Office of the Adjutant General
NORTH DAKOTA ANNUAL REPORT 2021
CONTENTS
2
FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
3
SENIOR LEADERS
4
CAPABILITIES
6
DOMESTIC OPERATIONS/MOBILIZATIONS
8
ACHIEVEMENTS
10
HISTORY
11
STATIONING
12
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
14
NOTABLE EVENTS
16
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
17
ECONOMIC IMPACT
18
NORTH DAKOTA’S FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS
19
Office of the Adjutant General
Cover: Shyla Suchy of Bismarck Burleigh Public Health watches as Sgt. Tyler Weichel, 817th Engineer Company, hands a vaccination card to a patient at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, April 14, 2021.
FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, visits the South West COVID-19 response team, comprised of Soldiers and local public healthcare workers, in Dickinson, North Dakota, April 28, 2021.
To the Citizens of North Dakota, It is my pleasure to present the 2021 Office of the Adjutant General annual report. It was a busy and rewarding year for our agency.
economic impact across the state at a cost of just over $20M in State General Funds.
It has been almost 20 years since the National Guard transitioned from a strategic reserve to an operational force that our state and nation rely upon every day for missions at home and overseas. We deployed over 400 Guard members this year to support federal missions in Southwest Asia and in our nation’s capital. Additionally, in January 2021, we sent 130 Military Police (MP) Soldiers and about 20 members of the 81st Civil Support Team (CST) to Washington D.C. in the support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. We also prepared Soldiers for duty at our southwest border.
DES provides an even greater value to our state and its citizens providing 24/7 emergency communication for our First Responders, the expertise to bring diverse groups together to execute whole of government, whole of society solutions to complex programs and mitigate the impact of natural disasters across the State. With less than 4% of its budget coming from State General Funds, it provided over $155M in services and programs for communities across the state.
At home, both the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) and the Department of Emergency Services (DES) supported and led our “Whole-of-Government” approach to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2021, the Guard logged over 130,000 personnel days of support to state agencies and local public health, and DES wrapped up 114 days of support to the Unified Command and successfully transferred responsibility for the pandemic response to the Department of Health. The entire agency was also called upon to fight last year’s wildland fires. DES worked collaboratively with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure we protected both lives and livelihoods during a very busy fire season. The quick action of the NDNG aviation helped save the town of Medora using our Black Hawk helicopters, and also preserve federal, tribal, state, and private land throughout western North Dakota. For the first time in memory, we trained and deployed ground firefighters to support the North Dakota Forest Service. In doing this life and property-saving work, we continue to be a costeffective solution for both routine and complex emergencies. For the federal fiscal year 2021 (FY21), the NDNG injected over $315M in
To be “Always Ready, Always There”, we need facilities that provide the environment to maximize our limited training time. This past year we dedicated the 100% federally-funded, $29M Fargo Army National Guard Readiness Center. This 96,000 square-foot facility will significantly improve the training environment for our 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. We also broke ground on a new $17.5M federally funded operation center for the 119th Wing. This new, state-of-the-art operations center will help ensure we can provide uninterrupted support to combatant commanders around the globe. I am extremely proud of our Citizen-Soldiers, Citizen-Airmen, and civilians of the NDNG and DES for their dedication to our citizens and to the protection of our homeland. We are lucky to have these dedicated professionals on our team who are committed to protecting lives and property every day. I am also appreciative of the support of our elected leaders, our citizens, our Guard employers, and our Guard families. They provide the support and resources needed to ensure our readiness today and into the future. Major General Al Dohrmann The Adjutant General 2021 Annual Report
3
SENIOR LEADERS
MISSION Provide ready units, individuals, and equipment supporting our communities, state, and nation. Gov Doug Burgum
VISION
Commander-in-Chief
A premier force, relevant today, evolving to meet the missions of tomorrow.
