U.S. Air Force emergency management members from left to right, Tech. Sgt. Amanda Ptacek, 179th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard, Senior Airman Elyssa Johnson, and Staff Sgt. Caleb McNeil, both of the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron, South Dakota Air National Guard, don their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) personal protective equipment as they check CBRN detection material for simulated attack indications during a training exercise at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., March 9, 2022. (National Guard photo by David H. Lipp, 119th Wing)
Office of the Adjutant General Releases 2021 Annual Report
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, today announced the publication of the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report by the Office of the Adjutant General. (National Guard story by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The report covers the activities of the N.D. National Guard and the N.D. Department of Emergency Services, which consists of the Division of Homeland Security and Division of State Radio, during the federal fiscal year 2021, which ranges from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. The report is available for viewing online.
I am extremely proud of our Citizen-Soldiers, Citizen-Airmen, and civilians of the NDNG and DES for their dedication to our citizens and to the protection of our homeland, " said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general. "We are lucky to have these dedicated professionals on our team who are committed to protecting lives and property every day. I am also appreciative of the support of our elected leaders, our citizens, our Guard employers, and our Guard families. They provide the support and resources needed to ensure our readiness today and into the future."
Cold Weather CBRN Training
Chief Master Sgt. Kristi Erickson, the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management superintendent, hosted 10 emergency management members from units across the country to test their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) equipment and tactics in cold weather conditions at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., March 7 to 9, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by David H. Lipp, 119th Wing)
The Fargo temperature conditions were ideal, hovering just over zero degrees Fahrenheit during the training, with a fresh layer of snow from the previous night and snowbanks piled along base roadways and parking lots. Training in cold weather presents unique challenges with detection equipment because cold temperatures can degrade batteries.
U.S. Air Force emergency management members from left to right, Staff Sgt. Caleb McNeil and Senior Airman Elyssa Johnson, both of the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron, South Dakota Air National Guard, and Tech. Sgt. Amanda Ptacek, 179th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard, check CBRN detection material for simulated attack indications during a training exercise at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., March 9, 2022.
One of the goals this and future training and exercise events is to aid in the formulation of new and updated tactics, techniques and procedures that will be the baseline for CBRN operations in extreme cold weather environments.
U.S. Air Force emergency management members from left to right, Master Sgt. Jason Braun and Chief Master Sgt. Jon Pieters, both of the 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron, and Chief Master Sgt. Kristi Erickson, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, use chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection equipment during a training exercise at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., March 9, 2022.
The participants hope to conduct another cold weather training event next winter.
State Partnership Program Engineer Training
N.D. National Guard Engineer Soldiers are traveled to Africa to conduct familiarization and road construction training on heavy horizontal equipment with Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Engineers at the Bundase Training Camp in Ghana, March 14 to April 2, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Neil Horner, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
Key points during briefings is that safety is the first priority, and that daily maintenance is absolutely mandatory on heavy engineer equipment. The Ghanaian Army engineers were encouraged to ask questions to help ensure they were comfortable with this equipment. The GAF engineers are scheduled to receive this same style of CAT equipment in 2023: Bulldozer, backhoe, excavator, grader, vibratory roller, and water truck.
N.D. Guard soldiers participaing in the ongoing SPP engagement in Ghana are:
- 164 Regional Training Institute: Sgt 1st Class Ricky Zinke and Staff Sgt. Gary McDonald.
- 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade: Cadet Dennis Duku.
- 815th Engineer Company: Staff Sgt. Andrew Wallner, Staff Sgt. Neil Horner, Sgt. Jacob Lere, and Spc. Ryan Sott.
- 188th Engineer Company: Sgt. Josh Bucklin.
Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Zinke, 164th Regional Training Institute Instructor, calls for a push-up challenge to boost the morale and camaraderie with Ghana engineers in Ghana, March 15, 2022.
The Bundase Training Camp is the primary location for preparing for peacekeeping operations around the world. To date, the Ghana Armed forces have contributed over 57,000 soldiers for United Nations peacekeeping missions.
N.D. Guard Ends COVID-19 Mission
The North Dakota National Guard began its COVID-19 response duty on March 12, 2020 when the Joint Operations Center was alerted by the N.D. Department of Emergency Services to be prepared to support the state in battling the anticipated pandemic. (National Guard story by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs)
On March 10, 2021, Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the "Pandemic response shifts toward endemic status as COVID-19 trends improve; National Guard support to end next week". This release announced that on March 17, 2022, the N.D. National Guard officially ended its contributions to the state's "all-of-government-support" to the citizens of North Dakota with regard to COVID-19 response support .
This response of 736 consecutive days concludes the largest and longest state mobilization in the history of the N.D. National Guard. Guard Soldiers and Airmen contributed over 133,000 personnel days to the pandemic response, supported approximately 467,000 tests and help facilitate over 100,000 vaccines. The N.D. Guard surpassed the personnel-days worked in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Nov. 19, 2020, surpassing the efforts of the 2011 response to state-wide flooding.
