Left to right, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Kaufman, 142nd Engineer Battalion commander; Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden; Sen. John Hoeven; Rep. Julie Fedorchak; Command Sgt. Maj. Kendall Struxness, 142nd Engineer Battalion command sergeant major; U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota adjutant general; and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, North Dakota National Guard senior enlisted leader, attend a Welcome Home Ceremony at the Valley City State University Center for the Arts in Valley City, North Dakota, Feb. 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office
Contents
- Cold Weather Survival Training
- 142nd Engineer Battalion Welcome Home
- ND2000
- State Schools
- Combat Life Saver Recertification Course
- Da Guards Podcast
- USO Paint and Sip Event
- Reframing Physical Activity
- 3rd Annual North Dakota National Guard Office Chili Cook Off
- Military Kid's Easter Eggstravaganza
- ESGR Volunteer Honored with Quilt of Valor
- MilTax from Military OneSource
- North Dakota Roughrider Association Annual Conference
Cold Weather Survival Training
Soldiers from the 188th Engineer Company honed their winter survival skills during a two-day training exercise at the Kidder Recreation Area in Wahpeton, North Dakota, Feb. 21-22. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Miller, 188th Engineer Company readiness noncommissioned officer)
The training focused on convoy operations and tactical combat casualty care in a cold-weather environment.
Participants navigated snowy and icy terrain using specialized equipment and learned essential medical procedures for treating frostbite and hypothermia.
A key component of the training was mastering the proper layering of issued cold-weather gear to withstand extreme temperatures.
142nd Engineer Battalion Welcome Home
Soldiers assigned to the North Dakota National Guard’s 142nd Engineer Battalion were honored during a Welcome Home Ceremony following their yearlong mission to the U.S. southern border area of operations at Valley City State University Center for the Arts in Valley City, North Dakota, Feb. 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden, speaks during the Welcome Home Ceremony.
The unit served at the nation’s southern border in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Senator John Hoeven talks about Soldiers service to the country during the Welcome Home Ceremony.
“The members of the 142nd Engineer Battalion have served with professionalism and dedication, helping combat illegal immigration, drug smuggling and human trafficking at our southern border,” said Hoeven. “We are grateful for their service and proud to welcome them safely home to North Dakota. Border security is national security, and it’s vital that we do everything we can to protect our country.”
The unit returned to North Dakota after providing critical support to CBP operations aimed at curbing illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.
Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak thanks the Soldiers for their work on the border during the Welcome Home Ceremony.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, North Dakota National Guard senior enlisted leader, also thanked the Guard members during a Welcome Home Ceremony.
ND2000
It’s more than a uniform—it’s about community. And now, it comes with a $2,000 thank-you! We believe the best new soldiers come from recommendations within our own ranks. From Feb. 1 through June 30, 2026, we’re offering a $2,000 bonus for helping a friend, family member, or neighbor join the North Dakota Army National Guard.
State Schools
The North Dakota National Guard coordinated a series of training events as part of its annual state schools, where about 300 Soldiers participated in various certification, recertification and military training classes at Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota, Feb. 19-22. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Pfc. Raul Boamah) The aim of the event is to enhance the skills and readiness of participants, offering opportunities to learn new techniques and refine existing ones.
U.S. Army Pfc. Myles Durham and Pfc. Oma Basnet, assigned to the 191st Military Police Company, participate in training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Raul Boamah)
The state schools weekend provides Soldiers the opportunity to expand their current skills and acquire new ones that can be applied to their duties in the U.S. Army. Students had access to 14 courses, ranging from domestic-focused classes such as Military Funeral Honors and maintenance training to field-oriented courses like Combat Lifesaver and hazardous materials training.
“I think state schools are very important because there are a lot of different things to learn,” said Spc. Andrew Vasseur, an instructor for Military Funeral Honors. “It is a good way for a Soldier to learn more skills and make themselves more of an asset for the organization.”
Soldiers conduct a cover-fire drill during a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course. CLS equips Soldiers across the formation with basic medical skills to sustain casualties until medics arrive. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Tim Knudson)
Staff Sgt. David Stratom states that seeing the students go from having the beginner skills taught to them as part of their basic training to being proficient in the various skills they learn at state schools is a very fulfilling experience and goes to show the importance of these courses.
The North Dakota National Guard is committed to providing Soldiers with the highest levels of training to prepare them for their duties and to nurturing, supporting, and ensuring its members are fully ready for service.
Combat Life Saver Recertification Course
The North Dakota National Guard held a Combat Lifesaver recertification course as part of state schools at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, North Dakota, Feb. 22. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Katilyn Morell, 68th Troop Command)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Satrom, North Dakota State Medical Detachment and Staff Sgt. Raquel Belgarde, Company Delta, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, instructed the recertification class, which is required to maintain annual proficiency in tactical combat first aid. The class featured different qualifying tasks like chest seals and needle decompression, packing and wrapping wounds, splints, and wrapping burns.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Counterdrug coordinator Capt. Conrad Roberts
Roberts enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 2011 as a horizontal construction engineer and later commissioned in 2017 as an aviation officer. During his career he was a horizontal construction engineer, flight operations officer, flight platoon leader, detachment leader, company commander, and assistant battalion operations officer. He is currently the NDARNG counterdrug coordinator. Roberts talks about the counterdrug program in North Dakota and how successful his team was in 2025.