PURPOSE Empower People - - Improve Lives - - Inspire Success BG Jackie Huber
MG Al Dohrmann
Deputy Adjutant General
The Adjutant General
BG Leo Ryan
Commander Land Component Command
ARMY GUARD COL Jon Erickson Chief Of Staff - Army
COL Benjamin Cleghorn
4
Office of the Adjutant General
141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Commander
CW4 Robert Dorneman
Command Chief Warrant Officer
COL Russ Wolf
164th Regional Training Institute Commander
COL Brock Larson 68th Troop Command Commander
CSM Derek Heck
State Command Sergeant Major
COL Ed Johnson
Camp Grafton Training Center Commander
SENIOR LEADERS
CSM Eric Binstock Senior Enlisted Leader
Brig Gen Darrin Anderson Assistant Adjutant General - Air
Brig Gen Robert Schulte Chief Of Staff - Air
Col Mitch Johnson Wing Commander
AIR GUARD CMSgt Duane Kangas State Command Chief
Photo: A North Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter distributes water at the direction of the wildland firefighters on the ground working to contain the 4,000-acre wildland Roosevelt Creek fire in Billings County, North Dakota, May 1, 2021.
Cody Schulz
Homeland Security Director
Dan Donlin
State Radio Director
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
2021 Annual Report
5
CAPABILITIES - ARMY The North Dakota Army National Guard (NDARNG) provides trained, equipped, and ready forces capable of mobilizing in support of federal and state missions. Command and control to plan, integrate, and direct units in support of force application or focused logistics. These capabilites also includes direct and habitual combat sustainment in support of unified land operations. Support area operations, unit-level personnel service, and logistical support. The Guard also provides staff, aircraft, and crews in support of local law enforcement for drug interdiction missions.
CIVIL SUPPORT TEAM
Identifies Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The team advises, assists, and identifies potential hazards at WMD incidents, in support of the incident commander.
MILITARY POLICE
Provides MP battlefield circulation control, law and order, civil disturbance control, area security, and enemy prisoner of war operations in combat.
AVIATION
Aero-medical evacuation, air movement, air assault, aerial sustainment, search and rescue, reconnaissance, and observation.
ENGINEERING
Engineer capabilities include construction support equipment, concrete placement, vertical and horizontal construction for establishing and maintaining the infrastructure required to conduct and sustain activities across the range of military operations. This includes limited construction and facility repairs in a public works capacity to echelons above brigade. Combat engineer (Sapper) units can provide field maintenance as well as providing mobility and counter-mobility to supported units. The unit can transport, assemble, disassemble,
6
Office of the Adjutant General
retrieve, and maintain all standard and nonstandard U.S. Army bridges.
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY
Provides short-range air defense and early warning.
ARMY BAND
Provides music throughout the full spectrum of military operations, fostering support from our citizens, inspiring Soldiers to fight and win, and promoting our nation’s interests at home and abroad.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Provides public affairs support to units deployed in support of Army, Joint, Combined, or Unified Operations and units conducting peacetime training. They also provide direct public affairs support to units deployed or activated in support of a Joint Task Force or Regional Response Platform supporting local and state emergencies.
SIGNAL
Conducts 24-hour operational Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) signal systems network.
CYBER
Provides hunt, clear, and defend support to the U.S. Critical Infrastructure Key Resources (CIKR) and U.S. Military Services and Combatant Commands Key Cyber terrain.
MEDICAL
Conducts physical health assessments and administers vaccinations to all Soldiers in the NDARNG. Provides medical support for Soldier readiness programs, deploying units, as well as battlefield medical support.
Staff Sgt. Derrik Stratman, right, and Pfc. Quentin Beiningen, both of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, conduct ManPortable Air Defense System engagements during Exercise America’s Shield, Camp Grafton Training Center, North Dakota, May 19, 2021.
CAPABILITIES - AIR The 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG), known as the Happy Hooligans, executes world-class, remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper precision attack and reconnaissance. The Hooligans are an Air Force leader in target intelligence production, and provide expeditionary support capabilities for the nation and state. Additionally, the NDANG provides a myriad of support to domestic operations across the state. Moreover, the geographically separated 219th Security Forces Squadron, located at Minot Air Force Base, works alongside its active-duty counterparts to protect $3.3 billion in U.S. Strategic Command nuclear assets.
OPERATIONS GROUP
Trains and executes world-class MQ-9 persistent attack and reconnaissance around the globe while simultaneously performing launch and recovery operations from Fargo.
INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE GROUP Performs intelligence analysis to develop and create intermediate and advanced target development products consistent with combatant commander intent to affect adversary capabilities.
MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
Provides expeditionary support capabilities, including Civil Engineering, Security Forces, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, to combatant commanders around the globe.
