U.S. Army Soldiers of the 3662nd Support Maintenance Company's Service and Recovery Section operated the Modular Catastrophic Recovery System, retrieving a Humvee from deep snow amid steady snowfall and freezing temperatures at Camp Grafton Training Center. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Rhea Goulet, 3662nd SMC)
Contents
- State Partnership in Togo
- 2025 Annual Logistics Conference
- Da Guards Podcast
- Winter Weather Training
- ND 2000
- Cold and Flu Prevention
- Promotion
- From the Field Campaign
- 2024 Tax Information
- Chili Cook-Off Bismarck
State Partnership in Togo
N.D. Guard Soldiers traveled with the State Partnership Program for training in Lome, Togo, Jan. 18-25. (U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Jarrod R. Simek, Director, State Partnership Program)
N.D. Guard instructors conduct a practical class on vehicle-borne improvised Device (VBIED) threats and train the Togolese Armed Forces to identify concealed explosives.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Schmidt, 164th Reginal Training Institute, Spc. Joseph Eberle, and Pfc. Jesse Boude, 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), facilitated a Counter Improvised Explosive Device subject matter exchange event that assisted the Togolese Armed Forces in countering real-world IED threats recently impacting the region.
The team also completed a combat engineer baseline assessment to document the capabilities of the Togolese Armed Forces and identify any deficiencies that can be addressed in upcoming combat engineer engagements.
U.S. Army Pfc. Jesse Boude, 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), poses with students from the counter-IED course. Counter-IED training aids help the students better understand different variations of how counter-IEDs can be employed.
The N.D. Guard engineer engagements are a large part of the State Partnership Program portfolio.
The N.D. National Guard instructor team and the students take a class photo outside the Togolese Peacekeeping Operations Training Center in Lome, Togo.
2025 Annual Logistics Conference
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade hosted the N.D. Guard three-day logistics conference at the Fargo Readiness Center, Jan. 24, bringing together approximately 90 logisticians across the state. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Col. Raymond Ripplinger, G4 Director of Logistics)
Attendees included unit supply non-commissioned officers, battalion and brigade logistics NCOs and officers, production control technicians and shop supervisors from all seven Surface Equipment Maintenance Facilities (SEMF), and additional personnel from the N.D. Army National Guard G4 Office.
U.S. Army Col. Raymond Ripplinger, G4 director of logistics, awards the prestigious N.D. Guard G4 Coin of Logistics Excellence to Staff Sgt. Makenzie Wolf, supply sergeant, Forward Support Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, Staff Sgt. Samantha Micek, supply sergeant, Delta Detachment, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, and Staff Sgt. Brett Ruff, management analyst, Surface Maintenance Management Office.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in professional development sessions covering a broad range of topics central to the success of the NDARNG’s logistic operations, including army budget and acquisitions, Global Combat Sustainment System–Army, Army Command Discipline Programs, physical security, environmental operations, and human resources training. In addition, participants received valuable instruction in supply chain management, property accountability, and equipment readiness, as well as operational contract support and leadership development. These comprehensive sessions, led by experienced logisticians and subject-matter experts, ensured that all attendees were better prepared to tackle the evolving challenges of modern logistical operations.
U.S. Army Col. Raymond Ripplinger, director of logistics, and Sgt. Maj. Alex Jahner, senior enlisted logistician, led the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of continual professional development, networking, and collaboration to strengthen the NDARNG’s overall readiness and sustainment capabilities.
“Our logistics personnel are the backbone of our organization,” said Ripplinger. “Gathering everyone in one place to refresh skills, share best practices, and address emerging challenges in modern sustainment operations is key to mission success.”
During the conference, Ripplinger and Jahner recognized several outstanding logisticians from both units and SEMF employees, presenting them with the coveted G4 Coin for Excellence. Two individuals received special honors: the prestigious Order of Saint Martin Quartermaster Association Award for Excellence, acknowledging their extraordinary dedication to unit sustainment operations and the Soldiers they serve
U.S. Army Col. Raymond Ripplinger, director of logistics, and Sgt. Maj. Alex Jahner, senior enlisted logistician, was awarded the N.D. Guard G4 Coin of Logistics Excellence to Staff Sgt. Taylor Krug, supply sergeant, Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion, Staff Sgt. Dustin Devillers, supply sergeant, 191st Military Police Company, and Spc. Alexis Vandegraft, production controller, Field Maintenance Shop 1.
