An Airman from the 119th Security Forces Squadron takes the plunge for the Hypothermic Challenge at the Cold Weather Operations Course at Camp Ripley Regional Training Center, Jan 30. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Contents
- New Wing Colonel
- National Disaster Management Organization
- Cold Weather Operations Course
- Nasopharyngeal Airway training
- Cold Weather Survival Training
- ND2000
- Da Guards Podcast
- Col. Selzler Retires
- Professional Development
- 3rd Annual North Dakota National Guard Office Chili Cook Off
- More Than Nice: Finding Your Voice
- Recognition
- Trust and Inspire Workshop
- ESGR Statement of Support
- MilTax from Military OneSource
- Financial Peace
New Wing Colonel
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee Teigen, 119th Wing operations group commander, was promoted to colonel during a ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard base in Fargo, Feb. 11. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photos by Senior Airman Mercedes Jirak, 119th Wing)
State Partnership ISR Fundamentals Course
North Dakota Air National Guard members conducted an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance knowledge exchange with the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp in Accra, Ghana, Jan. 26-30. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek, North Dakota National Guard State Partnership Program director)
The primary objectives were to enhance the Ghana Armed Forces’ ability to gather and exploit intelligence during air, ground and maritime missions, increase battlefield awareness, and posture forces to engage threats with greater lethality and reduced vulnerability.
National Disaster Management Organization
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek and Capt. Joe Johnson of the North Dakota National Guard, under the State Partnership Program, met with deputy director Teddy Addi Safori of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization in Accra, Ghana, Feb. 27, to strengthen their long-standing partnership in disaster preparedness. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek, North Dakota National Guard State Partnership Program director)
They discussed the challenges Ghana faces from disasters such as flooding and fires. To continue the partnership, the North Dakota National Guard announced plans for a large-scale “all hazards” disaster exercise to be held in Ghana in summer 2027. The exercise aims to improve joint response efforts and build on the partners’ two-decade relationship. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to working together for a safer future.
Cold Weather Operations Course
Airmen from the 119th Security Forces Squadron take the plunge for the Hypothermic Challenge at the Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley Regional Training Center, Jan 30. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Nasopharyngeal Airway training
Nasopharyngeal Airway training teaches Soldiers how to maintain an open airway for a casualty who is unconscious or semi-conscious. This skill is critical in both combat and emergency situations, helping ensure oxygen flow when seconds matter most.
Cold Weather Survival Training
Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, conducted its first cold-weather survival training at the local training area near Williston, North Dakota, local training area Jan. 23-27, enduring temperatures as low as minus 27 degrees. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell Jore, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)
Sgt. Noah Widmer leading a crew to change Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) tire in -20 degrees. The exercise provided a crucial opportunity for the unit to test its organizational clothing and individual equipment against the challenges of an Arctic environment.
Classroom instruction was provided by Sgt. 1st Class David Merkley and Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Scanlan of the 1st Training Battalion, 164th Regional Training Center. Soldiers then rotated through practical stations to perform missile reloads, emplace Sentinel radar, and construct shelters.
Sgt. First Class David Merkley, Regional Training Center, performs air defense crewmember drills while operating a short-range air defense Avenger system.
The extreme cold forced the unit to find innovative ways to operate and ensure mission success. This included a mobility march on snowshoes and an impromptu tire change on a LMTV, serving as a real-world maintenance test.
This groundbreaking training gave Alpha Battery an invaluable experience, validating the unit’s ability to not only survive but also conduct its primary mission in extreme cold, directly enhancing operational readiness.
ND2000
It’s more than a uniform—it’s about community. And now, it comes with a $2,000 thank-you! We believe the best new soldiers come from recommendations within our own ranks. From Feb. 1 through June 30, 2026, we’re offering a $2,000 bonus for helping a friend, family member, or neighbor join the North Dakota Army National Guard.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
IPPW Specialist Markelle Dockter
Let's meet the IPPW Specialist Markelle Dockter! Dockter works in our Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) as an integrated primary prevention specialist and has been in the position since 2024. She has 13 years of experience in elementary and early childhood education. She also has numerous certificates in integrated primary prevention. She talks about what someone in her position does and how the IPPW benefits the members and families of the North Dakota National Guard.
Col. Selzler Retires
U.S. Army Col. Steven Selzler received the North Dakota Legion of Merit during his retirement lunch in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Jan. 29. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Steven Bohl, Joint Force Headquarters director)
Left to right, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard; Col. Steven Selzler, Joint Force Headquarters; and Col. Paul Helten, U.S. property and fiscal officer for the North Dakota National Guard, pose for a group photo during a retirement luncheon in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Selzler was honored for his more than 38-year military career, culminating as the director of military support for domestic operations and deputy U.S. property and fiscal officer for the North Dakota National Guard.
Professional Development
The North Dakota National Guard J6 team, conducted this month's professional development, Feb. 11, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Todd Wetsch, North Dakota National Guard cyber operations specialist, discusses changes to phone numbers and telephone systems with federal and state employees.
All professional development classes are stored in the North Dakota National Guard SharePoint under the Readiness, Reporting, and Resources button.
