Watford City employers of N.D. National Guard members experienced the M249 machine gun via the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) during a tour at Camp Grafton Training Center. (National Guard photo by Rob Keller, ESGR Volunteer)
Contents
- 2nd Lt. Hooge Rescues Woman
- Benin's Counter Improvised Explosive Class
- 119th Wing's Special Visit
- Legion of Merit
- Ghana Armed Forces Department Religious Affairs Basic Chaplaincy Course
- War College Grads
- OCS Course Completion
- Nijmegen 4 Day March
- Da Guards Podcast
- From the Field Campaign
- 188th Army Band Annual Training
- 119th Wing Promotion
- Master Sgt. Janette Ingebretson Retires
- Sgt. First Class Miller Retires
- ESGR Boss Lift
- N.D. ESGR Seeking Social Media Enthusiasts!
2nd Lt. Hooge Rescues Woman
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. David Hooge, 231st Quartermaster Platoon, rescued a woman from a sinking car in Devils Lake, North Dakota, July 29. (National Guard story by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
While driving south of the city of Devils Lake, Hooge noticed a car behind him swerving back and forth before going off the road into the water of Devils Lake. He pulled over and went to help the woman. The water was already up to her waist when he reached the vehicle. According to Hooge, the woman seemed to be frozen. She could not unlock the car doors and the front door was too damaged to open. Hooge had grabbed a rock before entering the water and used it to break the back window. He unlocked the door and the woman exited the sinking vehicle from the back door. Hooge estimates that the vehicle was completely submerged in about five minutes.
“I’m glad I was able to step up and help,” said Hooge. “I joined the National Guard because I want to make a difference in my community and do what I can to make the world a better place. This is concrete evidence that I have made a difference in this world. Being able to respond when a crisis happens and help those in need is incredibly fulfilling. It's an honor to serve and protect my community, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
Hooge enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in April 2007, serving in the 3662nd Maintenance Company until 2016. He then served in the 816th Engineer Company, for eight months before transferring to the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade as a behavioral health technician. He commissioned through the Officer Candidate School program in September 2022 and currently serves as the commander of the 231st Quartermaster Platoon. Hooge’s awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the North Dakota State Commendation Ribbon, and three North Dakota National Guard Emergency Service Ribbons. Outside of the Guard, Hooge is a farmer in Munich, N.D., and a volunteer with Munich Ambulance Service.
“We are incredibly proud of the actions Hooge took to save a life,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, North Dakota National Guard state command sergeant major. “His quick thinking and willingness to risk his own safety to help another person in need are a testament to his character and dedication to service. Hooge's actions reflect the highest standards of the National Guard.”
Benin's Counter Improvised Explosive Class
Counter Improvised Explosive Device Awareness is a broad program that aims to teach Soldiers how to counter or neutralize the enemy's use of IEDs, according to U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ryan Lindberg, 164th Regional Training Institute, who traveled with 1st Lt. Chandler Barnes, 957th Engineer Company, to Allada, Benin, to engage with Benin Armed Forces soldiers on counter IED best practices. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The engagement was conducted through the State Partnership Program.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, North Dakota National Guard senior enlisted leader, gives a Benin Armed Forces soldier a certificate of completion for participating in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Exchange between the NDNG and Benin, June 28, Allada, Benin.
Lindberg explained that the explosives could be military-grade or homemade devices and that they are often repurposed and used to disrupt coalition and civilian movements. This essential instruction develops and expands upon basic Soldier skills, enabling Soldiers to identify, assess, and respond to threats. This ensures that every Soldier is combat-ready and better prepared to respond in a crisis.
“Partnering with foreign Soldiers has its challenges. Explaining a complex topic to a group that doesn’t speak the same language can be difficult, especially when we use U.S. military terminology. We had to learn how to communicate in a way that was concise and translated well,” said Lindberg. “Leading this course has built my confidence in my ability to work with Soldiers and leadership on multiple levels in our organization.”
