to the YMCA. The camp was hampered by debris in three old shelter belts consisting of dead, rotting trees. This rubble impeded the YMCA’s camp staff’s ability to have sufficient area to properly conduct youth activities. The YMCA asked for the Guard’s assistance under the auspices of DoD’s Civil-Military Community (CMC) project. The CMC is an unfunded assistance program meaning the National Guard will not be reimbursed for costs incurred while participating in this project. “This type of project is why the CMC program exists,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “It allows our Army engineers the opportunity to get quality training on important skills while simultaneously addressing a need within our communities”. The unit used this clearing and grubbing project to exercise their horizontal, or earth-working skills. Although the 188th Engineer Company’s assets consist of mostly vertical, or construction-skilled Soldiers, there is a section with earthmoving equipment.
Sgt. Jessie Schuler, 188th Engineer Company, operates an excavator to remove tree stumps at Triangle Y Camp near Garrison, N.D. on Aug. 9, 2019. The Army Guard engineers worked on this Civil-Military Community project during their annual training period from Aug. 1-15, 2019. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, North Dakota National Guard Visual Information
Soldiers with the 188th Engineer Company train on connecting flatbed trailers while hauling away uprooted tree debris at Triangle Y Camp near Garrison, on Aug. 9. The Army Guard engineers worked on this Civil-Military Community project during their annual training period Aug. 1-15, 2019. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, North Dakota National Guard Visual Information 18 · Guardian · Annual Report edition FY 2019
British Sappers Join N.D. Sappers in training
Cpl. Christopher Margett works with 164th Engineers during their July 27, 2019 annual training. Photo by Spc. Thea Jorgenson, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Four Soldiers from the United Kingdom (U.K.) joined the Minot-based 164th Engineer Battalion and its subordinate units during their annual training at Camp Guernsey, Wyo. from July 19-Aug 3. In addition to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Forward Support Company of the 164th Engineer Battalion, the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), the 817th Engineer Company (SAPPER), and the 818th Engineer Company (SAPPER) participated. The Soldiers from both countries honed skills in engineer tactics and worked together to achieve a successful annual training period. U.K. and U.S. armed forces continue to work closely all around the world.
British Cpl. Christopher Margett (right) helps place wire on the perimeter of the 818th Engineer Company’s administrative area during the unit’s annual training at Camp Guernsey on July 27, 2019. Photo by Spc. Kristin Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Ritchie Slough Project The Richie Slough cofferdam was installed for the purpose of a new training site for the 12C Bridge Crewmember Military Occupational Specialty Qualification course. This training site is used to haul in floating bridge sections, drop bridge sections and place them in the water to form a floating bridge. Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kiel Skager, CCWO www.ndGuard.nd.gov · 19
Gov. Doug Burgum declared a statewide flood emergency on March 27, 2019, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan. The North Dakota National Guard, Department of Emergency Services and Department of Transportation were among the many state agencies that deployed resources to assist in flood-fighting efforts and worked closely with federal and local partners as part of the state’s whole-of-government approach dealing with natural disasters. The declaration covers the period from March 21 to April 29 and included the counties of Adams, Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Emmons, Grand Forks, Grant, Hettinger, LaMoure, Logan, McKenzie, Morton, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Traill and Walsh. Flooding impacts were felt across the state, including areas that rarely experience high waters, resulting in the evacuation and rescue of stranded residents and motorists and inundating hundreds of roads and thousands of acres of farmland. Unprecedented flooding near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers in McKenzie County forced evacuations and prevented 110 displaced residents from returning to their homes for several days. At least eight homes were destroyed and 12 sustained major damage. Preliminary damage assessments indicated that flood damage was expected to exceed nearly $8.5 million. Current assessments are just over $10 million. The declaration included public assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, as well as Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. This process is managed by NDDES’s Recovery section. Inter-Agency Exercise Representatives from more than 50 local, state and federal agencies conducted a 3-day disaster response exercise July 17-19, 2019, which was sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. The exercise scenario, which included a hazardous chemical spill, was designed to test participants’ ability to collaborate with their counterparts in a multi-jurisdictional environment. Elected officials and local and state leaders began their week at the State Capitol engaging in inter-agency discussion to clarify roles and responsibilities during a disaster response and recovery. During the exercise, attendees were tasked with responding to a hazardous chemical spill in the Missouri River. The location of the incident created a scenario where agencies would have to identify potential issues and actions needed to resolve those issues while collaborating across four jurisdictions: Burleigh and Morton Counties and the Cities of Bismarck and Mandan. Some of the capabilities on which attendees were tested included response planning, operational coordination, environmental response, health and safety, public information and warning, economic recovery, infrastructure systems and natural and cultural resources. In addition to NDDES, this exercise included city and county officials and representatives from North Dakota’s State Water Commission, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Highway Patrol, Department of Agriculture, Game and Fish, and the North Dakota National Guard. Also participating were the U.S. Navy, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service.