“As we shift operations toward an endemic status, we thank the National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services for the incredible support they provided throughout the pandemic,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “From testing and vaccinations to providing additional capacity at the state lab, the work of the National Guard enhanced our response across the state, and we are grateful for their assistance, service and lifesaving work.”
Spc. Miranda Iverz, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, administers a COVID-19 test at the mobile testing site at Spirit Lake Casino and Resort in St. Michael, N.D., June 11, 2020. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
During this response to the pandemic, the N.D. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen performed a myriad of tasks. These tasks included administering COVID-19 tests, strategic response planning, as well as deep cleaning at long-term and congregate living facilities. Guard members have also aided in the transportation of test specimens and provided other support to the state laboratory in Bismarck.
Airman 1st Class Josh Carlson, right, and Master Sgt. Tiffany Jasmann wipe furniture with sanitizing materials as they assist in ‘deep cleaning’ at a Fargo, N.D., congregate living memory care facility May 1, 2020. (National Guard photo by David H. Lipp, 119th Wing)
“I’m extremely proud of the leadership, cooperation and professionalism of the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services during this two-year effort combatting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “Their commitment to the whole-of-government approach in supporting the citizens of our state during this emergency is nothing less than remarkable.”
The North Dakota National Guard assists in COVID-19 mobile testing site in Standing Rock, N.D., June 20, 2020. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
N.D. Guard Air Defenders Volunteer in D.C.
While on mission assisting in the protection of the skies over the nation's capital, Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA) decided to emphasize a specific Army Value: Selfless Service. (National Guard story and photos by 2nd Lt. Jake Kipp, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)
Beginning in August 2021, Soldiers in their off duty time started building relationships with local humane shelters, animal adoption agencies, and other charitable organizations. The leadership was enthused about the program, a set a goal for the Soldiers in order to award them the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM). The goal is 100 volunteer hours by the end of their deployed mission.
It was slow in the beginning, only five events were scheduled. However, by October 2021, the 1-188th ADA had over 10 charitable volunteers events on their schedule. The Soldiers began to heavily invest their time into volunteering on their days off, with events averaging 10 Soldiers.
Left to right: Staff Sgt. McKinzie Kipp, Capt. Cody Brekken, Staff Sgt. Amanda Erdmann, Sgt. Sean Brekke, and Staff Sgt. Autumn Nelson-Harthun paint the hallway for an animal charity organization in Alexandria, Va., October, 2021.
When asked about the main motivations behind volunteering, many Soldiers stated that it helped them feel like they were making a difference and the events are fun to do. The typical duties for the volunteers range from walking and caring for dogs and answering questions about the animal adoption process. In other endeavors, the volunteer air defenders, handed out boxes of non-perishable food items, packed and distributed toys, and helped out at the unit's favorite alpaca farm.
The N.D. Guard air defenders' intent is to make community volunteer service a lasting tradition for not only this unit, but for future units who assume this mission.
From the start date of August 2021 to Feb. 2022, the air defenders endeavors resulted in:
- Supporting 54 volunteer events
- 93 Soldiers participants
- 2,603 volunteer hours performed
So far, six Soldiers have met the 100-hour goal for the MOVSM so far. The volunteer efforts will continue during the rest of their deployment scheduled through the summer of 2022.
1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Soldiers helped a local adoption agency locate potential adopters by showcasing pets, November 2021.
Final Father and Son Flight
Sgt. 1st Class Mitchel Dwyer, a crew chief assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Helicopter Regiment (Assault) (C/285th AVN), flew with his father Chief Warrant Officer 5 Whitford Dwyer, one final time, during a UH-60 Black Hawk flight in Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 12, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. Holli Hruby, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Helicopter Regiment)
Sgt. 1st Class Dwyer, who is transferring to the 81st Civil Support Team, was happy to be able to take his father dad up on one last flight before he left the aviation field.
Chief Dwyer enlisted into the North Dakota National Guard in 1977 and is scheduled to retire in October 2022. He worked for at the National Guard Bureau from 2015 to 2019. Since returning to North Dakota, Chief Dwyer serves as the state Command Maintenance Discipline Program (CMDP) coordinator. This last flight together with his son was official as his team conducted an evaluation of the helicopter unit during their Inactive Duty for Training (IDT) period.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Whitford Dwyer, left, listens as his son, Sgt. 1st Class Dwyer, crew chief, conducts a mission brief for passengers, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 12, 2022. The mission brief explains how to properly fasten seat belts, flight route, elevation, emergency exits, along with other safety considerations in the event on an inflight emergency.
