Angela Garza, wife of Staff Sgt. Ronnie Garza, 191st Military Police Company is overwhelmed with emotion while waiting for his return. Garza, a squad leader with the 191st returned July 14th.
Welcome Home 191st Military Police Company
After more than 10 months, over 150 Soldiers from the North Dakota Army National Guard 191st Military Police (MP) company returned to Fargo on July 14, 2023. They were met at the airport near Hector Airfield by hundreds of families and friends.
The 191st was deployed to Kuwait in support of a U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) mission. They performed theatre security and customs operations. As part of the mission, they helped implement procedures and policies that eliminate the introduction of agricultural pests, disease, and the flow of illegal drugs and contraband from the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility.
"I am so grateful for the incredible turn out for our welcome home," said Capt. Nathan Johnson, 191st MP Commander. "The Soldiers accomplished so much in the time we were there. They once again represented the state with hard work and dedication to the mission."
While in country, Soldiers cleared over 35,400 personnel with 80,300 pieces of equipment valued at over 36 billion dollars in value. Additionally, they completed over 27 military education courses, to include over 185 college credits. They also accumulated over 2,900 volunteer hours. (Photos by Senior Master Sgt. Mike Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Top Shooters Gather to Compete in The Adjutant General's Match
Soldiers and Airmen gathered for the annual TAG (The Adjutant General) Match in a spirited, five day competition to promote the profession of arms, bring marksmanship fundamentals back to their units to increase their readiness, and to improve their lethality.
With 104 Soldiers and Airmen, consisting of 26 teams, participating in the competition, the AG Match was one of the largest to be held. In addition, there were 112 Soldiers and Airmen, including medics and other support staff, taking part in the Excellence in Competition matches. The competition allowed competitors to compete in four state leg points towards becoming a distinguished shooter in the rifle and pistol discipline.
"This AG Match is always a special event for the North Dakota National Guard," said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, Adjutant General. "Not often do we get to see our Soldiers and Airmen compete against each other. It's wonderful to feel the sense of camaraderie as they compete. I appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into this event every year."
After shooting approximately 39,000 rounds, the first place team was Headquarter Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Alpha) which consisted of Col. Benjamin Cleghorn, Capt. Thomas Gross, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Moon, and Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Milbrath. The 119th Wing (Team Alpha), consisting of Senior Master Sgt. Wade Swenson, Tech. Sgt. Gavin Rook, Tech. Sgt. Tyrel Hoppe, and Tech. Sgt. Matthew Jasper took home second place. In third place, RRB (Recruiting and Retention Battalion) Alpha (Join or Die was their team name) consisting of Staff Sgt. Evan Messer, Staff Sgt.Brandon Wendland, Staff Sgt.Eric Linde, and Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Tanata.
Additionally, we had 58 open shooters, which includes competitors that have been at the AG match before, and 54 novice shooters, or first time shooters to the match.
The overall aggregate individual winner in the Novice Division was 2nd Lt. Michael Becker (HSC 141st MEB) with 933 points, in second place was Pfc. Jacob Hite (HSC 141st MEB) with 870 points, followed by Staff Sgt. Brodee Gilliland (119th Wing) with 857 points.
The overall aggregate individual winner in the Open Division was Staff Sgt. Evan Messer (RRB) with 1,136 points, in second place was Staff Sgt. Tyler Goldade (957th Engineer Company (MRBC)) with 1,033 points, followed by Tech Sgt. Gavin Rook (119th Wing) with 1,023 points.
(Top) Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Tanata fires an M-4 Rifle during the “Run and Gun” event. (Bottom) Warrant Officer Candidate Makenzie Kotchman shoots the M-17 pistol during the “three gun” event. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs)
New Partnerships Forged at Ceremonies to Help Soldiers Succeed Beyond Their Duty
With a few signatures, two new partnerships have been formed to help Soldiers succeed in their civilian career.
This past week the North Dakota Army National Guard (NDARNG) signed partnerships with the PaYS (Partnership for Your Success) Program.
Border States Electric and Trinity Health Systems in Minot are the latest organizations to sign an agreement with the North Dakota Army National Guard and PaYS. Additionally, there are nearly 30 businesses and organizations in North Dakota.
The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the Army National Guard and a cross section of private industry, academia and state and local public institutes. The NDARNG PaYS Program guarantees Soldiers five job interviews and possible employment after their initial entry training has been completed. The PaYS Program provides America’s youth with the unique opportunity to simultaneously serve their country and start a path to the future.
“With the partnership with Trinity Health and Border States it gives our Soldiers greater opportunities for success while serving in the Army National Guard,” said Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, Land Component Commander. “This program is a win for all parties involved. The businesses get Soldiers with a strong sense of service and integrity. Because when our Soldiers have stable jobs, it provides a sense of purpose and financial security. Furthermore, working in a civilian environment can help Soldiers develop new skills and broaden their professional network. Overall, the relationship between businesses and The North Dakota Army National Guard can be mutually beneficial, as Soldiers continue to serve their communities with the support of their employers."
The PaYS program is designed to help Soldiers prepare for a career by connecting them with employers who understand the skills, discipline, and work ethic that military servicemembers bring to a business. This program is part of a long-term effort to help Soldiers forge professional relationships with businesses and encourage business owners to look to the NDARNG as a plentiful and reliable recruiting source. Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 1200 employers have partnered with the program.
(Left) Taylor Wilson, vice president of Finance at Trinity Health, and Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson sign an agreement for PaYS with Trinity Health. (Photo by Jonathan Haugen, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs)
Happy Hooligans Train at Camp Grafton
The 119th Wing traveled to Camp Grafton Training Center to hone their war fighting skills and train with other military partners as they participated in the Violent Monopoly exercise in June.
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