3rd Annual North Dakota National Guard Office Chili Cook Off
More Than Nice: Finding Your Voice
North Dakota “Nice” can be a real thing, but that can sometimes lead us down the road of neglecting our own needs, resentment, and letting things slide when we shouldn’t. Let’s look at “nice” in a new light that builds trust, fosters respect, and provides healthy boundaries. (Written by Markelle Dockter, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
I was born and raised in North Dakota and understand the pressure that comes with self-care and setting your own personal boundaries. I worried about what my family, peers, and others would think above myself. Most often I downplayed and sometimes all together ignored my own boundaries and needs. By the time I went to college, I’m unsure if I had many boundaries, if I knew what they were, and forget knowing about how to set them, but that’s a whole other story of hard lessons.
(Photo from the North Dakota Tourism Division) I truly don’t think it clicked for me until my Mother-in-Law came to visit and my very apprehensive, shy kids didn’t want to give her a hug. I said, “Oh come on guys, give Nana a hug.” She then said something that started my “creating boundaries” journey. She said, “It’s ok if they don’t want to give me a hug. They don’t feel comfortable yet. That’s ok.” That was the most FREEING statement and reinforcement that I needed to help my children and myself with setting boundaries and communicating those needs. If we don’t learn to advocate for ourselves and set those boundaries respectfully and consistently, how can we be successful in any relationship where we feel safe, heard, and respected. I am practicing and implementing this after I have been in a relationship for over 17 years. Looking back, I realized most of my relationships were not successful because I didn’t communicate my needs partly because I didn’t know what they were. I threw myself into a relationship and focused on my partners needs without consideration for my own. This is why boundaries lead to self-care and the needs we all should advocate for.
(Photo from the North Dakota Tourism Division) I know, a lot of you may roll your eyes and say things like, “Self-care, yeah right, like spas and yoga.” That’s not what I mean at all. Self-care, in its simplest form, is a non-negotiable act of nurturing yourself and needs. This may be nurturing yourself: physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, financially, spiritually, etc. The list goes on. We spend so much time worrying about what other may think of us, that we forget to nurture ourselves. Foster what is important to you and make time for that. You may have to set a boundary in your relationship such as, “It’s really important for me to hang out with my friends once a month (social need). After I'm done hanging out with them, I can’t wait to have a movie night with you.” This is an example of a self-care, boundary, communication combo. This may sound complex, but the more you practice the easier it will become. When we start small and practice these skills, we build muscle memory to essentially adjust our own way of thinking and responding to various situations. You may not want to start with your family; this can take more time and practice. Start by advocating for yourself at a restaurant, checkout line, or while getting a haircut. It’s ok to say, “Ma’am or Sir, I ordered fries and I got chips. Could I get fries” or “I don’t feel comfortable with this conversation let’s talk about something else”. Be assertive, respectful and consistent to avoid confusion and leave no room for doubt that this is important for you. The next time you feel like a boundary is being tested or a need isn’t being met, remember you don’t have to fall into the “nice” trap, advocate for yourself respectfully and assertively. Only “you” know about what “you” need. You are the expert of yourself. If you would like to learn more about other strategies, supports, or services available please contact IPPW at 701-333-2373 or visit our site on GKN. We are here to support all in the NDNG.
Recognition
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, recognized two members of the North Dakota National Guard following a recent professional development class at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Feb. 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Sgt. 1st Class Laura Hocking
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Johnson recognized U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Laura Hocking, North Dakota National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
Sgt. 1st Class Hocking consistently demonstrated a proactive and dedicated approach to the well-being and development of Soldiers in the North Dakota National Guard. From the program’s inception, she actively engaged the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce Prevention team to support her young and future Soldiers, recognizing the critical need for preventative training and skill-building.
Caren Stewart
Brig. Gen. Johnson recognized Caren Stewart, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
Stewart was recognized with a TAG Coin for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to her team, exemplifying the highest values of servant leadership and professionalism.
Trust and Inspire Workshop
The North Dakota Army National Guard Office of the Chaplain is sponsoring a weekend for married couples Feb. 27 - Mar. 1. The event, Trust and Inspire, will equip couples with tools to build trust and deepen their relationship. It will challenge participants to think and act as transformational leaders in all facets of life. Chaplain Lt. Col. Justin Fenger and Chaplain Capt. Joseph Leach will lead the event.
ESGR Statement of Support
(ESGR photos by Rob Keller, North Dakota ESGR Vice-Chair)
Haga Kommer officially signed a Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support today in Bismarck. The Statement was presented by Ralph Lundberg, North Dakota ESGR Chair for Bismarck, highlighting Haga Kommer’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
A Statement of Support is a visible commitment from an employer to stand behind employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, recognizing the important balance between civilian careers and military service.
MilTax from Military OneSource
As a service member registered in DEERS, you have access to MilTax — a suite of free tax services from Military OneSource. MilTax is built to handle real tax situations service members and their families face, including deployments, combat pay, PCS moves, multistate filings, and training pay. With MilTax, you’ll get free: Federal tax preparation and e-filing - Filing of up to five state tax returns - One-on-one support from tax consultants trained in military-specific tax scenarios. (Information provided by Military OneSource)