Top: Tech. Sgt. Garrett Rix, a fire fighter assigned to the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, is greeted by his sister Master Sgt. Taylor Voelker, 119th Force Support Squadron, and her daughter at Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D., Dec. 28, 2021. Rix returned home after completing a six-month deployment to Africa. (National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing)
Hooligans Welcomed Home For New Year
The Happy Hooligans of the 119th Wing closed out another busy year supporting their federal missions celebrating the return of Airmen. In 2021, over 125 Airmen were deployed to multiple overseas locations for tours ranging from three to six months. (National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing)
Technical Sergeant Garrett Rix, 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, hugs his wife as Staff Sgt. Wyatt Koenig, Staff Sgt. Jacob Cuchna, and Staff Sgt. Joseph Castiglione follow him into the Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D., Dec. 28, 2021. The Airmen returned from a six-month deployment to Africa.
Master Sergeant Steven Schwartz, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, right, is greeted by his grandson, family, and friends at the Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D., upon his return from a six-month deployment to southwest Asia, Jan. 5, 2022. He met his grandson before he deployed, but you can still see the smile behind the mask as they enjoy a happy reunion.
Military Funeral Honors Training
Four instructors led fifteen N.D. National Guard Soldiers in Military Funeral Honors (MFH) training at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Jan. 4 to 6, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Soldiers learned to perform all movements and activities associated with funeral and interment ceremonies during this three-day course. Receiving this honor is a privilege earned through military service. When a military member is laid to rest, it's important that these honors must be rendered properly and flawlessly.
Sergeant Tyler Weichel, 817th Engineer Company, center, provides military funeral honors positioning and flag-folding instructions for Pfc. Alexis Goldberg, left, and Spc. Chris Sagers, both of the 816th Military Police Company, during a three-day military funeral honors course, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Jan. 5, 2022.
Private First Class Israhias Diaz, 957th Engineer Company, folds the flag during a three-day military funeral honors course at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Jan. 5, 2022.
Private Michael Mehlhoff, 131st Military Police Battalion, left, and Pfc. Melvin Momo, 131st Military Police Battalion, unfurl the U.S. flag during a three-day military funeral honors course at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Jan. 5, 2022.
Private First Class Brian Yodder, left, and Staff Sgt. Daniel Rick, both of the 816th Military Police Company, lift the flag from a coffin during a three-day military funeral honors course at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Jan. 5, 2022.
Colonel Warren Pauling Honored at Retirement
Colonel Warren Pauling was honored at a retirement ceremony held at the Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck, Dec. 30, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Retired Maj. Gen. Bob Schulte presided over the ceremony while retired Col. Jon Hanson served as emcee. Schulte presented Pauling the North Dakota Legion of Merit in recognition of over 39 years of National Guard service.
Retired Major General Bob Schulte renders remarks at Col. Warren Pauling's retirement ceremony, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Dec. 30, 2021.
ND Cares in Jamestown
The city of Jamestown officially became a ND Cares Partner Community during their city council meeting on Jan. 3, 2022. City council members approved the formation of an ND Cares Committee designed to plan activities that support Service Members, Veterans, Families and Survivors.
Partner communities agree to host at least one activity per year. Michelle Panos, ND Cares Executive Director, Maj. Lucas Klettke, officer in charge, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and Nikki Frohlich, Military Outreach, presented the city council two ND Cares road signs for display on the city’s main thoroughfare.
New ESGR Volunteer
North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced that retired Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk has volunteered to serve as the military outreach director for North Dakota. In this role he will inform and educate members of the National Guard and Reserve regarding their employment rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
“It is an honor for me to volunteer and serve as a part of the ESGR team in North Dakota,” said retired Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk. “Throughout my forty three years of service, I always recognized the importance of the support of our employers to the success of reserve component Soldiers serving our state and nation. I look forward to further enhancing our ESGR program.”
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