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TAG Line December 22, 2023

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dan Murphy, JOC deputy director, speaks about the exercise to a contingent visiting from the South Dakota National Guard at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Dec. 8.

About 50 Soldiers and Airmen from the National Guard’s Domestic Operations Section worked from the organization’s Joint Operations Center (JOC), practicing command and control for military response resources during a blizzard response training exercise.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, Joint Force Headquarters, gives a briefing on the exercise at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Dec. 8.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jay Sheldon, JOC battle captain, left, speaks with fellow Soldiers at the battle desk to make sure information is passed on quickly and accurately during a blizzard exercise at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Dec. 8.

The JOC is a joint Army and Air National Guard entity that serves as the adjutant general's command and control platform to direct, plan, monitor, and guide all aspects of N.D. National Guard forces in support of emergency response.

JOC during a blizzard exercise at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Dec. 8.

This exercise included response planning, operational coordination, monitoring blizzard response status, continuity of operation plan as well as public information dissemination.

The white cell provides the injections and scenarios for the JOC to react to during the exercise at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Dec. 8.

Most of the command and control elements and responsibilities of the JOC can be used for any domestic response scenario.

Endurance Champion

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Crysta Halgrimson, 957th Engineer Company, Bridge, competed with the National Guard Bureau All Guard Endurance Competition team in the Central Florida Spartan Trifecta races, Sebring, Florida, Dec. 2 - 3. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Simmons, Joint Force Headquarters)

Halgrimson was one of three North Dakota Soldiers who made the All Guard Team at the DEKAFIT Endurance tryouts, January 2022 in Austin, Texas. The DEKAFIT is used as the standard event and includes a 10K run with 10 physically and mentally challenging events between the running. Individuals compete every two years to make the team.

The two days of races consisted of “The Beast”, “The Super”, and “The Sprint”. Upon completion, Halgrimson received the Sparta Trifecta. To earn the Sparta Trifecta a Sprint, Super, and Beast need to be completed within one year. Halgrimson completed this tenacious task in two days.

On day one, she completed the 21k race (The Beast), which consisted of 25 obstacles, followed by the extra mile challenge after the race, in 3:40:55. On the second day, she competed in the 10K (The Super) with 20 obstacles with a time of 1:31:38. She took first in her age group for both events. After receiving her first-place medal, she took off to compete in the 5K (The Sprint) with 15 obstacles and placed third with a time of 58:46.

Once she finished each race throughout the weekend, she volunteered to hand out medals and t-shirts to competitors after their races. She was recognized for her willingness to assist others by the All Guard event organizers.

The next Endurance Team tryouts are in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 2024.

KringleCon 2023

Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard, 1st Detachment, 174th Cyber Protection Team, worked on the Holiday Hack Challenge known as KringleCon at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 9. (U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Pfc. Anna Welchel, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Philip Budd, 1st Detachment, 174th Cyber Protection Team, works during KringleCon at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 9.

KringleCon is a free global simulated game through the SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security (SANS) that aims at teaching and testing through hands-on cybersecurity challenges.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Andrew Stien, 1st Detachment, 174th Cyber Protection Team, works during KringleCon at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 9.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Ryan Cossette, 1st Detachment, 174th Cyber Protection Team, works during KringleCon at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 9.

U.S. Army 1st. Lt. Nigel Helley, 1st Detachment, 174th Cyber Protection Team, works during KringleCon at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 9.

From the Field - The Newest Sapper

U.S. Army Sgt. Greg Oster, 818th Engineer Company, Sapper, completed and graduated from Sapper school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Dec. 15, 2023. (National Guard story and photo by 1st Lt. Eric Gilbertson, 81st Civil Support Team)

Oster is the third Soldier from the 818th Engineer Company, Sapper, in Minot, N.D. to earn the sapper tab in recent years.

From the Field - Small Arms Readiness Team

Members of the Small Arms Readiness Team (SART) built a marksmanship Christmas tree, also known as an Aztec tree, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 11. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Simmons, Joint Force Headquarters)

This shooting platform will be implemented in the 2024 Adjutant General's (AG) Match.

This competition includes the Army and Air National Guard's best shooters, who compete for top honors, improving lethality and readiness, and promoting the art of marksmanship.

From right, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Peterson, 815th Engineer Company, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Kuntz and Staff Sgt. Tyler Goldade, Joint Force Headquarters, stand behind an Aztec tree at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 11.

Units are authorized to submit a team to compete in this year's AG Match, which takes place from June 28 to July 2, 2024. Units that don't have a complete team can submit individual shooters to make ad hoc teams.

