Snow falls during winter drill at the front gate of Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Dec.6. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Contents
- Welcome Home - 119th Wing
- Da Guards Podcast
- Night Medical Operations
- Two New Lieutenant Colonels
- ND 1000
- 119th Wing's New Chief
- Operation Homefront
- Air Defense Awards
- Veterans Scholarship
- Holiday Decorate Safely
- Winter Driving Safety
- Trust and Inspire Workshop
- Soup Cookoff
- Being Less Stressed & More Connected This Holiday Season with Mindfulness
- Safety Planning Workshop
- Wreaths Across America
- Fargo Christmas Party
- Family Christmas Events
- NORAD Tracks Santa
Welcome Home - 119th Wing
October saw the return of over 120 Happy Hooligans from deployments around the world in support of Reserve Component Period (RCP) six.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
U.S. Army Maj. Chad Gion
Let's meet U.S. Army Maj. Chad Gion! He is the North Dakota Army National Guard state support chaplain. Gion was ordained as a Catholic priest in 2002 and 11 years later joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 2013 as a chaplain. He discusses his path to becoming a chaplain, the role chaplains take on, and how they work to build strong and resilient teams.
Night Medical Operations
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Satrom of the State Medical Readiness Detachment conducts a blood draw on Master Sgt. Mitchell Cowell of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion while wearing a gas mask, night-vision goggles and chemlights to simulate IV procedures in austere or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Samuel Zezeus, State Surgeon’s Office)
Two New Lieutenant Colonels
Miller
U.S. Army Maj. Kimberly Miller, Joint Force Headquarters, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota, on Dec. 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Simek
U.S. Army Maj. Beth Simek, Joint Force Headquarters, was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col. during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota, on Dec. 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
ND1000
119th Wing's New Chief
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Erica Carruth, 119th Wing, was promoted to chief master Sergeant during a ceremony at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, Dec. 7. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Operation Homefront
Air Defense Awards
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by 1st Lt. Megan Yem, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery)
Maj. Corey Arnold
U.S. Army Maj. Corey Arnold, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, was presented with the North Dakota National Guard’s The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award at the Grand Forks Armory in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Dec 6.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Voeller, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, commander, presents Maj. Corey Arnold, with the N.D. National Guard’s The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award.
For heroic actions on October 2, 2024, Maj. Corey Arnold demonstrated extraordinary courage and quick thinking in a life-threatening situation. Encountering an unresponsive infant, he swiftly assessed the situation, directed bystanders to contact emergency services, and started to perform life-saving measures. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the North Dakota National Guard, and the State of North Dakota.
This state-level award is named in honor of Master Sgt. Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Keeble, a North Dakota National Guard member who served in World War II and the Korean War. Keeble was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2008, for courageous actions while serving with Company G, 19th Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division in Korea.
For an individual to be eligible for The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award, the act performed must have been one displaying personal courage, fortitude, and determination to protect/defend life, limb, or property. This may include, but not limited to, providing lifesaving measures, performing evacuation efforts (i.e. fire), assisting with a vehicle accident, etc.
Capt. Nicholas Kindelspire
U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas Kindelspire, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, was presented with the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers at the Grand Forks Armory in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Dec. 6. .
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Voeller, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, commander, presents Capt. Nicholas Kindelspire, with Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers.
Kindelspire received the award for outstanding meritorious service and superior contributions during a historic deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility.
This award was established to annually recognize the achievements and dedicated service of Army and Air National Guard junior officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism in their services to country and community. This award was first presented in 2006.
Veterans Scholarship
U.S. Army Spc. Abigale Strandlie, Headquarters Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was awarded the Sanford Health Military and Veterans Scholarship at Minnesota State University Moorhead on Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
Holiday Decorate Safely
Decorating is one of the best ways to get into the holiday mood, but emergency rooms see thousands of injuries related to holiday decorating every season. (Information provided by Lt. Col. Michael Champagne, State Safety Officer)
When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
- If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
- If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it, and remove it from your home when it is dry
- Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
- Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
- Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
- Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
- Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
- Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house
Winter Driving Safety
Trust and Inspire Workshop
Soup Cookoff
Didn’t get the State Record Buck this year? Here’s a chance to redeem yourself and win some bragging rights! Whether an individual or an office submission, we want your best soup!
