From left; U.S. Army Sgt. Brent LaFontaine and Sgt. Dominic Delaney, 81st Civil Support Team, scan items on a table in a mock lab during an exercise at the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Contents
- Purple Up!
- Brig. Gen. Anderson Retires
- Chemical Lab Exercise
- New Chief Warrant Officer 5
- From the Field Campaign
- Professional Development
- Minot Community Open House
- Next Community Open House
- Recognition
- National Park Pass
- ESGR Patriot Employer Awards
Purple Up!
In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller of North Dakota joined Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general; Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction superintendent; Col. Daniel Hoadley, 5th Bomb Wing commander at Minot Air Force Base; Col. George Chapman, 91st Missile Wing deputy commander at Minot Air Force Base; and Mark Vollmer, Minot Public Schools superintendent, to honor military children with students at Memorial Middle School on Minot Air Force Base, Minot, April 3. (North Dakota photos and story by Mike Kennedy, N.D. State Governor's Office)
Miller highlighted recent progress toward making North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation.
“We know that whether they’re serving overseas or here on American soil, when our military members serve, so do their families – and so do their children. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to share our thanks and support them at all times,” said Miller, who chairs the Task Force for Military Issues in North Dakota (TF MIND). “While April is the Month of the Military Child, our administration will keep working all year long to ensure that North Dakota is the most military-friendly state in the nation and that the well-being of our military children and families is always top of mind.”
North Dakota has approximately 7,300 active duty service members with 4,300 children at the Air Force bases in Minot and Grand Forks, along with 5,500 service members in the North Dakota National Guard and Reserve with 4,200 children, for a total of more than 8,500 military children in the state, Miller noted before reading the Month of the Military Child proclamation signed by Gov. Doug Burgum.
“During the Month of the Military Child, let us honor the steadfast courage and unwavering resilience of our youngest heroes, whose sacrifices enrich the very fabric of our community and nation,” Dohrmann said.
North Dakota has been ranked as one of the best states for veterans and a Top 10 state for military retirees. The state’s efforts to make North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation were bolstered by several pieces of legislation signed by Burgum during the 2023 legislative session, including bills that:
- Exempt military pay from state income tax for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members, building on legislation signed in 2019 that exempted military retirement pay.
- Allow North Dakota National Guard members who attend college out-of-state to qualify for State Tuition Assistance.
- Allow childcare providers licensed by the U.S. Department of Defense to operate in North Dakota with their DOD license and without redundantly being licensed with the state.
- Allow military-connected children to start their education virtually at a North Dakota school before arriving in the state, or to complete the semester with a North Dakota school after their parent’s reassignment, to help relieve stress and support educational success.
Brig. Gen. Anderson Retires
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general presided over a retirement ceremony was for Brig. Gen. Darrin K. Anderson, North Dakota National Guard Chief of Staff, at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo, April 5. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
From his early days as a Security Specialist to commanding the 119th Wing, Brig. Gen. Anderson has embodied the spirit of service, excellence, and leadership. His pivotal roles have demonstrated his commitment to our nation's security as well as his strategic acumen.
Governor Burgum said, “You don’t have high performing organizations without outstanding leadership. General Anderson has helped to elevate the North Dakota national guard to the top in the nation.”
Major General Alan Dohrmann, Adjutant General, North Dakota Air National Guard said of General Anderson, “Darrin truly cares about our Airmen. The reason we can do these jobs is because of leaders like General Anderson.”
As he steps into retirement, we celebrate the legacy of a leader who has been not just a commander, but a mentor, guiding the Happy Hooligans with wisdom and foresight. His contributions will continue to resonate throughout the119th Wing and beyond, inspiring future generations to achieve great things and serve with honor.
Brig. Gen. Anderson, during his closing remarks, said, “It’s the Hooligan team and not just me. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it all. Keep on doing it the Hooligan way.”
Chemical Lab Exercise
The 81st Civil Support Team conducted an exercise at the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The 81st Civil Support Team vehicles stage outside the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28.
The exercise began with a scenario where the unit received information on two drug labs located in a local warehouse within city limits.
U.S. Army Maj. Waylon Tomac, N.D. Army National Guard State Medical Readiness Detachment, gives a tour of a mock lab to the North Dakota State Crime Lab forensic chemistry unit during an exercise at the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28.
Members of the North Dakota State Crime Lab forensic chemistry unit came to observe the CST team in their work environment.
From right, U.S. Army Sgt. Brent LaFontaine and Sgt. Dominic Delaney, 81st Civil Support Team, prepare to check a building during an exercise at the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28.
The 81st CST supports civil authorities at domestic incident sites with identification and assessment of hazards, advice to the incident commander, and facilitating follow-on military forces during emergencies and incidents.
U.S. Army Sgt. Brent LaFontaine, 81st Civil Support Team, scans items on a table in a mock lab during an exercise at the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28.
North Dakota's 81st CST team, comprised of22 full-time Army and Air Force National Guard personnel, was authorized by the Department of Defense November 2004.
