TAG Line January 20, 2026

As part of a deployment medicine course, Airmen train using an advanced medical mannequin that simulates real-world injuries. Instructors can control functions such as blinking, bleeding, chest rise and fall, and pulse, allowing Airmen to conduct full patient assessments and respond appropriately. The realistic training reinforces critical decision-making and treatment skills. For example, bleeding stops when a tourniquet is applied correctly, and if the mannequin’s lungs do not inflate, Airmen can perform a needle decompression or apply a chest seal to restore breathing.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Donovan Holmen, right, readiness noncommissioned officer, and U.S. Army Staff. Sgt. Andrew Geigle, network communications specialist, both with the 426th Signal Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, North Dakota Army National Guard, make a radio call with an AN/PRC-160 during Ruggedize Applications Platform – Tactical Radio (RAP-TR) training, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington.

U.S. Army Sgt. Kevin Poor, right, and U.S. Army Staff. Sgt. Keenan Bayus, both signal operations support specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, 68th Troop Command, North Dakota Army National Guard, make a radio call with an AN/PRC-160 during Ruggedize Applications Platform – Tactical Radio (RAP-TR) training, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Chance Schaffner, North Dakota National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, commander, holds a salute with newly promoted Command Sgt. Maj. Brady Lyson, during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota.

The PaYS program is part of a long-term U.S. Army effort to help Soldiers forge professional relationships with businesses and encourage business owners to look to the Army as a plentiful and reliable recruiting source.

Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 1,275 employers have partnered with the program, and more than 100,000 interviews have occurred. Soldiers interested in the program can register at www.armypays.com and can view state careers at www.nd.gov/careers.

Iverson was pinned by her family during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck.

First, what do we mean when we say “purpose,” and why is it important? When we talk about purpose, we are talking about having a sense of direction, that our values, interests, and passions are in alignment, that what we are doing has meaning and value, or that we are contributing to the greater good in some way. But also, feeling a sense of purpose can look very different for each of us. Because of this, it might be worth looking at the idea of purpose and what it means for you. Feeling a sense of purpose is important because it is the reason for doing anything. Without purpose, we lack drive, motivation, and ultimately life satisfaction. It may also lead to feelings of confusion about the meaning of life and could eventually affect our mental well-being.

If finding a sense of purpose is not something you struggle with, or if you don’t find value in setting intentions, the start of a new year can simply be an ideal time to think of the year ahead and how you might do a mental health reset by recommitting to your mental, physical, and spiritual health!

Remember, how you feel matters and should be important to you!

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Schauer, assistant adjutant general - Air, presented Col. Teresa Luthi McDonough with the North Dakota Legion of Merit Award during a private retirement ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base.

McDonough retires from the Guard after faithfully serving her country for over 36 years in various positions ranging from Base Services to Security Forces, and Military Intelligence to Joint Force Headquarters.

Brig. Gen. Johnson recognized Staff Sgt. Chelsey Kleineschay, 68th Troop Command at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.

Staff Sgt. Kleineschay was hired into a newly created Administrative NCO position for 68th Troop Command HHD. She developed processes and products that manage the diverse group of Units and Military Occupational Specialties supported. In her first year in a new position, she completed over 60 Birth month reviews and 36 NCOERs and OERs. Her attention to detail, care for Soldiers, and hard work ethic have been instrumental to the success of a new position.

Mayor Myron Gunderson of Medina, North Dakota, holds the ND Cares road sign for placement on or near the official city sign. Medina joins 59 other community partners to ensure a seamless network of support for service members, veterans, their families, and survivors. Partner communities agree to hold at least one event to show their support.

The nomination was submitted by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Keller, North Dakota Army National Guard, 81st Civil Support Team. Keller cited Miller’s role in helping him secure a Department of Defense Skill Bridge internship. This program allows transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience and training in their chosen career fields before leaving the military.

Keller said, “Despite regulatory changes and shifting timelines, Meagan stayed proactive and solution-focused—keeping the internship on track and providing meaningful, hands-on experience across departments. Her efforts made my transition successful and led to full-time employment.”

Bismarck State College is recognized as a military-friendly institution, supporting service members, veterans and their families. Rob Keller, North Dakota ESGR vice chair, said, “BSC’s commitment to military-connected students is evident in how they understand military transitions and provide real-world opportunities for long-term success.”

In his nomination letter, U.S. Army Capt. Jordan Freitag, 116th Public Affairs Detachment, commander, wrote, “Andrew personally stepped in to cover missed meetings, closely monitored risks and hazards inherent to the safety and emergency management position, and eliminated work distractions and stress so I could focus on my military training and professional development.”