Top: The North Dakota All Veterans Memorial's roof is designed with an opening that aligns the sun to shine on a bronze globe. On the 11th Day of the 11th Month, the sunlight highlights North Dakota. The memorial is on the North Dakota Capitol grounds. Photo date: Nov 11, 2009. (National Guard photo by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Contents
- Adjutant General's Veterans Day Message
- All Veterans Memorial
- Aircraft Refueling Training
- Army Aviators Visit School
- Hooligan Recognition
- Army Guard Promotion
- Honoring Military and First Responders
Adjutant General's Veterans Day Message
Each November 11th, our grateful nation pauses to formally honor all of those Americans that have served in uniform and those who are currently performing their military duties. We also recognize our family members who have served alongside of their loved one. Let us also remember to reach out to those military Families who grieve for a lost loved one.
The commitment and sacrifice of our Veterans is greatly appreciated by all Americans. The freedoms that we enjoy did not come easily nor did they come without a price. It is because of the great men and women who have faithfully served in our Armed forces for over 230 years that allows the United States of America to be a prosperous and sovereign nation. We must all strive to learn and tell their stories of heroism and sacrifice which will help inspire our future generations to serve.
Thank you for all of your accomplishments, each and everyday on behalf of our great nation, state and communities. It's a high honor to serve along the finest Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen in the nation. Happy Veterans Day.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, The Adjutant General
All Veterans Memorial
The All Veterans Memorial on the North Dakota state capitol grounds is among the many memorials and tributes to American Veterans found all across the nation and North Dakota. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The colors of the various branches of the U.S. armed forces along with a POW/MIA flag are displayed at the All Veterans Memorial on the N.D. state capitol grounds, Bismarck, Nov. 9, 2022.
A look within the All Veterans Memorial depicts a globe and panels featuring names of North Dakota Veterans who paid the ultimate price during their military service, Nov. 9, 2022, Bismarck, N.D.
The roof of the North Dakota All Veterans Memorial is designed with an opening that allows the sun to shine on a bronze globe located within each year on Veterans Day. The photo at the top of this publication depicts the sun shining on North Dakota.
Aircraft Refueling Training
The fueling section within the distribution platoon in the Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion trained in FARP (Forward Arming and Refueling Point) operations with aviation Soldiers at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, Oct. 30, 2022. (National Guard story by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Sgt. Ethan Handt and Sgt. Nathanial Wood, both of Company C, 285th Aviation Regiment, fuel a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, Oct. 30, 2022.
A UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, left, talks with Soldiers as his aircraft is refueled during FARP (Forward Arming and Refueling Point) operations training at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, Oct. 30, 2022.
Also participating in the training were Soldiers from Company C, 285th Aviation Regiment (Assualt) and 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Service). A FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for helicopter and fixed-wing operations to operate at distances beyond the aircraft's range and ability to easily refuel at an established fueling point like an airport. Sustained flight operations during combat or domestic response in remote areas may require an operational FARP for mission efficiency.
The purpose of the training was to increase skill proficiency in both cold and hot (engines running) refueling operations.
Army Aviators Visit School
Three N.D. Army National Guard aviators visited Lincoln Elementary School to discuss their military duties, Nov. 9, 2022, Lincoln, N.D. (National Guard story by 1st Lt. Justin Mayer, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment)
1st Lt. Justin Mayer along with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tami Abrahamson, both of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, and Sgt. Maari Beck, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment discussed various aspects of Army aviation with about 120 first grade children.
The Soldiers brought aviation helmets, flight uniforms, flight vests and other equipment for the children to see. They also discussed the capabilities and uses of the two types of rotary wing aircraft operated by the NDARNG, the UH-60M Black Hawk and UH-72A Lakota helicopters.
The Soldiers were invited in honor of Veterans Day by Mayer's wife Haylee, a first grader teacher at the school. She believes it's important for the students to meet service members as part of her instruction about the U.S. military each year prior to Veterans Day.
1st Lt. Justin Mayer, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, discusses the features of his flight helmet at Lincoln Elementary School. Nov. 9, 2022, Lincoln, N.D. (National Guard photos by Sgt. Maari Beck, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment)
1st Lt. Justin Mayer, left and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tami Abrahamson, both of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, discusses aviation equipment at Lincoln Elementary School. Nov. 9, 2022, Lincoln, N.D.
The students were very engaged, asked many questions and were extremely interested in aviation thanks in part to hearing helicopters in flight due to the close proximity of the Army Air Support Facility to their school. As part of their learning experience, the students made greeting cards addressed to Veterans and their families in honor of Veterans Day.
Hooligan Recognition
National Guard story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Mike Knodle.
Hooligan Promotion
Chief Master Sgt. Kari Appletoft
Kari Appletoft was promoted to chief master sergeant at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., Nov. 5, 2022. Her father, Retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Clarke affixed her new rank to her uniform during the ceremony.
Hooligan Retirements
Col. Bryan Delage
Col. Bryan Delage, N.D. Air National Guard state surgeon, was honored at a retirement ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base Nov. 5, 2022.
Master Sgt. Charles "Charlie" Renville
Long-time Happy Hooligan Master Sgt. Charles "Charlie" Renville was honored at a retirement ceremony at the Fargo Air Base, Nov. 9, 2022.
Between him and his wife retired Senior Master Sgt. Sandi Renville who participated in the ceremony, they boast a combined 66 years of service to the state and nation. Among their many legacies left with the N.D. Air National Guard is their son Staff Sgt. Josh Renville, who will carry on the family tradition of Happy Hooligan Military service.
Long-time Happy Hooligan Master Sgt. Charles Renville had the honor of having his retirement pin placed on his uniform by his wife, retired Senior Master Sgt. Sandi Renville, during his retirement ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Nov. 9, 2022, Fargo, N.D.
Army Guard Promotion
Col. Paul Helten, commander, 68th Troop Command, presided over a promotion ceremony for Matt Voeller, officer-in-charge, 68th Troop Command, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 7, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Matt Voeller, officer-in-charge, 68th Troop Command, stands at attention as his wife Janelle affixes lieutenant colonel rank on his uniform during a promotion ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 7, 2022. Col. Paul Helten, commander, 68th Troop Command, presented over the ceremony.
Honoring Military and First Responders
The Wall of Honor organization sponsored the first of what is anticipated to be an annual clay shooting event which is designed to raise charitable donations for non-profit military-related and first responder organizations, Sept. 6, 2022, Bismarck, N.D. (National Guard story by Mark McEvers)
Donations were presented to three organizations during an informal ceremony at First International Bank & Trust, Bismarck, Nov. 9, 2022. Among the organizations receiving a donation was the N.D. National Guard Foundation who received a $1,000 donation. Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, chair of the N.D. National Guard Foundation, accepted the donation on behalf of the foundation.
Please include contact information if a response is requested.
Click to receive an email whenever a new TAG Line is published.