Sgt. 1st Class Dwyer followed in his father’s footsteps when he was mobilized to the National Capital Region in D.C. from 2021 to 2022. He served in C/285th AVN as their unit readiness non-commissioned officer during his last IDT drill in February 2022.
Chief Dwyer said, “Of all my many flights aboard a Black Hawk helicopter, none were as memorable as this one when I was able to fly with my son.”
Sgt. 1st Class Mitchel Dwyer, left, and his father, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Whitford Dwyer, at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Feb. 12, 2022.
Diocese of Bismarck Receives Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Award
The Diocese of Bismarck received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Award (ESGR) “Above and Beyond Award" in Bismarck, March 15, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs)
The award was presented by the N.D. ESGR committee to recognize the Diocese of Bismarck, which has gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) in their support of catholic chaplains serving in the N.D. National Guard.
Employers are given this award for providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other benefits during deployments.
Rob Keller, ESGR, left, and Bishop David Kagan, Diocese of Bismarck, listen to Chaplain (Col.) David Johnson, N.D. Guard state chaplain, discuss the high level of support the Diocese provides the N.D. National Guard, Bismarck, March 15, 2022.
Chaplain Gion, a monsignor with the Diocese of Bismarck, and Chaplain (Capt.) Justin Waltz, also of the Diocese of Bismarck, along with retired Guard Chaplain (Maj.) Brian Donahue, a monsignor with the Diocese of Fargo teamed up for the nomination.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, expresses his appreciation of the support provided to the N.D. National Guard by the Diocese of Bismarck, , Bismarck, March 15, 2022 as ESGR volunteer Retired Master Sgt. Rob Keller, listens, March 15, 2022.
These awards are presented to employers and supervisors who support members of the Reserve Component. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (701) 333-2057 or visit ESGR.mil/ND.
Diocese of Bismarck: 80 Years of National Guard Support
To those in the military, duty means patriotism and the protection of freedom and democracy. Military chaplains tend the souls of those who serve. The Diocese of Bismarck has shared a number of its priests with the N.D. National Guard, continuously for 80 years. (National Guard story by retired Lt. Col. Shirley J. Olgeirson, N.D. National Guard Historian)
Father Thomas Tracy was mobilized with the 164th Infantry Regiment during WWII and earned the moniker “Foxhole Padre” as he consoled soldiers during three years of battles in the South Pacific. He was called to duty with the 164th for the Korean War and served in the Mediterranean. Heart problems forced his retirement and he died in 1960 at age 49. Tracy Chapel at Camp Grafton is named in his honor.
Monsignor Brian Donahue served over 27 years in the Army Reserve, N.D. Army National Guard, and on active duty, including a final tour as senior Catholic chaplain at the United States Military Academy, West Point. Monsignor Donahue retired from the military in 2015 at the rank of major, and serves in the Diocese of Fargo. He serves St. Philip’s in Hankinson, N.D., and St. Anthony’s in Fairmount, N.D.
Monsignor Chad Gion is currently serving N.D. Army National Guard chaplain. He holds the rank of major and is assigned to the 68th Troop Command and has a deployment to Kosovo. Gion serves as a pastor with the Diocese of Bismarck's St. Peter’s (Ft. Yates), St. Philomena (Selfridge), St. James (Porcupine), St. Elizabeth’s (Cannon Ball), and Sacred Heart (Solen).
Father Justin Waltz began his military service with the 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot, N.D., and recently transitioned to the N.D. Air National Guard. He holds the rank of captain and serves as one of the chaplains at the 119th Wing in Fargo, N.D. He serves as pastor of St. Leo’s parish in Minot, N.D.
Retirees Lunch in Arizona
Thirty retired National Guards retirees and spouses met for a reunion lunch in Mesa Arizona, March 14, 2022. (Story and photos by Larry Liere)
The participants introduced guests and shared information about their military experience. Some of the topics included from years of service, where they served, training events, when they retired, and other information they thought would be interesting to the group.
Among the guests were retired Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general from 2006 to 2015, and his wife Connie, who served as North Dakota's Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army from 2011 to 2021. This was the first chance some retirees had to meet with the Sprynczynatyks and other friends for several years.
STEM Family Movie Night
N.D. National Guard Child and Youth Program hosted an Encanto STEM/Movie Night at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., March 15, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Mandy Malo, N.D. National Guard Lead Child and Youth Program Coordinator)
Forty-nine attendees worked on crafts and watched the movie "Encanto" on the big screen. Guests enjoyed free popcorn, candy, and other resources available from the N.D. National Guard Child and Youth, Military OneSource, and the SFRSC. The youth were encouraged to test their engineering skills to build four different Encanto houses. The first challenge had the kids use popsicle sticks and gumdrops to build the house, then straws and pipe cleaners, and graham crackers. The kids built the final house using wood and colored and design it. It was a great turnout and lots of fun.
For more upcoming events please visit the NDNG Child and Youth Program Facebook page.
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