“The dedication on display here speaks to the commitment of our logistics workforce,” said Jahner. “We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these Soldiers who continually go above and beyond to support our troops and ensure the NDARNG’s success.”
Attendees praised the event for fostering collaboration among logisticians at all levels and looked toward future efforts to maintain and enhance the NDARNG’s logistic capabilities. With this year’s conference concluding on a high note, leaders and participants anticipate continuing advancements in the state’s logistics operations, driven by the valuable connections, insights gained, and renewed commitment to serve the Soldiers of the NDARNG during the three-day event.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Luke Eberle
Let's meet Luke Eberle! Luke works for the North Dakota National Guard J6 as the IT services branch chief and as an NDNG Joint Force Headquarters signal officer.
New podcast episodes will be announced every other Monday.
Winter Weather Training
The 3662nd Support Maintenance Company held its winter weather training and critical maintenance operations drill weekend, Jan. 10 - 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Rhea Goulet, 3662nd Support Maintenance Company)
Soldiers demonstrated their readiness for extreme conditions, maintaining unwavering morale despite heavy snow and subzero temperatures. They showcased their resilience and commitment to mission success in the harshest environments.
The Automotive and Ground Support Equipment Platoons led the effort to conduct essential vehicle maintenance, perform detailed inventories, and provide hands-on cold-weather training to ensure the team is prepared for any challenge.
Soldiers from the 191st Military Police Company tackled winter recovery missions, successfully retrieving a Humvee from deep snow amid steady snowfall and freezing temperatures.
The Service and Recovery section played a key role, providing valuable hands-on recovery training that tested and refined technical skills while enhancing our ability to operate in unforgiving winter conditions.
U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Herdebu, 3662nd Support Maintenance Company's Service and Recovery Section, expertly operated the Modular Catastrophic Recovery System during the unit's drill weekend, Jan. 11.
The 3662nd Support Maintenance Company trains to enhance their mission readiness, no matter the weather.
ND 2000
Cold and Flu Prevention
Cold and Flu season within the workplace can wreak havoc on any office. Please remind employees of standard precautions such as hand washing, cleaning/disinfecting common areas, and cough etiquette. If someone is visibly ill at work, ask them to isolate or return home to rest. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Lt. Col. Waylon Tomac, Deputy State Surgeon)
To prevent the cold and flu, you can:
- Get a flu vaccine: Getting a flu shot during flu season can help reduce your chances of getting sick.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water aren't available.
- Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can spread this way.
- Stay home when sick: If you're sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Improve air quality: Bring in fresh air from outside, purify indoor air, or spend time outdoors.
- Practice good hygiene: Avoid sharing household items like towels and cups with people who are sick.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat nutritious foods that can boost your immune system.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
"employees should not return to work until symptoms improve AND fever free for 24 hours, without analgesics such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Waylon Tomac, Deputy State Surgeon
Promotion
U.S. Army Spc. Gavin Faaborg, 3662nd Support Maintenance Company, was promoted to sergeant during a ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Rhea Goulet, 3662nd Support Maintenance Company)
From the Field Campaign
2024 Tax Information
The 2024 Tax filing season is upon us. The following information is provided to assist you in your tax preparation.
Military OneSource: Military OneSource MilTax Software is now available. Before the MilTax availability date, you can log on to the following site to ensure you are eligible for this benefit, have access to your account, orcan create an account.
The customized program typically allows for free federal and Free State filing (up to three states). In addition, free telephone tax consultations are available to help with tax-related issues. Please see their list of Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the program and file your 2024 taxes.
*An Important Note: Please ensure you login to Military Once Source and follow the links to the tax provider they have annotated. Do not create a user account on any public tax Site unless directed to do so. You may incur a fee if you file using a public tax site or product.
If you have trouble accessing Military OneSource or the tax program and it has been longer than 60 days since you accessed Military OneSource, you may have to contact Military OneSource as your account may have been disabled. Once your account is enabled, log in with email and password, go to menu, My Account, to add CAC certificate.
Chili Cook-Off Bismarck
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