Representatives from multiple state agencies discussed preparations Dec. 3 for potential spring flooding statewide. At the time of the meeting, North Dakota was heading into winter freeze-up with saturated soils and rivers running high from the central to eastern portion of the state.
20 · Guardian · annual report edition fy 2019
The Division of State Radio coordinates 9-1-1 services as well as emergency medical, fire and law enforcement response. It is the primary dispatch center for the N.D. Highway Patrol and also responds to calls for emergency assistance across the state.
In 2019 the North Dakota Civil Air Patrol marked another successful year. With seven powered planes, one glider and over 250 members spread out across squadrons in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Jamestown, Grand Forks and Minot, the wing is well-prepared and positioned to serve the needs of state and local communities, under normal circumstances or in times of emergency. The wing’s volunteers donate their time and talents to carrying out such missions as aerial imagery, airborne reconnaissance, search and rescue, disaster emergency communications, youth development and aerospace education. In the spring, for about 40 days North Dakota Wing provided aerial images, thermal imagery, damage assessment, and aerial reconnaissance of flood protection measures, flooded areas, transportation networks and other key/critical infrastructure in North Dakota. ND Wing flew 18 sorties providing over 40 hours of flight time and more than 120 hours of volunteer time, not to mention volunteer support of the mission by ground teams and mission staff. In 2019, joint operations with South Dakota for missing person searches occupied many hours of our volunteer time. In one mission, the North Dakota Wing’s FLIR-equipped aircraft was deployed to the Black Hills in South Dakota to help in the search for a missing hiker. North Dakota Wing began training volunteers in small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) capabilities. At the CAP National Conference, North Dakota Wing was recognized as one of the first wings in the nation to have achieved Initial Operating Capacity in this new mission. The Bismarck Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol has organized the Wreaths Across America event at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery each year since 2006. The Bismarck unit one of the 150 organizations to hold a ceremony in 2006.
As of 2019, more than 2000 similar ceremonies were held worldwide placing more than two million wreaths.
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NDNG Economic Impact FY 2019 LOCATION Bismarck/Mandan Devils Lake
Dickinson Edgeley
FEDERAL
STATE
$86,840,277
$4,639,192
TOTAL $91,479,469
$29,390,390
$931,119
$30,321,509
$1,535,719
$47,348
$1,583,067
$1,188,923
$20,251
$1,209,174
Fargo/West Fargo
$127,573,239
$2,151,020
$129,724,259
Grand Forks
$9,059,649
$773,213
$9,832,862
Jamestown
$2,867,579
$25,084
$2,892,663
Lisbon
$778,595
$14,251
$792,846
Minot
$19,937,872
$476,050
$20,413,922
Valley City
$4,769,495
$84,754
$4,854,249
Wahpeton
$2,998,912
$398,268
$3,397,180
Williston
$762,914
$15,089
Wishek
$684,372
$23,542
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$288,387,936
$9,599,181
$778,003 $707,914
$297,987,117
North Dakota’s Fallen Service Members Global War on Terrorism
Spc. Paul Anthony Beyer — 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), 130th Engineer Brigade, Task Force All American, N.D. Army National Guard
Sgt. Michael Edward Bitz — 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force Tarawa, 2nd Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps
Spc. Michael Layne Hermanson — A Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard
Spc. Philip Dorman Brown — B Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Spc. Keenan Alexander Cooper — A Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Spc. Dennis J. Ferderer, Jr. — Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, Task Force Liberty, 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army Spc. Jon Paul Fettig — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge)(V Corps), N.D. Army National Guard Capt. John P. Gaffaney — 113th Combat Stress Control Company, 2nd Medical Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Nathan Joel Goodiron — A Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Security Forces), N.D. Army National Guard
Spc. James J. Holmes — C Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Maj. Alan Ricardo Johnson — A Company, 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Christopher Kenneth Kleinwachter — A Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Security Forces), N.D. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Lance J. Koenig — B Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David C. Kuehl — C Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Spc. Tyler John Orgaard — 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin S. Rux — USS Cole (DDG-67), U.S. Navy Cpl. Jeremiah S. Santos — A Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Alan Schumann — A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army Sgt. Keith L. Smette — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), 130th Engineer Brigade, Task Force All American, N.D. Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas J. Sweet, II — 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army Sgt. Travis A. Van Zoest — 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, N.D. Army National Guard
Spc. Cody Lee Wentz — A Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Sgt. 1st Class Darren Michael Linde — 818th N.D. Army National Guard Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Pfc. Jonathan Christopher Yanney — Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Cpl. Curtis Robert Mehrer — 1st Battalion, Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, N.D. Army National Guard U.S. Army
Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle — 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Spc. Anthony William Hamilton Monroe Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army — Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army
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On Hallowed Grounds
From Oct. 1, 2018 to Sep. 30, 2019 528 burials were performed, bringing the total to 8987 for the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery. Photo by Mr. Kiel Skager, NDNG Visual Information Office