MEDICAL GROUP
Facilitates medical readiness support, including flight physicals, immunizations, and dental exams, for the Wing’s nearly 1,200 Airmen. Left: Staff Sgt. Alex Kingston, 119th Security Forces Squadron, fires an M4 carbine during weapons qualification training at the Fargo Regional Law Enforcement Training Center Range, Fargo, North Dakota, Feb. 3, 2021.
Airmen of the 119th Wing maintenance squadron unpack an MQ-9 Reaper in a hangar at the Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 10, 2021.
2021 Annual Report
7
DOMESTIC OPERATIONS/MOBILIZATIONS Fiscal year 2021 proved to be another busy year for Domestic Operations and mobilizations. Federal mobilizations were in support of homeland security and overseas in support of combatant commanders. Within the state during FY21, the NDNG conducted several missions in support of the state’s whole-of-government approach to combating the COVID-19 pandemic and wildland fire fighting. The NDNG continued COVID-19 mission support, which began in March 2020. As of Sept. 30, 2021, the NDNG has: • Logged 568 days • Logged 122,483 personnel days • Administered 486,184 COVID-19 tests • Vaccinated 5,233 civilians • Hosted 23 mobile testing sites In response to the statewide drought, the NDNG activated 35 service members, supported by five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and three mobile ground-suppression units. To amplify our state’s wildland fire readiness, 20 Guard members earned their Red Card Certification, 11 of which were activated in direct support of the North Dakota Forest Service. In summary, the NDNG: • Responded to 13 wildland fires • Distributed 108,194 gallons of water via helicopter • Logged 539 personnel days • Had 98 personnel days on standby
8
Office of the Adjutant General
The 81st CST conducted 13 training exercises to improve their capability to support civil authorities during emergencies by partnering with state agencies and local law enforcement. Additionally, the CST responded to three missions, two of which included assistance to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The NDNG conducted a blizzard response exercise to refine natural disaster response procedures, synchronizing the Joint Operations Center (JOC) with local civil agencies and subordinate units. In January, the NDNG deployed Guard members to Washington D.C. to provide security in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. This consisted of a contingent of 130 MP Soldiers led by the 816th MP Company, including Soldiers from the 191st MP Company and 131st MP Battalion. Twenty members of the 81st CST were also deployed. Airmen of the 119th Wing assisted in Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), a Department of Homeland Security program aiding Afghan resettlement in the United States. Twenty-seven NDNG Airmen deployed to Volk Field, Wisconsin, and Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst, New Jersey, to assist in this mission. The 119th Operations Group (OG) fulfilled an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request, sending one Airman to March Air Force Base (AFB) for four days in support of California wildland fire fighting. The Happy Hooligans of the 119th Wing experienced one of their busiest mobilization periods by deploying about 125 Airmen overseas in support of combatant commands.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Drew Vinchattle pilots a North Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near the Washington Monument during a training flight while on duty in the National Capital Region, April 27, 2021.
DOMESTIC OPERATIONS/MOBILIZATIONS
Staff Sgt. Lucas Greff, 816th Military Police Company, demonstrates correct hand placement when holding a crowd control shield during civil disturbance response training in the parking lot of the FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, Jan. 18, 2021.
Thirteen Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) members were mobilized in support of various active duty missions. Two Airmen supported OAW at Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst, New Jersey, for a combined total of 130 days. Two Airmen provided operational support to the 201st Mission Support Squadron. Four Airmen provided operational intelligence support at Fort Meade, Maryland. Two 176th IS Airmen participated in the Southern Strike and Dakota Strike Exercises.
Nine 219th SFS personnel deployed to the United Arab Emirates.
The 119th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) deployed 13 Defenders to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, in support of Operation Spartan Shield to conduct force protection, pass and identification operations, joint security coordination center process, and operations section chief duties to protect combat assets. Five Defenders were forward deployed in support of OAW to conduct refugee camp security and fly-away security team duties. The 119th SFS also deployed three Defenders to Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst, New Jersey, in support of OAW.
The 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment mobilized 225 Soldiers for duty in the NCR. The unit assumed the NCR Ground-Based Air Defense mission during the fourth quarter of FY21 and is scheduled to be the first ADA unit to be on NCR duty for 365 days.