From the Field - 815th Engineer Company Drill Weekend

The 815th Engineer Company, Horizontal, held its drill weekend, Dec. 9 - 10, at the National Guard Armory in Wishek, N.D. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Ross Seefield, 815th Engineer Company)

The unit's drill featured classes on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Training.

Top left - Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Training, Top right - U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Iszler allows Spc. Johnas Foster to practice using places tourniquet on his leg during TCCC training. Bottom - Spc. Sean Webster stands before the unit, providing training on TCCC.

Congratulations to Maj. Kristopher Jacobs for winning this quarter's From the Field submission!

Maj. Kristopher Jacobs, 119th Security Forces Squadron commander, receives Air Guard swag from Staff Sgt. Austin Bonn, recruiter, for winning this quarter's winning photo "From the Field" campaign.

Your stories are worth telling; we as an organization are proud of the effort and commitment put into the training to be Always Ready & Always There!

Veterans Home Christmas

N.D. Army and Air National Guard members visited Veterans and spouses at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14. For over 20 years, N.D. Guard members have collected and delivered gifts and spread holiday cheer at the home. (National Guard story and photos by Nate Rivard, N.D. Guard public affairs officer)

Soldiers and Airmen distribute gifts to residents of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

This annual event was rotational each year between the N.D. Army National Guard and Air National Guard components, but this year's event marks a new way forward, bringing both the Air and Army Guard to celebrate the holidays with veterans.

Soldiers and Airmen distribute gifts to residents of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

Soldiers and Airmen distribute gifts to residents of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

The gifts are donated by Guard members based on requests by each resident. Service members visit with the residents and assist in distributing the gifts.

Soldiers and Airmen distribute gifts to residents of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

Airmen prepare to distribute gifts to residents of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

A group of Airmen speak with a veteran resident of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.
U.S. Army Maj. Brett Nelson, 164th Regional Training Institute, speaks to a veteran resident of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

Soldiers and Airmen sing Christmas carols to residents of the North Dakota Veterans Home during the annual National Guard Christmas party held at the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, Dec. 14.

Noyes Retires after 40 Years

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Markovic, 81st Civil Support Team (CST) commander, presided over a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class John Noyes, Joint Force Headquarters, at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, Dec. 15. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Markovic, 81st Civil Support Team (CST) commander, left, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Sgt. 1st Class John Noyes, Joint Force Headquarters, during his retirement ceremony at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, Dec. 15.

Noyes retires after faithfully serving his country and the National Guard for over 40 years.

Recognition

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alex Wiczek, 68th Troop Command, data processing manager, was recognized after the professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 13. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army State Command Sergeant Major Eric Binstock, right, presents 2nd Lt. Alex Wiczek, 68th Troop Command, a recognition coin after professional development, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 13.

Wiczek was recognized for his outstanding performance as the 68th Troop Command's assistant training officer.

Kleinjan's Legacy

When U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jasper Kleinjan passed away in 2016, he left a legacy of fine shooting. Among other accomplishments, he had held six national high-power records, two national small bore records, won the National Guard high-power championship, and was a member of the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team. (National Guard story and photos by Shirley Olgeirson, N.D. Guard Historian)

U.S. Army Master Sgt. (retired) Harry Schneider, left, and Jasper Kleinjan, Jr. carry awards to a vehicle to be transported to the National Guard Historical Collections at Fraine Barracks.

Thanks to the generosity of the Kleinjan family, and the help of the retirees in the “National Guard family”, some of the hundreds of trophies and medals he earned are now in the N.D. National Guard's historic collections.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. (retired) Harry Schneider holds a U.S. Distinguished Shooter Medal, an award that both he and Kleinjan earned during their shooting careers. He also holds a copy of “The Straight Arrow” that announced their induction into the Rober E Schulte Marksmanship Hall of Fame. (Harry’s picture is on the top right of the article).

Kleinjan earned the “President’s 100” rating twice.

Volunteers, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (retired) Connie K Peterson, left, describes Kleinjan’s “Presidents 100" campaign hat as Chief Warrant Officer 5 (retired) Shelly J Sizer enters the item description into a searchable database. They then place the collection into the achieves at the Fraine Barracks Warehouse in Bismarck.

Scott and John, members of the Fraine Barracks maintenance crew, mount Kleinjan’s impressive medal collection and photos in a hallway of the Adjutant General’s office building.

ND Civil Air Patrol Sponsors Wreaths Across America Events

The Bismarck Composite Squadron of the N.D. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) hosted the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16. (Photos and story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Front of the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D. on Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

With a temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit and a light breeze, an estimated 1,500 volunteers showed up to place wreaths on each of the more than 8,000 graves at the cemetery.