From right, U.S. Army Sgt. Brent LaFontaine and Sgt. Dominic Delaney, 81st Civil Support Team, label criminal items on a table in a mock lab during an exercise at the Gateway Mall, Bismarck, March 28.
Since then, the unit members have participated in intensive technical training and rehearsals to prepare them for their potential missions.
New Chief Warrant Officer 5
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, presided over a chief warrant officer 5 promotion ceremony for Amber Wilson, Joint Force Headquarters, at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, April 7. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, and Mr. Wilson pin the new rank of chief warrant officer 5 on Amber Wilson during her promotion ceremony, Joint Force Headquarters, at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, April 7.
Warrant officers are the few subject matter experts in their field, making up less than three percent of the Army. Commissioned officers rely on warrant officers’ technical expertise to complete missions and regard them as trusted and esteemed colleagues.
From the Field Campaign
141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Promotions
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade held promotion ceremonies for three of its Soldiers at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, North Dakota, April 6. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Chris Hanson, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
Retirement
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade held a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Kristal Amundson at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, North Dakota, April 6. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Chris Hanson, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
ND Chiefs
N.D. Chiefs Military Hockey team competed at the Minnesota Armed Forces Hockey Tournament in Prior Lake, Minnesota, March 21-24. (National Guard story by Staff Sgt. Taylor Smith, 818th Engineer Company, Sapper)
The tournament is a charity tournament that benefits the United Heroes League and their effort to donate sporting equipment to service members and their families around the world. Comprised mostly of N.D. Guard (or former Guard) Soldiers, the Chiefs have played in the tournament for four years and claimed their first title by beating the St. Paul Capitals 2-1 in overtime. After losing last year to the Capitals in a shootout in the championship game, the Chiefs were anxious to get over the hump and secure their first title.
Led by Sgt. Sam Bye, Recruiting and Retention Command, Sgt. Mitchell Nevala, 191st Military Police Company, and Staff Sgt. Taylor Smith, 818th Engineer Company, Sapper, the team will look to defend it's title at next year's tournament.
Professional Development
Charles Votava, East Region Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), conducted this month's professional development, April 10, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
In addition to an in-person audience, his briefing was livestreamed state-wide to all N.D. National Guard full-time members.
Minot Community Open House
The North Dakota Army National Guard hosted a community open house, April 10, at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center, Minot.
The event was free and was an opportunity for the public to meet North Dakota National Guard Soldiers, see their equipment, and learn what the North Dakota Army National Guard does. The event had displays of new Army Combat Fitness Test equipment, large military vehicles, Soldiers’ standard-issued equipment, night vision devices, and medical support.
More open houses are scheduled to be held around the state in the upcoming months and all are welcome to come out!
Right to left; U.S. Army Sgt. Dean Peltier and Pfc. Vy Bui, 816th Military Police Company, show students an Oshkosh M-ATV, April 10, at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Zietz and Sgt. Jason Economos, Recruiting and Retention Command, demonstrate how to conduct the Army Combat Fitness Test to students, April 10, at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Wing, Recruiting and Retention Command, shows Minot community leaders different weapon systems the U.S. Army uses, April 10, at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center.
The Next Open House
To sign up for the event
- Camp Grafton Training Center - https://forms.office.com/g/Fz6SzP2rMw
- Grand Forks - https://forms.office.com/g/VQJ1XAUeQY
- Fargo - https://forms.office.com/g/SS5CfX85J5
- Bismarck - https://forms.office.com/g/UZTML2ZJ3w
Recognition
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, recognized Staff Sgt. Nicole Reimer, Joint Force Headquarters, after a recent professional development class at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. April 10. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, presents a command coin to Staff Sgt. Nicole Reimer, Joint Force Headquarters, after a recent professional development class at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. April 10.
Reimer was awarded the coin for her hard work as part of the Active Guard Reserve Office (AGR). She worked countless hours on pay issues for Soldiers coming off orders. She also managed issues for 50 AGR retirements and in-processed 41 new hires over the last year.
National Park Pass
Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families.
The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.
The free Military Pass is a way to thank current U.S. military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and US military veterans for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.
A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans. A free annual Military Pass is available for current US military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.
To find a location to get your pass go to the website: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm
ESGR Patriot Employer Awards
Cassie Francis, Dickinson Middle School's principal, was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award in Dickinson, N.D., April 5. (National Guard story and photos by Rob Keller, N.D. ESGR Vice-Chair)
Francis was nominated by Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Obrigewitch, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
The Patriot Award was developed by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and honors civilian employers who provide outstanding patriotic support to employees serving in the guard or reserve.
From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Obrigewitch, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Cassie Francis, Dickinson Middle School's principal, and Stepheny Reger, N.D. ESGR Volunteer, Dickinson, N.D. April 5.
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Service Members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from their military commitment.
For more information please visit https://www.esgr.mil/About-ESGR/Contact/Local-State-Pages/North-Dakota
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