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TAG Line September 23, 2022

The 178th Attack Squadron, 119th Wing, N.D. National Guard, is presented the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies’ General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Trophy for 2021 at a ceremony during the 2022 Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 19, 2022. From left, retired Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, dean of the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Power Studies; David Alexander, General Atomics' president of aeronautical systems; Brig. Gen. Keith G. MacDonald, director of operations, National Guard Bureau A3/10; Lt. Gen. Russell L. Mack, deputy commander, Air Combat Command; Col. Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing commander; Lt. Col. Lee Teigen, 178th Attack Squadron commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Mehus, 178th Attack Squadron. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely, National Guard Bureau)

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A First: hooligan Attack Squadron Earns Prestigious National Award

The N.D. Air National Guard’s 178th Attack Squadron was presented with the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies’ General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Trophy for 2021 at a ceremony during the 2022 Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 19, 2022. The 178th is the first National Guard unit to earn this award, presented annually for outstanding performance by RPA squadrons in achieving intelligence, surveillance, persistent attack, and reconnaissance over the preceding year.

The squadron’s personnel fly the state-of-the-art MQ-9 Reaper, a medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft, capable of precision attack and reconnaissance.

“The Happy Hooligans are honored to be awarded the prestigious General Atomics trophy, representing the U.S. Air Force’s outstanding remotely piloted unit,” said Col. Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing commander. “The N.D. Air National Guard’s 178th Attack Squadron, part of the 119th Wing, continues to expertly execute missions, build teams, and exemplify the National Guard’s ethos: ‘Always Ready, Always There.’”

The 119th Wing, based out of Fargo, N.D., was among the first Air National Guard units to convert to remotely piloted aircraft in 2007, operating the MQ-1 Predator until 2016 when it converted to the MQ-9 Reaper. Its mission is to provide trained and ready Airmen to execute world-class MQ-9 precision attack and reconnaissance, kinetic and non-kinetic target intelligence production, and expeditionary support capabilities for the nation and state. 119th personnel are rapidly deployable and have participated in exercises and contingency operations the world over. In addition to warfighting efforts, remotely piloted aircraft have been used domestically to support firefighting, and search and rescue operations. They can also be used for incident awareness and assessment capabilities in emergencies such as fires, floods and other natural disasters.

“In 2021, the 178th Attack Squadron continually stayed on the leading edge of MQ-9 warfighting excellence and innovation,” said Maj. Gen. Keith MacDonald, Air National Guard Readiness Center commander. “The Happy Hooligans' many accomplishments while protecting the American people, our homeland, and the American way of life, distinctly identify them as the USAF's most outstanding RPA squadron.”

The Squadron of the Year Trophy for 2021, was presented to the 178th Attack Squadron, 119th Wing, N.D. National Guard during the 2022 Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 19, 2022. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely, National Guard Bureau)

The Wing has a proud record of accomplishments over the years, including being named as a U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit 23 times. It has also earned the Hughes Trophy and the USAF Daedalian Maintenance Trophy presented to the most deserving Air Force unit. These accomplishments reflect the efforts of the unit's personnel and showcase the competence and lethality of the Air National Guard as a whole, MacDonald said.

“Air National Guard RPA units contribute combat power to the Total Force needed to safeguard our nation’s interests worldwide,” MacDonald added.

Air Defenders Recognized

An audience of about 600 family members, friends, and fellow National Guard members gathered to welcome home about 225 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers, Sept. 18, 2022, on the campus of the University of North Dakota. The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of the Grand Forks-based 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th) and thanked the Families and employers for their support during their recent mission to the National Capital Region. (National Guard story by Sgt. Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office) (National Guard photos by retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kiel Skager, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

These Soldiers were mobilized from June 2021 to July 2022, where they collaborated with other Department of Defense agencies in protecting the airspace around the Washington, D.C. area, contributing to Operation Noble Eagle.

Family members, friends, and fellow National Guard members gather for the welcome home ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Sept. 18, 2022, on the campus of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The 188th Army Band performs at the welcome home ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Sept. 18, 2022, at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota campus.

Gov. Doug Burgum renders remarks at the welcome home ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Sept. 18, 2022, on the campus of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

“(There are) a lot of reasons to celebrate this unit, but one of them of course is that you’ve got the record of the most deployed unit, so the most storied unit, in the best National Guard in the nation,” said Gov. Doug Burgum, noting this was the unit’s 11th deployment since 2004.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, walk across the stage where they are greeted and thanked by Gov. Doug Burgum, commander in chief of the N.D. National Guard; Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general; Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader, N.D. National Guard; and other senior leaders, Sept. 18, 2022, on the campus of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.

The air defenders supported the Operation Noble Eagle mission twice before; from July 2013 to April 2014 and March 2017 to February 2018. Soldiers from this unit deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission, six times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.

They were also activated in response to the North Dakota floods in 2009 and 2011. Many Soldiers in the unit also volunteered for the state Covid-19 response from 2020 to 2022. Since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, this is the most deployed unit in the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Maj. Alan Roehrich, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment commander, renders remarks at the welcome home ceremony for his unit, Sept. 18, 2022, on the campus of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum, 2nd from left, accepts the North Dakota state flag at the welcome home ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Sept. 18, 2022, on the campus of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota. The flag, which accompanied the unit to the national capital region, was presented by Burgum at the unit’s sendoff ceremony in June 2021.

