119th Security Forces Squadron conducts domestic disturbance response training at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 5, 2021. (National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp)
119th Medical Group is Stepping up TCCC
The 119th Medical Group (MDG) took its tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) training out of the classroom and up to ‘tier three’ during June drill at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 3 to 6, 2021.
TCCC is training is used to teach “evidence-based, life-saving techniques and strategies for providing the best trauma care on the battlefield,” according to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). (National Guard story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Nathanael Baardson.)
“In the past, we’ve trained primarily for casualty care in a hospital environment,” said Tech. Sgt. Katherine Robbins, a 119th MDG member involved in exercise planning. “But we’re now expanding our training to include austere and degraded environments, similar to those that we might encounter in combat.”
Senior Airman Laura Biewer, and other members of the 119th Medical Group, arrive to treat simulated casualties at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4, 2021.
Tier one is training for all Airmen, tier two is for combat life-savers, tier three is for medics and nurses, and tier four is for paramedics and providers.
“Most 119th medical personnel have now been trained to the tier-three level, and this exercise gave us a chance to bring the training out of the classroom and get hands-on training,” said Robbins.
The casualty care training was made as realistic as possible with 119th Student Flight members wearing moulage to simulate wounds, so medical personnel could take appearance into account for treatment.
Senior Airman Thomas Sorum, of the 119th Medical Group, treats a simulated injury on 119th Student Flight member Matthew Schauer while Airman 1st Class Benjamin Vetter, as exercise evaluator, and Master Sgt. Nathan Carlson, of the 119th Medical Group, observe during a readiness exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4.
Staff Sgt. Jessica Zimbleman, of the 119th Medical Group, treats simulated injuries on 119th Student Flight member Kristen Vranicar at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4, 2021.
Senior Airman Thomas Sorum and Staff Sgt. Jessica Zimbleman, of the 119th Medical Group, treat simulated injuries on 119th Student Flight members Matthew Schauer and Kristen Vranicar at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4.
835th Engineers Prep for Deployment
Major General Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader for the N.D. National Guard, visited the 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment during their annual training at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, June 21, 2021.
The purpose of the unit's training is to qualify for deployment while simultaneously improving facilities at Camp Grafton Training Center. One group of soldiers worked to increase the training capacity at the Richie Bridge Training Area. Another part of the unit exercised their electrical, plumbing, drywall and siding installation skills Soldier housing on Camp Grafton Training Center. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. First Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
Soldier Recognition
Senior Enlisted Leader Recognizes Soldiers
Commitments and Foundations
Twenty-nine years ago this month I was excused from IDT (inactive duty training) in order to marry my beautiful wife, Tricia. Two weeks later, I was at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, with my National Guard unit conducting Annual Training (AT). It was an excellent AT, but being newly married to someone who had no connection to the military, it was an eye-opening experience for my wife. About seven or eight years later, I was again at AT. This time, I was at Camp Grafton Training Center with my battalion. While working with the staff, it came to light that two of us had wedding anniversaries ‘that same day.’ We discovered that we both married the on same day, same year, and about the same time of day on two different sides of the state. Today, two of my sons serve in the National Guard, which adds a bit more complexity to life. (National Guard story by Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, State Chaplain, N.D. National Guard)
This fellow National Guard member and I are not unique by any means. Life is complex for all of us. It doesn’t matter what month of the year; anniversaries, family gatherings, kids' activities, special events, and simply life itself… happens. Because we serve our state and nation, we sometimes miss these life events. Weekend and annual training, military schools, state emergency support, and deployments worldwide have caused us to miss these events. While we do this, we don’t serve our state/nation at the exclusion of our families and loved ones.
As Soldiers, Airmen, we have many commitments, and ALL of them are important. Because of this, life is undeniably a constant balance. In Holy Scripture, Matthew 7:24-29, we read a story about two men. One of them builds his home on a rock, and one of them makes his home on the sand. In both cases, the rain came down, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against the structure. You can guess the rest of the story. The house built on a rock stood firm; however, the house built on sand or in the flood plain, if you will, crashed; it fell to the ground. Jesus uses these words to remind his followers that focusing on him, and keeping Him as their foundation, will keep them strong. For what? To live life, with all its’ challenges, being blown this way and that while remaining strong for the journey.
Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, North Dakota National Guard State chaplain, left, and his son, Cadet Isaac Johnson, NDSU ROTC (68th TC). (Courtesy photo)
We commit to our family and all our relationships. We also dedicate ourselves to many vocations in life, including our service in the National Guard. Balancing these commitments is not easy, and it never will be. Jesus’ parable resonates in my life. In fact, as a person of faith, this is how I keep my footing(s) strong for life and so that I am better able to meet my commitments. What about you? What is foundational in life for you; in other words, what grounds you, gives you direction, and strengthens you when life blows you this way and that? Whatever that is for you, make/take time to focus on those things. It won’t make life perfect for you; there will still be challenges… but it will make life better.