Soup Cookoff/Contest December 10, 2025, immediately following professional development
Raymond J. Bohn Armory Gym Floor Bismarck, North Dakota
All Employees welcome
Win for Best Overall, Most Flavorful (Unique) Kick, and Fan Favorite!
Sign up and enter a soup for the contest, or show up to taste, judge, and vote for your favorite soup in the three categories listed on the flyer. Point of Contact: Rob Roehrich is the POC for this event call (701) 333-3293 or email robert.d.roehrich.civ@army.mil
Being Less Stressed & More Connected This Holiday Season with Mindfulness
The holidays are a time of celebration, connection, and joy. For many, it also comes with undue stress caused by financial strains, emotional fatigue, and family expectations making our connections feel more like your cell phone signal inside an armory. With clear boundaries and discipline, these issues are preventable. Having a mindful approach to this holiday season will strengthen your communication skills, improve your financial decisions, and preserve your emotional wellbeing. Let us talk about how to keep calm, when our default strategies like going for that third slice of pie or watching Hallmark movies just don’t work like they used to. (Information provided by from Ron Murray, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist. This information includes elements of AI-generated content, which were reviewed and edited by relevant DoW personnel to verify appropriateness and compliance with DoW policies and guidance.)
Managing Stress using Mindfulness: This requires intentional focus. Anyone can do this by taking a moment to pause. Check yourself and ask, how are you feeling? You can also do this through prayer and meditation. Slow things down and remember that multitasking is not a badge of honor, do one thing at time. You can even practice mindful eating, by enjoying your dessert one slow bite a time. Set realistic expectations with yourself and avoid perfectionism if possible. Be present in the moment and enjoy this holiday season to the fullest.
Financial Wellness using Mindfulness: For those of us who planned every penny to spend through the holidays, excellent job! Now ask yourself, did my purchases align with my values or were these purchases triggered by emotion or intention? Having open communication on spending limits with your partner will reduce your impulse buying and guilt driven spending. You will find that you will have less conflict and greater stability once these boundaries are in place and practiced.
Manage Communication using Mindfulness with Loved ones: Speaking of boundaries. Traditions, emotional needs, and family expectations are on high alert! It is crucial to be supportive and caring. The earlier you communicate your needs and limits, the less reactive you will be during the holidays. It’s not fair to your loved ones if they don’t know where you’re at mentally or financially. Before talking with them, take a moment to pause, and ask yourself, what feels overwhelming or what do I need to feel supported? When you speak to them use “I” instead of “You” when making statements to lower their defenses. For example, say “I feel overwhelmed” instead of “you never help.”
This holiday season will not require big changes, but small moments of awareness, which can make a significant difference to whether you will have a Griswald meltdown or a Miracle on 34th Street morning. Choose to slow down when you have opportunities to do so and take care of yourself and your relationships. Make this time of year meaningful, as your connections may be the greatest gift of all. Please take a moment to follow us on Facebook for our Merry and Mindful December! Click the QR code below:
Fargo Christmas Party
The North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support hosted a Military Family Christmas event at the North Dakota National Guard Armory in Fargo, North Dakota, on Dec. 4. (Photos courtesy of North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support)
Family Christmas Events
Due to the weather storm advisory for Dec. 9 that includes sleet, rain and heavy winds, the Bismarck Holiday Party is rescheduled to Dec. 16.
NORAD Tracks Santa
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a United States and Canada bi-national organization which defends the homeland. Since 1958 they have had the mission of tracking Santa's flight around the world!
More than 1,250 Canadian and American uniformed personnel and DOD civilians volunteer their time on December 24th to answer the thousands of phone calls and emails that flood in from around the world.
Each year on December 24th, Santa and his reindeer launch from the North Pole very early in the morning for their famous trip around the world. The minute they launch, NORAD starts to track him!
Have your kids track Santa's flight at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/