According to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, the NDNG SPP coordinator, the counter IED best practices engagement is one of the most significant engagements the NDNG conducts through the SPP with Benin. He explained that the Republic of Benin has experienced increased violent extremism and conflicts at its borders. Many of the ambushes they experience involve an IED, followed by small arms fire. The NDNG partners with them on best practices, using experience that NDNG Soldiers gained from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chandler Barnes, 957th Engineer Company, right, and Master Sgt. Ryan Lindberg, 164th Regional Training Institute, received plaques of appreciation for participating in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Exchange between the NDNG and Benin, June 28, Allada, Benin.
“I deployed with the 817th Engineer Company to Iraq,” said Lindberg. “Our main mission was counter IED. The company deployed to Iraq twice and found hundreds of IEDs over those deployments. We experienced firsthand how the enemy adapts to our techniques and how we needed to continuously adapt to those changes. Many of us experienced the destruction and devastating effects IEDs can have on our bodies, equipment, and mission success. These experiences have allowed us to help train the next generation to be successful and learn from our mistakes.”
Counter IED information helps BAF Soldiers defend and secure their borders, respond effectively in hostile environments, and help save lives. Lindberg believes that this engagement is most effective with strong partnerships. Building relationships takes time and care, and NDNG Soldiers' confidence in their skills is crucial for creating lasting trust between Benin and the NDNG.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chandler Barnes, 957th Engineer Company, kneeling left, and Master Sgt. Ryan Lindberg, 164th Regional Training Institute, kneeling right, hold a North Dakota flag while the Benin Armed Forces soldiers hold their certificates of completion for participating in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Exchange between the NDNG and Benin, June 28, Allada, Benin.
Additionally, a delegation from the NDNG traveled to Benin to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NDNG’s partnership with Benin. The delegation included Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota’s adjutant general, Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, the NDNG senior enlisted leader, Col. Teresa McDonough, the NDNG Air director of staff, and Chief Master Sgt. Merri Filloon, command chief of the 119th Wing. While there, they visited Allada and the NDNG and BAF Soldiers conducting the engagement.
For more of the story go to-https://www.dvidshub.net/news/476644/north-dakota-national-guard-conducts-counter-ied-engagement-with-benin
119th Wing's Special Visit
U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander, greeted Italy's Aeronautica Militare team, better known as Frecce Tricolori or "Tricolor Arrows" as they flew to Hector Field for a fuel stop during their North American tour, July 22. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Domitrovich exchanged commander's coins with the Frecce Tricolori commander, Lt. Col. Massimiliano Salvatore, and welcomed the group to Fargo, July 22.
The Frecce Tricolori, or Tricolor Arrows in English, is the Italian Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team, also known as the 313th Aerobatic Training Group or Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN) Frecce Tricolori. The team is based at Rivolto Air Base in the province of Udine and was established on March 1, 1961, to train Air Force pilots in air acrobatics.
Legion of Merit
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson presided over a Legion of Merit ceremony for Col. Chris Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, Aug. 3. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson presented the Legion of Merit to 119th Wing commander, Col. Chris Domitrovichon at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, Aug. 3.
The Legion of Merit is presented to recognize exceptional conduct, loyalty, and service in the armed forces. This award recognizes Domitrovich's exceptional leadership and service to the state of North Dakota.
Ghana Armed Forces Department Religious Affairs Basic Chaplaincy Course
Chaplains across Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Army National Guard, and the Ghana Armed Forces participated in the Ghana Armed Forces Department of Religious Affairs Basic Chaplaincy Course for Chaplains and Imams at Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church in Burma Camp, Ghana, July 16-25. (National Guard story, photos, and video by Spc. Kevin Brown, Special Operations Command Africa)
Chaplains across Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Army National Guard, and the Ghana Armed Forces attend the GAF Department of Religious Affairs Basic Chaplaincy Course for Chaplains and Imams at Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church, Burma Camp, Ghana, July 16.
The course provided education and resources specifically designed for newly commissioned chaplains and imams. It marks the beginning of a five-year curriculum to certify chaplains.
Throughout the course, the religious leaders receive comprehensive training on various topics, including institutional chaplaincy, working in multidenominational communities, civil-military cooperation, relationships with the press and social media, combat stress management, and military mental health.
“It is primarily intended for the new inductees into their chaplain core,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Hesseling, chaplain, SOCAF. “The basic course is mainly to give them the fundamental tools to succeed as a chaplain so that they can effectively support their commanders and reach out to the service members they are assigned to.”
