NASA astronaut James Buchli to be presented with Rough Rider Award on July 30 at UND
Gov. Burgum announced that NASA astronaut James Buchli will be presented with the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award during a ceremony July 30 at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Burgum announced Buchli as the 49th recipient of the Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, on May 20. The award ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. July 30 in UND’s Robin Hall, 4275 University Ave., Grand Forks. A reception will follow.
Buchli (pronounced Buck-lee) was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019, solidifying his legacy as one of the foremost figures in American space history. He has frequently returned to North Dakota, engaging with UND’s Space Studies program and inspiring future generations of aerospace professionals.
Born in New Rockford, Buchli became the first North Dakotan to fly in space and is a veteran of four space flights. He has orbited the Earth 319 times, traveled 7.74 million miles and spent more than 20 days in space. He was a distinguished Marine Corps aviator before becoming a NASA astronaut with a career marked by impeccable service and groundbreaking achievements.
In announcing him as a Rough Rider Award recipient, Burgum said Buchli’s distinguished career is a testament to perseverance, expertise and leadership.
“He flew on four space shuttle missions and participated in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations of great importance to our country,” Burgum said. “An exceptional North Dakotan, Buchli is a great supporter of the UND Aerospace program and shares his experience and skills with aspiring students. As the first person born in North Dakota to visit space, he’s an example of just how far a North Dakotan can go.”
The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award recognizes present and former North Dakotans who have been influenced by the state in achieving national recognition in their fields of endeavor, thereby reflecting credit and honor upon North Dakota and its citizens. Established during the 1961 Dakota Territory Centennial, the award was initially given as an honorary rank of Colonel in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe and State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson both concurred with Burgum’s selection of Buchli for the Rough Rider Award.
A portrait of Buchli will be displayed in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame on the ground floor of the State Capitol in Bismarck.
Burgum thanks ND National Guard, law enforcement for boosting security at convention in Milwaukee
Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum on Thursday met with North Dakota National Guard members and North Dakota law enforcement officers to thank them for assisting with security in Milwaukee as the city hosted the Republican National Convention.
The additional security resources were requested by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
"North Dakota law enforcement officers and North Dakota National Guard members are doing an outstanding job of fulfilling Governor Tony Evers’ request for more security at the RNC in Milwaukee," Gov. Burgum stated on Facebook. "Grateful for their service and the chance to help another state as we've been helped by others many times."
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.
Miller attends Civic Leader Day at Camp Grafton, rural water association annual meeting
On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller visited Camp Grafton where the North Dakota National Guard hosted its Civic Leader Day. Representatives from around the state visited Camp Grafton for tours of the training facilities, weapons education sessions and a weapons simulator, and were provided a military ready-to-eat meal.
On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Miller met with the North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association at the Gateway to Science building overlooking the Missouri River in Bismarck. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As water infrastructure remains a priority at the state level, the NDRWSA helps in supporting crucial development to meet the needs of North Dakotans.