Fargo Readiness Center Dedicated
Top photo: Major General Al Dohrmann, adjutant general for the N.D. National Guard (left of flag pole) leads a group of dignitaries during a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the dedication of the N.D. National Guard’s Fargo Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., August 24, 2021. From left, Shawn Dobberstein, executive director of Fargo's Municipal Airport Authority; Mary Christy, representative for U.S. Congressman Kelly Armstrong; Sen. Kevin Cramer; Sen. John Hoeven; Delton Steele, honorary commander for the N.D. National Guard and chair of the N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR); Dohrmann; Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general, N.D. National Guard; Brig. Gen. Leo Ryan, commander, N.D Army National Guard; Col. Paul Harron, U.S. property and fiscal officer; Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader, N.D. National Guard; and Command Sgt. Maj. Derek Heck, state command sergeant major for the N.D. Army National Guard. (National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
Located west of the existing Fargo Armed Forces Reserve building in Fargo, this facility is the new home of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 191st Military Police Company, and Company D, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment. With the groundbreaking on August 14, 2019, this facility took two years to build.
Major General Al Dohrmann, adjutant general for the N.D. National Guard, discusses the features of the Fargo Readiness Center during its dedication, Fargo, N.D., August 24, 2021.
“It’s a great day in the North Dakota National Guard when we can celebrate the initiation and dedication of much-needed facilities like these,” said Dohrmann, who rendered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Air National Guard's consolidated operations center and the dedication of the Fargo Readiness Center. "These facilities are important to our Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen in their continued successful completion of our state and federal missions.”
The final cost of the Fargo Readiness Center facility is approximately $29 million and consists of a 96,000 square foot readiness center and a 59,000 square foot unheated vehicle storage building. The facility provides a greater capability to conduct virtual exercises and facilitates improved command and control of units and personnel during responses to state emergencies. It also includes a modern fitness training area with a quarter-mile running track and a helicopter pad.
Hooligans Break Ground for new Operations Facility
The Happy Hooligans of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing, hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for a consolidated operations facility at the Fargo Air Base, Fargo, August 24, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
The $17.5 million project, for use by the 119th Operations Group, is scheduled for construction to begin this fall with an expected completion in 2023.
Governor Doug Burgum, commander and chief of the N.D. National Guard, renders remarks at the ceremonial groundbreaking for a consolidated operations facility at the Air National Guard Base, Fargo, August 24, 2021.
“These projects will ensure that North Dakota’s Air and Army National Guard forces have the best facilities and latest technology they need to maintain readiness, conduct training and protect freedom at home and abroad,” said Burgum. “We’re grateful to our state’s congressional delegation for securing the federal funding for these facilities and to our North Dakota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen for their unwavering commitment to being ‘Always Ready, Always There.’”
N.D. Army Guard's New Officers
Members of the 64th Officer Candidate School (OCS) class officially joined the North Dakota Army National Guard’s officer ranks during a graduation ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center, August 21, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Nine Soldiers were awarded diplomas for completing the intensive officer training program, which is administered by staff and cadre from the 2nd Training Battalion (Modular), 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute.
Brigadier General Leo Ryan, N.D. National Guard Army commander, administers the oath of office during the Officer Candidate School class 64 graduation ceremony, Camp Grafton Training Center, August 21, 2021. From rear to front, David Moll, Jonathan Kranz, and Rachel Church recited the oath of office, accepting their commissions as second lieutenants in the N.D. Army National Guard.
Accepted commission before graduation date
- Ethan J. Zoeller, of Dickinson, North Dakota
- Ryan L. Kamrowski, of Minot, North Dakota
- Erin N. Demoe, of Bismarck, North Dakota
- Trevor J. Kleineschay, of Strasburg, North Dakota
- Alexander R. Tryon-Tasson, of Minot, North Dakota
Accepted commission at graduation
- David J. Moll, of Fargo, North Dakota
- Rachel L. Church, of Helena, Montana
- Jonathan G. Kranz, of Grand Forks, North Dakota
Delayed commission
- Tanner J. Rafteseth, of West Fargo, North Dakota
Army Aviators Return from Nation's Capital
The Bismarck-based Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, completed their mission in support of the National Capital Region (NCR) area of operations. (National Guard story by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Hoffman, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, is greeted by his daughter at the Fargo Army Aviation Support Facility #2, Fargo, August 19, 2021. (National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
First Lieutenant Chris Roach, left, welcomes 1st Lt. Lorence Cossette, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, home at the Fargo Army Aviation Support Facility, August 19, 2021. (National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
Specialist MacKenzie Nagel, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, is greeted by Spc. Bianca Abrego, at the N.D. National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, August 19, 2021. Abrego, also a member of this aviation unit, returned last week from this mission to the National Capital Region. (National Guard photo by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Green, commander of the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, right, welcomes 1st Lt. Steven Schaffner, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, at the Bismarck airport, Bismarck, August 21, 2021. (Photos courtesy of Courtney Schaffner)
Fargo Airport Authority Recognized
Major General Al Dohrmann, adjutant general for the N.D. National Guard, presented the N.D. National Guard's Bridge Builder award to Fargo's Municipal Airport Authority, Fargo, August 24, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
The award was in recognition of the Municipal Airport Authority's continual partnership, support and commitment to the N.D. National Guard's readiness. This organization has collaborated with the office of the Adjutant General for nearly 75 years, allowing National Guard facilities on airport property. These facilities support operations which encompass the entire spectrum of the N.D. National Guard's state and federal missions.
Major General Al Dohrmann, adjutant general for the N.D. National Guard, presents the N.D. National Guard's Bridge Builder award to Fargo's Municipal Airport Authority, August 24, 2021. Accepting on behalf of the organization is the executive director, Shawn Dobberstein.
The Bridge Builder Award was conceived from the World War II-era Bailey bridge. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, commander of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, considered this bridge one of the three most important developments of World War II, along with radar and the heavy bomber. The Bailey was a portable bridge whose components were light enough to be easily transported and hand carried, but able to span obstacles supporting the weight of a main battle tank and other key equipment needed by the Allies in the fight against the Axis powers in Europe. The panels are held together by a panel pin. This pin represents the bonds between the N.D. National Guard and the supporting organization or agency, exemplifying the bridges built together and obstacles overcome. This award is presented to an organization who enhances readiness and enduring success of the N.D. National Guard.
Super Sapper Recognition
Sergeant Justin Philips, 817th Engineer Company (Sapper), received the "Super Sapper" award during the unit's annual training at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, August 17, 2021. This Army Engineer Association award is presented to Soldiers recognized by their leadership as an outstanding engineer and leader. The award was presented by Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, command sergeant major, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. (National Guard story by Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Obridgewitch, command sergeant major, 164th Engineer Battalion)
Sergeant Justin Philips, 817th Engineer Company (Sapper), left, salutes Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, command sergeant major, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, after receiving the "Super Sapper" award, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, August 17, 2021. Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Obridgewitch, command sergeant major, 164th Engineer Battalion, reads the citation. (Courtesy photos)
TAG Line Survey
Please include contact information if a response is requested.
Click to receive an email whenever a new TAG Line is published.