Ghana Armed Forces Lt. Col. Noah Boahen, the GAF department of religious affairs director of training, presents a course discussing biblical perspective on intimacy during the GAF DRA Basic Chaplaincy Course for Chaplains and Imams at Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church, Burma Camp, Ghana, July 16.
Maj. A’Shellerien Addison, chaplain, 721st Troop Command with the Delaware Army National Guard, provided guidance on military mental health. Addison, a female chaplain, was introduced to Lt. Col. Cynthia Kumitse, the first female chaplain in the GAF. Female chaplains make up a small percentage within the religious affairs community in both the GAF and U.S. military, so the representation from both forces is a unique component of the ongoing Women, Peace and Security effort.
“This course is very essential and critical to us and that is why we appreciate the partnership with U.S. AFRICOM and our counterparts from North Dakota who come periodically to support,” said Col. Benjamin G. Kumi-Woode, the director general of religious affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces. “They bring certain experiences and know how and when we add what our partners are bringing, our chaplains are getting well rounded training so that whatever they are confronted with in the future, as the military troops’ chaplains, they will be able to deliver.”
For more on the story go to https://www.dvidshub.net/news/477083/ghana-armed-forces-department-religious-affairs-basic-chaplaincy-course
War College Grads
N.D. Guard U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ed Crary, 119th Wing, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Bohl, 164th Engineer Battalion, completed a 26-month program and earned a Master's in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. (National Guard story by Lt. Col. Steve Bohl, 164th Engineer Battalion)
OCS Course Completion
Eight Officer Candidates returned to North Dakota from Camp Rapid and Fort Meade, South Dakota, after completing various phases of Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS Course Completion Ceremony was held at Mount Rushmore, July 26. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The OCS program provides training focused on leadership, troop leading procedures, warrior tasks, battle drills, military history, weapons familiarization, and intense physical training in preparation for earning officer commissions as second lieutenants in the Army National Guard.
Nijmegen 4 Day March
N.D. Guardsman Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek recently completed the 106th (De 4 Daagse) otherwise known as the International Four Day March. (National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek, Special Operations Command Africa)
Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek after being awarded the Cross of the 4 Day March Medal.
The event is the largest multiple-day marching event in the world, with over 50,000 participants from 70+ countries. It is organized every year in Nijmegen, Netherlands in mid-July as a means of promoting sport, exercise, and espirit de corps.
The military portion is a team event that comprises 160km (approx. 100 miles) over four days while carrying a minimum weight of 10kg. Successful participants are awarded the coveted "Vierdaagsekruis" Cross of the 4 Day March medal.
The Soldiers of Special Operations Command Africa Team (Team Lionheart) who marched in the event.
Simek said, "The Nijmegen 4 Day March was an experience of a lifetime that brings the world together in both perseverance and celebration. It's incredibly rewarding to share this unique accomplishment with the international military community and continue fostering our professional relationship on the global stage. I'd love nothing more than to see the North Dakota National Guard field a team in the near future and show them what we're made of."
Da Guards Podcast
From the Field Campaign
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Camp Grafton Training Center
The Unit Training Equipment Site supported the 1010th Engineer Construction Company at Camp Grafton providing operational readiness of the unit by efficiently dispatching, maintaining, and inventorying over 40 pieces of heavy machinery and construction equipment. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Reece Thomas, N.D. Guard Unit Training Equipment Site)
188th Army Band Annual Training
The 188th Army Band annual training tour took place July 17-26. Every year, the band travels across North Dakota to bring their distinctive blend of military precision and musical artistry to communities far and wide. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, 188th Army Band)
This year’s tour took them to Medora, Minot, Stanley, and Bottineau.
Medora
Their first stop was Medora, a small town nestled in the rugged Badlands of western North Dakota. The Jazz Band, Marching Band, Blues in Green (variety band), Saxophone Quartet, No Brass No Ammo (woodwind ensemble), Flashbang (pop/country band), and Cover Down (brass ensemble) all showcased their talents. Groups performed at various locations including the Medora Musical Welcome Center, the Life Skills Center, the Andrist Stage, and the Town Square Patio Stage.