The 119th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed 56 Airmen to nine different locations throughout Central Asia and North Africa. Three Airmen from the 119th Medical Group deployed to support reserve component period 6 (RCP6) locations. One physician and two medics deployed to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to provide aid to Afghan evacuees during OAW.
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment (Assault) mobilized 73 Soldiers for duty in the National Capital Region (NCR), November 2020. The unit flew 10 Black Hawk helicopters to the NCR for the nine-month mission ending summer 2021. While on mission, the unit was tasked with Fallen Hero flights and air transport missions.
The 835th Engineer Detachment mobilized 55 Soldiers for Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve in support of CENTCOM. The Soldiers mobilized August 2021 for a year-long mission and conducted their pre-mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas. 815th Engineer Company (EN CO) improved the Tri-County Fairgrounds and Speedway in Wishek, North Dakota, by upgrading the incoming road, leveling the parking area, renovating and building restrooms as part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Community Assistance Program. 2021 Annual Report
9
ACHIEVEMENTS
Col. Darrin Anderson, the 119th Wing commander, holds the unit flag as Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, attaches the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award streamer during a ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, March 6, 2021.
ARMY
Sgt. 1st Class Jon Benedict, 142nd EN BN, earned the order of Saint Martin for excellence and dedication to the Quartermaster Corps.
Best Warrior Competition (BWC): • Staff Sgt. Brandon Wendland, 957th EN CO, finished first in the noncommissioned officer (NCO) category of the Region VI BWC at Camp Rilea, Oregon, and runner-up in the National Guard Bureau (NGB) competition at the Florence Military Reservation and Camp Navajo, Arizona. He represented NGB at the All-Army BWC in Fort Knox, Kentucky. • Sgt. Andrew Doss, 191st MP Company, placed third in the Region VI BWC in the Soldier Category • State BWC – NCO Category o Winner: Sgt. Zachary Fischer, 188th Army Band o Runner up: Sgt. Tara Loomer, 164th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) • State BWC – Soldier Category o Winner: Sgt. Austin Hanten, 191st MP Company o Runner-up: Spc. Jeffrey Boyer, 187th EN CO
Sgt. 1st Class Jill McGough, 142nd EN BN, earned the Robert L. Manning Award for excellence in the Adjutant General’s Corps.
The 957th EN CO received the U.S. Army’s Meritorious Unit Citation.
Staff Sgt. Evan Messer, 815th EN CO, was named Top Open Class Individual Shooter and was awarded the Governor’s Twenty Tab at the annual NDNG Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Cody Schmidt, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was named Army Engineer Association Outstanding Engineer Warrant Officer for 2021. Capt. Thomas Hansen, 81st CST, received the National Guard Association of the United States Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for his contributions to North Dakota’s fight against COVID-19. Maj. Kristopher Elijah and retired Staff Sgt. Keith Pic, 131st MP Battalion, were awarded the Order of the Marechaussee in bronze.
10
Office of the Adjutant General
Sgt. Michael Heying, 957th EN CO, was awarded the Army Combat Engineer Sergeants (ACES) Squad Leader of the Year award.
AIR
The 119th Wing was recognized with its 22nd Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The Happy Hooligans are among the most decorated units in the Air National Guard. The NDANG earned these National Guard Association awards: • Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque. Recognizes the five highest-rated Air National Guard Flying units. • William W. Spruance Safety Award. Recognizes the Air National Guard unit judged to have contributed most significantly to accident prevention in the reporting year. Nominees must make significant and far-reaching contributions to safety; achieving low accident rates and high inspection results. • Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy. Recognizes two Air National Guard units annually that have been judged to have demonstrated the highest standards of flight safety. Tech. Sgt. Ryan Fontaine received the Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award for his participation in the rescue of a 91-year-old woman trapped in an ambulance sinking in a frozen pond. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Fagerwick received the Air Force Association’s Gen. John P. Jumper Award for sensor operator, which recognizes the most outstanding remotely piloted aircraft crew members in the U.S. Air Force.
