The 957th Engineer Company, Bridge, practiced slip operations during its drill weekend at Kimball Bottoms, Bismarck on April 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Contents
- TAG Town Hall
- Wing Lunch with the Boss
- Bridge Training
- Da Guards Podcast
- Wing Innovation Workshop
- First Responder Visit
- ND 2000
- From the Field Campaign
- ESGR Boss Flight
- Tips for Work-Life Balance
- Military Family Safety Night
- TAG Easter Egg Hunt
- Military Spouses Night
- The North Dakota Governor’s Challenge
TAG Town Hall
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, hosted a town hall at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota, on April 24. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Recognition
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, recognized the North Dakota Guard members following the town hall. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Army Sgt. Taylor Lagro, Sgt. Kevin Curley, Sgt. Benjamin Helfrich and Spc. Matthew Cruff, Military Funeral Honors Team, received the Adjutant General Coin for their commitment to honoring the memory of retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Don Lang extended beyond the call, requiring additional hours to ensure he received full military honors.
Wing Lunch with the Boss
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, and the Fargo Military Affairs Committee hosted an employer military awareness luncheon and tour at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, April 16. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Bridge Training
The 957th Engineer Company, Bridge, practiced bridging and slip operations during its drill weekend at Kimball Bottoms, North Dakota on April 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Staff Sgt. Lexi Aschoff
Aschoff currently serves as an Army National Guard recruiter in North Dakota. Listen in as we discuss how she came to North Dakota and discuss the opportunities the North Dakota Army National Guard has to offer!
New podcast episodes will be announced every other Monday.
Wing Innovation Workshop
The 119th Wing hosted an ARCWERX Innovation Workshop at the Fargo Air Guard Base on April 17 and 18. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
ARCWERX stands for Air Reserve Component WERX. It is an innovation organization within the Air Force Reserve, specifically focused on creating and fostering a lasting culture of innovation throughout the Air Reserve Component. The "WERX" or work project is a part of the military's network of innovation hubs.
First Responder Visit
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services hosted a First Responder field trip for 2nd-grade students from Flasher and New Salem at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, April 24. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
ND 2000
From the Field Campaign
141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction
Soldiers practiced their marksmanship skills during the drill weekend at the Fargo Military Readiness Center, Fargo, April 13. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
The Engagement Skills Trainer offered real-life examples of our qualifications in weapons, while the Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction offered great insight into the fundamentals of qualification.
Peterson Promotion
U.S. Army Capt. Timothy Peterson, Headquarters Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was promoted to major during a ceremony at the Fargo Military Readiness Center, Fargo, April 13. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
Zezulka Retires
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Matthew Zezulka was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony at the Fargo Military Readiness Center, Fargo, April 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
U.S. Army Capt. William Howlett, the commander of Headquarters Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, presents Master Sgt Matthew Zezulka the Meritorious Service Medal at his retirement ceremony.
Zezulka distinguished himself in outstanding service throughout his over 21-year Military career.
164th Engineer Battalion
Promotion
Commissioned
ESGR Boss Flight
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) volunteers, in collaboration with the ND Army National Guard, arranged for a group of business leaders from the Fargo area to participate in an ESGR Boss Lift held on April 11 at the National Guard Readiness Center in Fargo. (ESGR article by Kristy Wangler, North Dakota ESGR Public Affairs)
Business owners attending had the opportunity to learn about equipment used by service members in the National Guard and fly in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Hanna Sampel, Company Delta, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, led employers to different displays featuring military equipment, known as the “Guard Experience.” At each display, service members provided individuals with an up-close account of each vehicle.
The displays featured a Humvee, a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4 Wrecker with a palletized loading system, an AN/TWQ-1 Avenger System, an M-ATV, and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
ESGR’s Boss Lift Program provides employers with a firsthand experience of the challenges and sacrifices faced by National Guard and Reserve members. By participating in these events, employers better understand the skills and experiences that their Guard and Reserve employees bring to the table.
They also learn about the potential impacts of military training and deployments on their employees’ work schedules and performance. This increased awareness can lead to greater employer support and flexibility, making it easier for Guard and Reserve members to balance their civilian and military responsibilities.
The event featured representatives from the following businesses: Marvin Composites, Doug’s Bar, Rust Sales, Kraus-Anderson Construction, Fargo Steel Fabrication LLC, Deckplate Diesel LLC, Gate City Bank, Butler Machinery, Dietrich Construction, and the Fargo Fire Department.
Tips for Work-Life Balance
Achieving balance between work and personal life is essential for long-term well-being and effectiveness. This article focuses on practical strategies to maintain equilibrium, reduce stress, and align your actions with what truly matters to you. (Information from Ron Murray, North Dakota National Guard, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
Focus on What You Can Control.
In high-pressure environments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. One way to reduce stress is to identify what’s in your control and let go of what isn’t. You can’t always control outcomes, but you can manage your attitude, effort, and how you respond to challenges. Start by listing what you can take action on today.
Align Your Goals with Your Values.
When your goals reflect what you truly value, you’re more likely to stay motivated and resilient. Ask yourself: What matters most to me? What do I want to stand for? Use the answers to shape your daily decisions and long-term plans.
Tips to Identify Your Core Values.
- Reflect on moments when you felt proud or fulfilled. What values were at play?
- Consider role models and which qualities in them you admire.
- Take a values assessment or journal about what brings you meaning.
Because knowing your strengths can help you.
For more information email Ron Murray at ronald.c.murray2.civ@army.mil
Military Family Safety Night
The State Family Programs and Child & Youth held the 2nd Annual North Dakota National Guard Military Family Safety Night at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, on April 16. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Thirty agencies participated in the event, including the 81st Civil Support Team and Civil Air Patrol, as well as many local, state, and national agencies.
TAG Easter Egg Hunt
The Adjutant General, in conjunction with State Family Programs and Child & Youth, Suicide Prevention and Risk Reduction coordinator, held the North Dakota National Guard TAG Easter Egg Hunt on Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, April 19. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
One hundred seventy-eight military and family members attended the event to hunt down and find 1,750 eggs hidden all over the TAG's yard.
Within 20 minutes, the brightly colored eggs that had once promised glorious candy treasures had been wiped from the face of the earth.
Military Spouses Night
May 1st RJB Armory 6:00 pm
The North Dakota Governor’s Challenge
The Governor’s Challenge event was held at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, on April 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The challenge is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the State of North Dakota, which aims to unite community leaders and state agencies to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families.
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