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25
Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, North Dakota National Guard State chaplain, left, and his son, 2nd Lt. Micah Johnson, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment. Michal is a Chaplain Corps candidate. (Courtesy photo)
Navigating Our Way through 101 Days of Summer
Welcome to the third edition of the Risk Reduction Navigator (R2N) commentary! The editorials found within this section of the TAG-Line will focus on the NDNG’s most valuable asset, our people. The R2N will contain various educational topics and prevention strategies to assist our Service Members, Military Families and Civilian Community Members to navigate their way to empowerment, improved lives, and success in achieving holistic health.
For anyone who has been around the military, the 101 Critical Days of Summer has been discussed annually this time of year. If you are unfamiliar with the term this edition will focus on ways to be resilient throughout the summer. Life halfway through 2021 is slowly starting to return to a sense of “normalcy.” The timing also seems to be aligning with the start of summer for many of us. Annual Trainings are being conducted, mobilizations are continuing and more and more people are receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, leading to restrictions being loosened throughout the state and country.
While this is certainly a time to get together with long-lost friends and family we have not been able to travel and visit with over the last year, we all must still be resilient in our commitment to maintaining a safe and effective fighting force. Prior to COVID, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, many of us would use that use-or-lose leave or vacation. We go on road trips, travel to a faraway destination, or just get caught up on all those must-dos around the house we have been putting off until the weather got warmer. The heat certainly started off with a bang this year. This can be tempting to many like me to get out and go for a long run, bike ride, swim in the lake or river. While I highly encourage all of those activities, please remember to take some preventative measures to protect yourself. Give your body time to adjust to physical activity in higher temperatures. Ensure you are properly hydrated at all times. This means that you must hydrate thoroughly the day before an exerting activity instead of waiting until the day of. Have planned breaks from the sun. Heat cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke are all serious and easily preventable.
More than 180 runners from the Bismarck community participated in the 4th Annual Race to Zero April 9 at Sertoma Park. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller)
Another favorite activity to do in our great state is boating. This is an excellent way to spend our limited days of summer gathered together with our favorite people and to meet new friends. It also builds strong bonds and a sense of belonging. But with boating comes responsibility, just as operating a motor vehicle. Do not exceed your boat’s factory indicated capacity, operate at safe speeds, designate a sober boat operator, and know the weather, as conditions can rapidly change in North Dakota. One phenomenon to consider is “boater’s hypnosis.” This is when, after several hours of exposure to the elements, the sun, wind, motion, glare, and vibration on a boat can cause an individual’s reaction to slow similar to that of someone being impaired from alcohol. On those hot summer days, jumping in the water always sounds like a great idea to cool off! While this is relaxing, therapeutic and physically good for everyone, drinking and swimming do not mix. Studies have shown that drinking and swimming come with an increase in cardiac arrest and from the very first drink, a person’s abilities are impaired.
Along with physical risks, alcohol consumption can also have implications for mental health. Alcohol increases impulsiveness, impairs judgment, and lowers inhibitions. Alcohol abuse may result in social withdrawal. This can be a deadly combination for someone who is already at risk of struggling with suicidal ideation. Summer is a time of fun, but may also be a time of transition and disconnect from our usual support system. We should be mindful to create feelings of belongingness in those around us and ask direct questions if we suspect someone is struggling. Watch for unusual or isolative behavior. Listen nonjudgmentally. Be supportive. Do not pressure others to drink, or draw attention to what may be very personal reasons for staying sober.
Who can think of summer without thinking of grilling out? This is the perfect time to get together to enjoy some great food, good company, relax and blow off some much pent-up steam! Prior to firing up the old grill please check to make sure all your equipment is hooked up properly, all the hoses are intact, burners are not clogged and the grill is placed safely away from the house and away from children.
Before you can make that road trip to visit family members and friends please have your vehicle checked to ensure that it is road ready. If you are getting behind the wheel please DO NOT drink and drive. The number one referral that comes into the Substance Abuse Program is alcohol violations especially driving under the influence. The current numbers for the Fiscal Year 2021 are almost double compared to the previous year. So please, designate a driver, call for a ride, Uber or Lyft. Most importantly please go out and enjoy this summer. Fun and relaxation are well deserved for all, but please enjoy it responsibly!
Master Sgt. Brandi Grossman, of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, stretches to catch a softball at first base as retired Chief Master Sgt. Randall Raper is called out during a charity softball game at the softball complex north of Fargo, N.D., June 14, 2019. (National Guard photo by David H. Lipp)
Building on Readiness
The 119th Wing conducted a readiness exercise involving all areas of the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG) Base, Fargo, N.D., during the June 3 to 4, 2021 unit training assembly period. The exercise was designed to simulate a deployed location base, a forward operating base (FOB), and operations from home station, all of which happened in separate geographical areas of the NDANG. (National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp)
Senior Airman Thomas Sorum, of the 119th Medical Group, left, positions a pole as he helps erect a tent to prepare for a unit readiness exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 1, 2021.