HISTORY The Dakota Militia was organized in Bismarck prior to statehood in 1883. The first North Dakota Volunteers proved their mettle during the Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection in 18981899 when nine Soldiers earned Medals of Honor. In 1916, the 1st North Dakota Infantry Regiment served a year on the Mexican Border. Home for just 40 days, the 1st North Dakota Infantry Regiment, newly renamed the 164th Infantry Regiment, was ordered to active duty to serve in World War I with the 41st Division in France. During World War II, the 164th Infantry Regiment became the first U.S. Army unit to offensively engage the enemy when it reinforced the 1st Marines on Guadalcanal in October 1942. The 188th Field Artillery Group and 188th and 957th Field Artillery Battalions landed on Utah Beach after D-day and fired over 120,000 artillery rounds against German forces. Besides World War II, North Dakota National Guard Members would also serve in the Korean War, Berlin Crisis, Desert Shield/Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism. The Air National Guard will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2022, having spent much of that time providing front-line air interception during the Cold War. On Sept. 11, 2001, the Happy Hooligans scrambled three F-16 Fighting Falcons over Washington D.C. after the Pentagon was attacked. Since then, over 8,000 North Dakota Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The National Guard has served the state in varied capacities. Over 100 years ago, the governor ordered the Guard to assist coal mining operations during a projected cold-weather shortage. In the 1930s, Guardsmen protected the partially constructed capitol building during a labor dispute. The National Guard has used helicopters to airlift hay to remote cattle operations during heavy
snow; battled floodwaters state-wide; assisted communities to recover from snowstorms and tornadoes; fought wildfires on the ground and from the air; protected property during civil unrest; and most recently, supported North Dakotans during nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency management component of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) can be traced to the Civil Defense Act of 1951. The statewide communications function was also established during the 1951 Legislative Session and State Radio became operational in 1952 at the Bismarck Airport. By 1968, State Radio was relocated to Fraine Barracks. The Division of Emergency Management and State Radio Communications were combined in 2003 to establish an integrated State Operations Center. Two years later, the 59th Legislative Assembly created the NDDES comprised of the Division of Homeland Security and State Radio Communications. In addition to its disaster and statewide emergency communications roles, the department maintains homeland security responsibilities. It operates in a dynamic environment that encompasses an increasing number of natural disasters, prevention activities to deal with evolving security threats, and the ever-present need to improve state infrastructure to provide interoperable communications resulting in efficient and reliable public safety services. Its mission is to conduct planning, coordination, communications, and operations for the safety and security of all North Dakota citizens. Working together, the men and women of the Office of the Adjutant General continue to provide a “Whole-of-Government” approach in assisting and supporting North Dakotans.
Soldiers of the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge) pull an Improved Ribbon Bridge bay section into place before latching to an existing raft on the Missouri River during an Inactive Duty Training period, May 15, 2021.
2021 Annual Report
11
STATIONING
North Dakota National Guard Presence Not all units depicted
Williston Det 1/818th Engineer Company
Minot 164th Engineer Battalion 219th Security Forces Squadron (Minot Air Force Base)
Dickinson 816th Military Police Company
Bismarck Joint Force Headquarters 68th Troop Command 1-112th Aviation Battalion 131st Military Police Battalion 81st Civil Support Team
12
Office of the Adjutant General
STATIONING
Camp Grafton Camp Grafton Training Center 164th Regional Training Institute
Grand Forks 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
Jamestown 817th Engineer Company
Edgeley Wishek
Valley City 142nd Engineer Battalion
119th Wing 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Lisbon
Det 2/815th Engineer Company
815th Engineer Company (-)
Det 1/815th Engineer Company
Fargo
Wahpeton 188th Engineer Company
2021 Annual Report
13
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Logan Ripple, North Dakota Forest Service, left, is assisted by Pfc. Chany C. Chany, 188th Engineer Company, center, and Spc. Matthew Duku, 142nd Engineer Battalion, in sifting through the ashes in search of smoldering embers in the area northwest of Grassy Butte, North Dakota, Dakota, September 9, 2021.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) continues to be invaluable for the citizens of North Dakota. The NDDES operates under the supervision of the Office of the Adjutant General and consists of the Division of Homeland Security and the Division of State Radio. Its vision is to provide a safe, secure, and resilient North Dakota.
Since 1997, NDDES has helped fund more than $250 million in hazard mitigation projects designed to prevent damages from future disaster events. According to Pew Charitable Trusts, an average of $6.54 is saved for every $1 spent on mitigation activities in North Dakota. Using that formula, it is estimated NDDES hazard mitigation projects have prevented more than $1B in disaster damages.