Lt. Col. Sean M Johnson, Chief of Staff - Missions N.D. Civil Air Patrol, was the master of ceremony for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.
Cadet / Chief Master Sgt. Trinity Lannard, Civil Air Patrol, from Jamestown, sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.
Veteran places a wreath for the Army during the opening ceremony for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.
Veteran places a wreath for the Navy during the opening ceremony for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.
Civil Air Patrol member places a wreath for the Coast Guard during the opening ceremony for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.
Veteran places a wreath for the Air Force during the opening ceremony for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.

Wreaths in front of the N.D. Veterans Cemetery chapel, Mandan, N.D. on Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

A volunteer touches the top of a headstone in prayer during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.

This annual holiday event is one of more than 3,400 wreath­-laying ceremonies across the United States.

Civil Air Patrol members hand out wreaths during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Civil Air Patrol members hand out wreaths during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

Family members take a group photo in front of a loved ones grave during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16.

The mission of WAA is to remember our fallen U.S. Veterans, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom.

Friends volunteering take a photo during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
A volunteer places wreaths during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
A Vietnam veteran places a wreath during the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., Dec. 16. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

WWII Veteran Surprise 100th Birthday Celebration

The North Dakota National Guard participated in a SURPRISE 100th Birthday Celebration for World War II veteran, Tech 5 Harold H. Hepper, at the Hay Creek Lodge Senior Living Center, in Bismarck, Dec. 15. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, with the help of Maj. Vanessa Lennick, Visual Information, presents a personalized plaque and letter to World War II veteran, Tech 5 Harold H. Hepper, in Bismarck, Dec. 15.

Originally from McClusky, N.D. Hepper was a Combat Medic who served in the European Theater from June 30, 1944, to July 1, 1945. He earned a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, American Defense Ribbon, European Campaign Ribbon, WWII Victory Ribbon, and a Combat Medic Badge.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, with World War II veteran, Tech 5 Harold H. Hepper, Bismarck, Dec. 15.

His unit, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, was awarded Presidential Unit Citation (Luxembourg), Belgian Fourragere (Ardennes). They assaulted Normandy on June 6, 1944. Hepper arrived on June 30, 1944. Between 9 to 12 August 1944, the regiment helped defeat the Germans in Operation Lüttich. He was wounded on August 25, 1944, but continued to serve with his unit.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, presented a 4th Infantry Division coin from his private collection to World War II veteran, Tech 5 Harold H. Hepper in Bismarck, Dec. 15.

RJB Holiday Door Contest

The Raymond J. Bohn armory held its 4th annual holiday door contest in Bismarck, N.D., Dec. 20, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The winner gets bragging rights and holds on to a Christmas Tree trophy till next year's contest.

Candy Cane Lane by the North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support

Charlie Brown Christmas the by the North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support - Yellow Ribbon Program

Spc. Claus by Troop Command Headquarters Company

Santa Plummer by the RJB Facilities Staff

Gone to the Beach / Feliz Navidad by the G1

Chillin with my Gnomies by the R3SP Office

The Grinch by the 131st Military Police Battalion

Die Hard by the G4

3rd Place Winner

Operation Save Christmas by the 68th Troop Command

U.S. Army Col. Paul Helten, 68th Troop Command commander, looks down from the ceiling wearing a Santa beard, ensuring the presents get dropped with care.

2nd Place Winner

The Christmas Story by the Human Resource Office

1st Place Winner

Santa's Night Before Christmas by the Clinic

This is their 3rd year in a row of winning the top honor.

N.D. National Guard Foundation Donation

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, chair of the N.D. National Guard Foundation accepted a donation on behalf of the National Guard Foundation, Bismarck, Dec. 7, 2023.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, chair of the N.D. National Guard Foundation, center; holding a check in a group picture, Bismarck, Dec. 7.

The $2,500 donation was presented by MarshMclennan Agency to show their Military Appreciation.

Guard Members & Retirees - Help Fill Our Ranks & Earn $1000

The N.D. National Guard's (NDNG) "ND1000" incentive program pays NDNG members and NDNG retirees. The payout is $1000 per qualifying lead, for new or prior service enlistments into the NDNG as a result of the referring member’s effort, mentorship, and assistance. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

For information on the N.D. Army National Guard enlistment click the NDARNG ND1000 program or download the app needed to submit an NDARNG lead.

For more information on the N.D. Air Guard, contact Tech Sgt. Bradly Berthold at 701-500-5401 or visit the 119th Wing Recruiting Website.

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