Primary objectives tested included, but were not limited to; timely and accurate command and control, communication exercises based on real-time intelligence, effective unit accountability, tactical combat critical care (TCCC) actions, contracting acquisitions and sustainment of feeding operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Erik Holten, of the 119th Medical Group, assesses the simulated injuries of 119th Student Flight member Kristen Vranicar, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4, 2021.
“This exercise was a very broad overview of the various intelligence entities that have worked hard to realistically simulate contested and degraded operational environments (CDOs) against a near-peer adversary with the backdrop of a plausible storyline,” said Capt. Brett Nelson, a 119th ISRG scenario development team member.
A majority of 119th Wing’s mission essential tasks (METs) were tested with simulated threats to overcome. The threats were similar to those that might be encountered in a combat environment – including a nuclear, biological or chemical attack, which required the donning of personal protective equipment.
Airman Ayden Schmidt wears protective equipment as he connects a high voltage cable into a generator while Staff Sgt. Kalle Koski, both of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, supervises him at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base Regional Training Site June 3, 2021.
From left to right Master Sgt. Erin Eagleson, Staff Sgt. Kyle Wyttenburg, and Airman Jaclyn Canerdy work with surveying equipment at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4, 2021.
Master Sergeant Nathan Martin, an exercise evaluator in yellow vest, writes exercise notes as Staff Sgt. Michael Strom holds simulated gate-crasher Senior Airman David Pringle in handcuffs during a readiness exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4, 2021.
“This year’s event is the first phase of exercising and evaluating lethal and quick response force capabilities over a five-year strategic buildup. In 2025, Air Combat Command (ACC) will arrive with a robust team of evaluators to validate the 119th Wing’s ability to survive and operate under the dynamic force engagement construct in threat levels potentially encountered against near-peer adversaries,” said Senior Master Sgt. Shane Amundson.
Taking Out Trees
Bridge-building instructors for the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute practiced their boating and tree removal skills on Devils Lake near Camp Grafton Training Center, June 23, 2021. Trained divers tied ropes around tree stumps underwater, then handed the ropes off to Soldiers in the boats. The boats then worked the stumps loose from the lake bed. The project provides training for Soldiers and also reduces the risk of damage to other boats out enjoying the water this summer. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. First Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
Recognizing a Community Nurse
Major Chance Schaffner, officer-in-charge, and Command Sgt. Maj. Cory Everson, commandant, both of the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute (RTI), awarded Mrs. Annette Groves, RN, from Lake Region District Health, the North Dakota State Meritorious Service Medal, June 21, 2021. (National Guard story by Master Sgt. Amy R. Everson, North Dakota National Guard, 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute)
She received this award in front of her administrator, Mr. Allen McKay, and 18 other members of the four-county area that Lake Region District Health supports. Due to her selfless efforts, she increased unit readiness and mission capabilities of Soldiers and units across the nation; not only with influenza and routine adult vaccination clinics at the RTI for the past three years, but also with COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. Her willingness in providing outstanding support to the RTI became a vital part of the re-opening strategy, allowing Soldiers to keep training in North Dakota and return home to their units technically and tactically proficient. Her efforts directly impacted the 164th RTI, being the only training institute out of 54 to re-open at full student capacity. This was in addition to her demanding COVID-19 drive-thru clinics with the North Dakota National Guard COVID-19 teams, volunteer school physical/checkups, and her normal scheduled flu clinics for the city of Devils Lake. Her dedication to the instructors and staff at the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute, Camp Grafton, and the North Dakota National Guard has been ongoing and tremendously appreciated.
Fuel the Force
Fuel the Force is a 15-week series that will be available on the North Dakota National Guard Facebook page. It will provide Service Members and Families non-biased, science-based nutrition education with results-orientated, actionable information. Service Members and their families will have access to tools and resources to increase the sustainability of healthy habits. (National Guard story by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, North Dakota Army National Guard State Medical Detachment.)
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, N.D. Army National Guard senior enlisted leader, and Capt. Rebecca Stutz, RDN, PA, of the 119th Medical Group, improve the nutritional value of a family favorite recipe from the Binstock's household, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers.
Mushroom & Spinach Egg Bake
Chief Master Sgt. Chris Andvik, 119th Wing command chief, and Capt. Vanessa Lennick, RDN, of the State Medical Detachment, improve the nutritional value of a family favorite recipe from the Andvik's household, Mushroom and Spinach Egg Bake.
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