The agency’s mission is to provide North Dakota with a central coordinating agency for public safety communications, prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. This mission is accomplished with about 105 employees. NDDES provides 24/7 emergency communications and resource coordination with more than 50 lead and support agencies, private enterprises, and voluntary organizations to assist local and tribal jurisdictions in disaster and emergency response activities. It administers federal disaster recovery programs and the Homeland Security Grant Program.
In 2021, North Dakota contended with a series of summer storms. NDDES assisted local jurisdictions affected by these events by compiling information and submitting a request for a presidential major disaster declaration. The June storms, which caused overland flooding and produced damaging winds and hail, resulted in more than $2.3 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure. The declaration covered nine counties: Burke, Divide, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, LaMoure, Sioux, Williams, and McKenzie. It unlocked FEMA public assistance to help cities, counties, and townships pay for the costs of repairing roads and other infrastructure.
With less than four percent of its overall $177 million budget coming from the state’s general fund, NDDES provides an enormous return on investment for North Dakotans. These dollars are especially important when disaster strikes and in other times of need. Through Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, NDDES has coordinated the obligation of more than $126 million to help reimburse local, state, tribal, and non-profit organizations for expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an additional $15 million for disaster damages caused by severe storms and flooding. The agency also coordinated the distribution of almost $14 million in federal grants to establish and bolster emergency management programs throughout the state.
14
Office of the Adjutant General
NDDES additionally has been fully involved in the state’s response to historic drought conditions, as well as an extremely active fire season this year. In 2021, North Dakota has experienced more than 2,400 fires that burned more than 125,600 acres. With its partners at the North Dakota Forest Service and NDNG, NDDES coordinated the response to significant wildland fire events, including an April 1 fire that encroached on the City of Medora and prompted evacuations. Local, tribal, state and federal agencies also responded to two large wildfires over April 30 - May 2. The Roosevelt Creek Fire in the Little Missouri National Grassland, north of Medora, burned more than 4,600 acres, while another fire on the Fort Berthold Reservation,
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES STATE RADIO
about six miles south of Mandaree, North Dakota, burned an estimated 9,800 acres. Some dramatic improvements leveraging technology, however, were generated during NDDES’s involvement in response operations. One of those innovations was a GPS-configured wildland fire dashboard that provided leaders, planners, and firefighters with better situational awareness. It was the first time data could be compiled through reports from local emergency managers and 9-1-1 calls, as well as historical data from the Integrated Reporting of Wildland-Fire Information (IRWIN) system used by fire departments. NDDES also initiated a program to augment the state’s firefighting capabilities and resources by creating a wildland task force for the state. The task force concept was adopted to allow local fire departments the ability to respond outside their jurisdictions if needed. Departments that volunteer will coordinate directly with the Forest Service to preposition personnel and equipment for any potential state wildfire suppression missions. While serving and protecting our citizens at home, NDDES also coordinated and resourced firefighting teams to provide aid to another state across the country. A group of 15 firefighters from the Williston, Williston Rural, Bismarck Rural, and Dickinson Fire Departments spent two weeks supporting Hurricane Ida recovery efforts in September along the Gulf Coast. This was after Gov. Doug Burgum approved an EMAC request from the state of Louisiana, allowing North Dakota’s firefighters to assist with structural fire suppression missions there.
In NDDES’s Division of State Radio, its emergency dispatchers perform heroically each day to ensure citizens and first responders are safe. In 2021, the team fielded more than 232,000 phone calls with just over 32,000 being 9-1-1 emergency calls. North Dakota’s emergency communicators coordinate with first responders to ensure that help is provided on what might be a person’s worst day by coordinating 9-1-1 services, as well as emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement response. It is the primary dispatch service for the North Dakota Highway Patrol and services 25 counties across the state. State Radio’s communications center is open 24 hours a day and provides direct assistance to more than 4,000 users representing 287 federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. Services include the following: • • • • • • • • • • • •
AMBER/Silver/Blue Alert Response Mobile Data Terminal Communication Systems National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) National Warning System (NAWAS) N.D. Law Enforcement Telecommunications System State Radio Communications System State warning point for the National Warning System notification Statewide Paging System Statewide 9-1-1 and Emergency Telephone Systems Statewide Roadblock System Statewide Frequency Coordination System
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, recognizes Jill Monroe with a coin in honor of her nearly four decades of service to the communities of North Dakota. Monroe, a dispatcher with the North Dakota Division of State Radio, was honored at a retirement ceremony, Bismarck, North Dakota, Dakota, June 14, 2021.