State Fair in Minot
From Medora, the band traveled northeast to Minot where they performed at the North Dakota State Fair. One of the highlights was playing for the annual Military Appreciation Picnic. Playing for fellow servicemembers (past and present) is always a delight! During the Band's time in Minot, the woodwind ensemble visited several nursing homes, sharing music with the residents. Seeing elderly men and women rise out of their wheelchairs to sing along with America the Beautiful is a memory the musicians will never forget.
The band completed 24 missions in seven days, covering more than 1,000 miles. To finish their Annual Training, the jazz band and pop/rock bands played three community concerts in Minot, Stanley, and Bottineau.
Oak Park in Minot
The mission of the Army Band goes far beyond providing entertainment. The Soldier-Musicians, connect with our communities, our service members, and our Veteran population.
Sibyl Center for the Arts in Stanley
Bottineau High School
119th Wing Promotion
U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ayer, 119th Wing deputy commander, presided over a lieutenant colonel promotion ceremony for Nick Hanson, 119th Wing, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, Aug. 3. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Master Sgt. Janette Ingebretson Retires
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Voeller, Director of Military Support, presided over a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Janette Ingebretson at the Sertoma Club Community Center, Bismarck, July 26. (U.S. National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Sgt. 1st Class Miller Retires
U.S. Army Maj. Aaron Norgaard, 81st Civil Support Team deputy commander, presided over a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Bill Miller at the Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, Aug. 2. (U.S. National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
ESGR Boss Lift
Employers of N.D. National Guard members experienced first-hand what it is like to be a Guardsman during Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Lift this past May and July. (National Guard story by Rob Keller, ESGR Volunteer)
Watford City
Employers from Watford City traveled to Camp Grafton Training Center aboard an N.D. Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on May 10.
ESGR Volunteer Karolin Jappe accompanied employers from Lund Oil, Hess Corporation, McKenzie County Farmer, McKenzie County, Targa Resources, Watford City Chamber of Commerce, Conoco Phillips, Kinder Morgan, and the Williston and New Town Fire Departments to tour the camp.
The Department of Defense established the ESGR program in 1972 in order to promote cooperation and understanding between employers and their reserve component service members employees. The Boss Lift program allows employers to ride aboard military aircraft and experience military training and environment to improve their awareness of their employees' service.
Dickinson
Employers from Dickinson traveled to Glendive aboard a Montana Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on May 10.
ESGR Volunteers Sherry Adams, N.D. ESGR State Chair, Rob Keller, N.D. ESGR State Vice Chair and Stepheny Reger, N.D. ESGR Regional Co-Lead, accompanied National Guard employers from Baranko Brothers, Inc., iHeart Media, Braun Distributing, Gate City Bank, Scout Energy, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson Middle School, Dickinson Public Schools, Cashwise, Dakota Center for Independent Living, Cornerstone Bank, Kirkwood Bank, Bravera Bank, West River Health Services Foundation, The Dickinson Press, Stark County Sheriff’s Department, Drolc Electric, Stark Development Corporation, Butler Machinery, CHI, Peaceful Pioneer Haven, Southwestern District Health, Wallwork Truck Center, and Legacy Financial Partners.
Grand Forks
Employers from Grand Forks traveled to Camp Grafton Training Center aboard an N.D. Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on July 25.
ESGR Volunteer John Oncken accompanied employers from the City of Grand Forks, True North Equipment, Gowan Construction, Grand Forks Sheriff Office, Thunder Rays Auto, Premium Water, University of North Dakota, and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation to tour the Camp Grafton Training Center.
N.D. ESGR Seeking Social Media Enthusiasts!
Are you a social media whiz with a passion for serving our nation? N.D. ESGR is looking for two volunteers to help manage our Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.
As a DoD volunteer, you'll play a vital role in sharing the inspiring stories of our National Guard and Reserve members. This opportunity allows you to gain valuable experience, build your resume, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
No prior experience in the military is required. If you have a knack for engaging content creation and enjoy connecting with others online, we encourage you to apply!
For more information go to https://www.ndguard.nd.gov/esgr
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