TAG Line August 5, 2025

The casing ceremony symbolized the deactivation of the 818th Engineer Company (Sapper) as they will be reorganized with the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper) in Jamestown. Most Soldiers have transferred to other NDARNG units with the majority of Soldiers transferring to the 817th.

The 818th Engineer Company has a lineage and honors steeped in honor, sacrifice, and dignified service to the state and nation, dating back to the beginning of the 20th Century. Its lineage is traced back to Company C of the 164th Infantry Regiment. Officially Organized on December 8, 1906 with stationing in Williston, North Dakota.

The unit was first federally activated as Company E, 1st Infantry, North Dakota National Guard. The unit was mustered into Federal service on June 19, 1916, and deployed to support military operations on the Mexican border and mustered out of federal service in February 1917, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Company E resumed state status on February 14, 1917. Just eight months later, on October 4, 1917, the unit was again called into Federal service and redesignated as Company E 164th Infantry and assigned to the 41st Infantry Division.

The Company served largely in France contributing to Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which is described as the largest and deadliest battle fought by U.S. Forces in World War I. It was a major Allied effort that was crucial in demonstrating the resolve of American Expeditionary Forces. The unit was demobilized from their World War I service on February 28, 1919, at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Upon deactivation from federal service they were recognized again as Company E, 164th Infantry at Williston, North Dakota then reassigned to the 34th Infantry Division.

The unit was redesignated as Company B, 164th Infantry Regiment and ordered into Federal Service on February 10, 1941, at Williston. After conducting large scale training exercises at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, Company B and the 164th Infantry deployed to New Caledonia. In October 1942, the 164 Infantry, including Company B, landed on Guadalcanal and engaged in combat making history as the first U.S. Army forces to go on the offensive in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

The unit was relieved from federal service on November 24, 1945, at Fort Lawton, Washington. The unit was reorganized and federally recognized as a National Guard unit on May 1, 1947, at Williston. On January 16, 1951, in Williston, Company B was again called to federal service in support of the Korean War. Company B primarily served as a training regiment stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama helping prepare other units to deploy. However, numerous service members subsequently transferred to the Korean Theater to support Soldier replacement due to needs of the Army. Company B was released from active service on December 2, 1954.

The 119th Wing in Fargo will get a new $33 million headquarters building. North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven announced yesterday that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved initial funding for the design phase.

The new structure will replace the 66 year-old existing building and construction is planned to begin in 2027.

Seven members of the Happy Hooligans assisted the Texas Air National Guard in mid-July by providing MQ-9 support in the search for victims following the devastating flash flooding in central Texas. The 119th Wing was tasked with providing aerial support and intelligence for first responders searching on the ground. Governor Kelly Armstrong authorized the Hooligans to assist in response from a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

This year’s speakers included U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Grant Semchanko, a master resilience trainer with Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, and Dr. Tami DeCouteau, a licensed psychologist and owner of DeCoteau Trauma-Informed Care and Practice. They led sessions on trauma, healing, and resilience, helping families continue to navigate the complexity of grief.

For some families, this retreat has become an annual tradition; others joined for the first time, taking a courageous step into a community of shared experience.

Melisa Feser’s son, Sgt. Joseph Feser, who passed away earlier this year shared, “The military was such a large part of Joseph’s life, and we weren’t a part of that. We were able to connect with other families and feel like we are getting a little that piece of that part. ” Her words captured the spirit of the weekend: a gathering not only of remembrance but of hope, unity, and ongoing support.

The distinguished honor graduate of the Squad Designated Marksmanship Class FY2025-005 was U.S. Army Sgt. Lance Schrader of the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Over the two-week course, Soldiers refined their marksmanship skills, extending their effective engagement range beyond 600 yards. They mastered the ability to make rapid adjustments in response to shifting wind conditions, honing the precision required of a designated marksman. Now, they return to their units with enhanced capabilities and the knowledge to pass on to their comrades.