2021 Annual Report
15
NOTABLE EVENTS JOINT LEADERS CONFERENCE
In March, NDNG hosted a Joint Leaders Conference at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck. This three-day event had a limited in-person audience due to COVID-19 restrictions. Approximately 170 personnel attended and the event was livestreamed to an audience of over 200. Speakers included Gov. Doug Burgum; Army Chief of Staff, Gen. James C. McConville; Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass; and best-selling author Simon Sinek.
MEMORIAL DAY
The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery (NDVC) hosted the NDNG annual Memorial Day ceremony. This year’s theme was “Korean War - Never Forgotten”. The ceremony drew approximately 3,000 attendees and was live-streamed.
NORTH DAKOTA VETERANS CEMETERY
The NDVC conducted 667 interments in FY21, including the last Veteran of the 164th Infantry Regiment residing in North Dakota. The 10,000th internment occured on June 4, 2021, with 10,370 conducted by the end of FY21.
WOMEN’S LEADER SUMMIT
The NDNG held its first-ever Women’s Leader Summit in Bismarck, July 21, 2021. The summit, whose theme was “Unleash Your Potential”, was an opportunity for attendees to network, build mentor/mentee relationships and demonstrate appreciation to all the women who work for the NDNG.
RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY In August, the Directorate of Facilities Engineering (DFE) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commission the Fargo Readiness Center. This military construction project began in fiscal year 2019 and costs approximately $29.1 million. The facility consists of a 96,000 square foot readiness center, a 59,000 square foot unheated vehicle storage building, a modern fitness training area with a quarter-mile running track, and a helicopter pad. The Fargo Readiness Center houses the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment; 191st MP Company, and various other NDARNG functions.
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY In August, the Happy Hooligans of the 119th Wing hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for a consolidated operations facility at the Fargo Air Base. The $17.5 million project, for use by the 119th OG, is scheduled for construction to begin in the fall of 2022, with expected completion in 2023.
20TH ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE On Sept. 11, the adjutant general hosted a ceremony at the North Dakota Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism commemorating the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. The event took place outside of Fraine Barracks in Bismarck and approximately 300 people attended.
Maj. Gen. Giselle “Gigi” Wilz, director of staff, National Guard Bureau, renders remarks at the North Dakota National Guard’s Women’s Leadership Summit, Bismarck, North Dakota, July 22, 2021.
16
Office of the Adjutant General
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAMP GRAFTON TRAINING CENTER
The Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) is dedicated to becoming a premier year-round training center that provides outstanding customer service and assists commanders in achieving their training objectives. CGTC’s goal is to allow freedom of action and to maximize training resources available to assigned, attached, and transient or tenant units and organizations.
against China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea through maintaining long-term relationships across all levels of society by utilizing the government-to-government approach. The SPP is an innovative DoD joint security cooperation program overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, managed by the Chief of the NGB, and executed by the commanders of the geographic Combatant Commands.
REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
CIVIL AIR PATROL
The 164th Regiment (RTI-ND), located at CGTC, builds readiness and lethality by producing highly trained engineer Soldiers for all components, well-prepared lieutenants through Officer Candidate School, and supports the readiness needs of the NDARNG. The RTI-ND develops capable and effective Army leaders through innovative professional military education and academic excellence that adapts to an ever-changing operational environment. As subject matter experts within the Engineer Regiment, the RTI-ND provides quality assurance and serves as the liaison to the active component proponent schools.
DIRECTORATE OF FACILITIES ENGINEERING
The DFE is responsible for policies, procedures, and resources in facilities management, technical engineer planning and design, environmental and geospatial engineering, and utilities. In FY21, DFE spent $17.293 million on projects throughout the state. DFE commissioned the Fargo Readiness Center. DFE was also approved to submit final design documentation to NGB for construction of a $15.5 million Readiness Center in Dickinson.
STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
The NDNG State Partnership Program (SPP) enhances capacity to support U.S. Africa Command’s great power competition efforts
The North Dakota Civil Air Patrol (NDCAP) Wing has seven powered planes, one glider, and over 230 members spread across squadrons in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Jamestown, Minot, and Grand Forks. In FY21, NDCAP volunteers donated their time and talents to execute missions in support of North Dakota.
NORTH DAKOTA VETERANS CEMETERY
The NDVC is dedicated to the military men and women who have served the state and nation with unequaled distinction and honor. The NDVC was built in 1992 using state funding and charitable contributions. The cemetery is located on a 70-acre tract of land in the southwest corner of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 6.5 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806.
MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS
The NDNG Military Funeral Honors conducted 814 missions in FY21, about 100 more missions than FY20. The program is divided into four regions with full-time Guardsmen augmented by traditional NDNG Soldiers. Training is regularly conducted to qualify Soldiers with funding from NGB. Funeral interments are further supplemented by various Veterans organizations across the state.
Soldiers in the 12B1O Combat Engineers MOS reclassification course stack behind a breaching blanket as debris from the water impulse charge soars past them during an urban breaching exercise at Camp Grafton South, June 2, 2021.
2021 Annual Report
17
ECONOMIC IMPACT
SUMMARY SOLDIERS/AIRMEN ASSIGNED IMPACT PER GUARD MEMBER
4,230 $74,473
STATE ECONOMIC IMPACT FEDERAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
$16,058,148 $298,963,235
TOTAL
$315,021,383
The NDNG Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) provides unclassified key information about the resources and economic impact of the National Guard on the State of North Dakota. In FY21, the National Guard employed 4,490 people and created about 880 indirect jobs in North Dakota. Annual payroll for National Guard employees is approximately $205M and indirect salaries are approximately $47M. The National Guard also has direct expenses for construction, services, materials, equipment, and supplies of about $62M. We estimated the total National Guard economic impact in North Dakota for FY21 at about $315M.
Federal Impact Bismarck/Mandan Devils Lake Dickinson Edgeley Fargo/West Fargo Grand Forks Jamestown Lisbon Minot Valley City Wahpeton Williston Wishek
Total
18
Office of the Adjutant General
State Impact
Total
$89,721,913 29,705,147 2,520,534 1,972,051 118,666,971 16,426,158 2,760,008 1,222,737 24,237,423 5,949,540 3,315,384 1,443,229 1,022,140
$6,134,530 3,798,570 239,605 14,991 4,382,181 354,944 40,172 14,441 563,762 24,329 453,434 22,938 14,251
$95,856,443 33,503,717 2,760,139 1,987,042
$298,963,235
$16,058,148
$315,021,383
123,049,152 16,781,102 2,800,180 1,237,178 24,801,185 5,973,869 3,768,818 1,466,167 1,036,391
Photo: Soldiers of the 815th Engineer Company distribute fill material onto a road during their annual training at Wishek, North Dakota, June 30, 2021.
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. David C. Kuehl — C Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Sgt. Michael Edward Bitz — 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force Tarawa, 2nd Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. 1st Class Darren Michael Linde — 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard
Spc. Philip Dorman Brown — B Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard
Cpl. Curtis Robert Mehrer — 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 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. Anthony William Hamilton Monroe — Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry 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
Staff Sgt. Andrew P. Nelson — A Company, 1st Battalion, 73rd Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army
Spc. Jon Paul Fettig — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) , N.D. Army National Guard
Spc. Tyler John Orgaard — 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard
Capt. John P. Gaffaney — 113th Combat Stress Control Company, 2nd Medical Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve
Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin S. Rux — USS Cole (DDG-67), U.S. Navy
Cpl. Nathan Joel Goodiron — A Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Security Forces), N.D. Army National Guard
Cpl. Jeremiah S. Santos — A Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle — 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army
Sgt. Jason Alan Schumann — A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) N.D. Army National Guard Spc. Michael Layne Hermanson — A Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard
Sgt. Keith L. Smette — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), 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 — 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, N.D. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Lance J. Koenig — B Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, 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, N.D. Army National Guard Pfc. Jonathan Christopher Yanney — Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army
We will never forget
Photo: The Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism outside of Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, North Dakota.
2021 Annual Report
19
NDGUARD.ND.GOV
A North Dakota National Guard Airman flies in a North Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as part of Exercise Victory Hooligan hosted at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, June 8, 2021.