USO Paint and Sip Event
March 6, 7:00-9:00
Service members, military spouses, friends and significant others, you are invited to an evening out! Join us for a Paint and Sip event. Instructors, art supplies, and light refreshments will be provided. Register today to reserve your spots. Open to 30 military connected or currently serving service members & spouses at the Bismarck AMVETS Register at this link: https://register.uso.org/4111BMB7/5a3IQK1QIju
Reframing Physical Activity
Beyond your military requirements for the physical fitness standards, how much do you value physical activity? Hopefully, there is some level of importance to you in your personal life. Personal trainers are often told that the most common motivation is “it’s time to put myself first” when clients begin their wellness journey. (Written by Ron Murray, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), less than 26% of adult Americans are getting the recommended amount of physical activity (aerobic & muscle) needed. If you’re doing it because, “I have to,” or “I just need to check a box,” it’s time to reframe your thinking. This is more than just a means of making yourself look stronger and losing weight; physical activity is the ultimate form of selfcare.
Physical health is foundational to your mental, social and spiritual well-being. It may come as a surprise that many certified financial planners emphasize caring for your physical health as your No. 1 asset — alongside budgeting, paying off debt and planning for retirement. Without physical health, mental health can suffer, and without mental health, it is difficult to enjoy what you have worked to achieve. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day and strength training at least two days per week. Yoga can help build core strength, and reaching 6,000 steps per day can help you meet that 30-minute goal.
Walking has brain boosting effects such as reduced stress (released endorphins), increased attention span, and improved cognitive functions, especially when outdoors. Running strengthens your heart health, lowering bad cholesterol and improving blood circulation. You’ll have increased lung volume and oxygen flow in the blood stream which removes toxins more efficiently. Yoga, known for its core strength postures, will improve emotional regulation, reduce chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. It enhances your joint range of motion, preventing injuries down the road while keeping your mind in check.
Exercise is the closest thing to the fountain of youth one can achieve. As you age, your chromosomes get shorter. Physical activity keeps telomers from shortening, which are the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes that keep cell divisions in order. This slows aging by improving your mitochondrial function, reducing chronic inflammation, and increasing your skin elasticity. Adversely, all these mentioned can all be damaged and reversed when abusing drugs and alcohol. The truth is that our bodies weren’t designed for sitting for long periods of time. Adding 5 to 10 minutes of time throughout the day for anyone of these activities will pay dividends. A little self-care today will make for a healthier and happier tomorrow.
3rd Annual North Dakota National Guard Office Chili Cook Off
The North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support held the 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, on Feb 19. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Military Kid's Easter Eggstravaganza
April 4 Fraine Barracks
ESGR Volunteer Honored with Quilt of Valor
After nearly four decades of military service and years of continued volunteer leadership with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, retired Maj. Gen. Mike Haugen was honored with a Quilt of Valor by Red River Quilts of Valor at the North Dakota Roughrider Association Annual Conference in Fargo, Feb. 20. (ESGR Story and photos by Kristy Wangler, North Dakota ESGR Public Affairs)
“It is always gratifying to have recognition for a job well done. This gorgeous quilt took a great deal of time, effort, talent, and patriotic fervor. It makes me even more thankful, proud, and honored to have been selected to receive it,” shared Mike.
Mike joined ESGR as a volunteer in 2007 and has long been a dedicated advocate for the organization’s mission. Even prior to his retirement, he worked closely with ESGR throughout his command assignments to help ensure service members were informed of their rights and supported in their civilian employment.
Haugen enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 1967. Over a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he served in numerous leadership and command roles, including Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard and Commander of the 119th Fighter Wing.
A Quilt of Valor is awarded to express appreciation and gratitude to service members and Veterans for their service, sacrifice, and valor in defense of the nation. Each quilt is composed of three layers: the top symbolizes the community members who come together to create it; the batting represents warmth, comfort, peace, and healing; and the backing signifies strength and steadfast support.
Founded in 2018, Red River Quilts of Valor is a Wahpeton-based nonprofit organization committed to honoring Veterans. Since its establishment, the group’s 13 dedicated volunteers have sewn and presented 361 quilts to Veterans nominated by their communities and loved ones.
Through his continued volunteer service with ESGR, Mike remains steadfast in advancing the organization’s mission of strengthening partnerships between employers and service members, helping ensure those who serve our nation receive the understanding, respect, and employment support they deserve.
MilTax from Military OneSource
As a service member registered in DEERS, you have access to MilTax — a suite of free tax services from Military OneSource. MilTax is built to handle real tax situations service members and their families face, including deployments, combat pay, PCS moves, multistate filings, and training pay. With MilTax, you’ll get free: Federal tax preparation and e-filing - Filing of up to five state tax returns - One-on-one support from tax consultants trained in military-specific tax scenarios. (Information provided by Military OneSource)