From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Russell Garrett, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA); Gov. Doug Burgum; Sen. John Hoeven; Sen. Kevin Cramer; Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general; Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader, N.D. National Guard; and Maj. Alan Roehrich, 1-188th ADA commander, at the welcome home ceremony for the 1-188th ADA, Sept. 18, 2022, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

About half of the Soldiers are veterans of previous deployments.

The unit is led by Maj. Alan Roehrich and Command Sgt. Maj. Russell Garrett and is headquartered in Grand Forks with detachments in Fargo and Bismarck.

new Hooligan Chief

The Happy Hooligans have a new Chief. Senior Master Sgt. Chris Schatzke, 177th Intelligence Squadron, was promoted to chief master sergeant at the N.D. Air National Guard Heritage Park, Sept. 21, 2022. (National Guard story by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs Office)

Lt. Col. Roy Thomsen, 177th Intelligence Squadron Commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Chris Schatzke at the N.D. Air National Guard Heritage Park, Fargo, Sept. 21, 2022.

He's now the 177th Intelligence Squadron superintendent and one of the 1% to achieve the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His commander, Lt. Col. Roy Thomsen, presented the promotion order, and Schatzke’s son and daughter had the privilege of administering the application of his 'Chief Stripes' to the shoulders of his service dress jacket in the traditional manner.

Chief Master Sgt. Chris Schatzke's son and daughter applied 'Chief Stripes' to his service dress jacket at the N.D. Air National Guard Heritage Park, Fargo, Sept. 21, 2022.
Lt. Col. Roy Thomsen, 177th Intelligence Squadron Commander, left, presents the promotion order to Chief Master Sgt. Chris Schatzke at the N.D. Air National Guard Heritage Park, Fargo, Sept. 21, 2022.

Partnership engagements

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, along with other senior leaders recently traveled to Ghana. Ghana, along with the west African nations of Benin and Togo, is aligned with the N.D. National Guard (NDNG) under the State Partnership Program (SPP) administered by the National Guard Bureau. (National Guard story by Maj. Beth Simek, N.D. National Guard bilateral affairs officer)

Dohrmann's engagements included meeting with Brig. Gen. Ma Amoah, commander of the Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) Southern Command. Among the topics discussed was the status of the strong relationship between the GAF and the NDNG, as well as the great reputation enjoyed by the GAF throughout the nation and continent as emergency responders at home and as U.N. peacekeepers abroad. The GAF is a key contributor to Ghana's emergency response operations led by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

"When citizens of Ghana are having a bad day they will look to the Ghanaian Armed Forces to support them," said Dohrmann. "It is important to maintain the public's confidence and respect when assisting in emergencies.”
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, right, speaks with Brig. Gen. Ma Amoah, commander of the Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) Southern Command, Accra, Ghana, Sept. 22, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Courage Ahiati, U.S. Embassy, Accra, Ghana)

Dohrmann also met with U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer during a reception aboard the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams, docked in Tema, Ghana. According to a U.S. Navy press release, this vessel "is the first U.S. warship permanently assigned to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility."

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, boards the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams, Tema, Ghana, Sept. 23, 2022. (Photos courtesy of Courage Ahiati, U.S. Embassy, Accra, Ghana)

Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer, USS Hershel "Woody" Williams, left, greets Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, Tema, Ghana, Sept. 23, 2022.
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer renders remarks during a reception aboard the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams, docked in Tema, Ghana, Sept. 22, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Courage Ahiati, U.S. Embassy, Accra, Ghana)

GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, joined local business leaders from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC to present the Golden Eagle Award at the Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan 2022 awards ceremony at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, Sept. 22, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, takes the stage to present the Golden Eagle Award at the Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan 2022 ceremony at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 22, 2022.

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, discusses the criteria for the Golden Eagle Award at the Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan 2022 ceremony, Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 22, 2022.

The Golden Eagle Award recognizes organizations that have gone above and beyond to support military personnel throughout the community, but particularly within their organization.

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, presents the Golden Eagle Award to Tyler Gangl, general manager, Baymont Inn & Suites at the Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan 2022 ceremony, Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, Sept. 22, 2022.

Whether it’s recognizing their community support or their support of employees’ families when that employee is deployed, this year’s nominees have proven their worthiness for this symbolic award.

This year's winner was the Baymont Inn & Suites in Mandan.

Culture Fest

The Bismarck State College and the N.D. National Guard partnered to host the 2022 Culture Festival at Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 21, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sergeant Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

The table representing Puerto Rico features traditional treats at the 2022 Culture Festival, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, Sept. 21, 2021.

Dr. Amy Juhala, Dean of Humanities, Arts, & Sciences, Bismarck State College, right, visits with Jasmine Tambo Tosseth-Smith at the African Nomadic Catering table, during the 2022 Culture Festival, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 21, 2021.

The purpose of the event was to feature and highlight the many cultures present within the Bismarck Mandan community.

Sgt. 1st Class Grant Semchenko, N.D. Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, talks with members of the Bismarck State College (BSC) Multicultural Club at the 2022 Culture Festival, BSC, Bismarck, Sept. 21, 2021.
Guest check out the table displays at the 2022 Culture Festival, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, Sept. 21, 2021.
A N.D. National Guard table features the three State Partnership Program nations of Togo, Benin, and Ghana at the 2022 Culture Festival, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 21, 2021.

We will never Forget

Eighteen years ago, Staff Sgt. Lance Koenig gave his life for his country. He was killed in action in Iraq while serving with the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion. We will never forget his service and sacrifice, nor that of his family and friends.

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