Col. Brian Keller, left, and Maj. Stan Brown holding the Best Overall Medical Readiness Awards, Small State, for the fiscal years 2020 and 2021, at Raymond J. Bohn armory, May 4, 2022.
V-E Day Homage
Chaplain (Maj.) Justin Fenger, with the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment on duty in the National Capital Region, provided the invocation for the 77th anniversary of the Victory in Europe (V-E Day) ceremony on May 8, 2022, at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. (National Guard story and photo by Capt. Nicholas P. Kindelspire, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)
The ceremony paid homage to all those who served to make an Allied victory in Europe possible. Distinguished guests included two World War II veterans - one who enlisted at age 16 and also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars - and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S.
Med Det Recognized
The N.D. National Army Guard's State Medical Detachment was recognized as the Best Overall Medical Readiness in the small population-state category for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. (National Guard story by Col. Brian Keller, State Medical Detachment)
The Soldiers and staff of the N.D. Army National Guard Surgeon's Office and State Medical Detachment at Raymond J. Bohn armory, May 4, 2022. (Photos courtesy of the Medical Detachment)
This award recognizes the top small, medium, and large-population states whose exemplary efforts and unwavering dedication to medical readiness contributed greatly to the success of the Army National Guard’s medical mission. The evaluation criteria and metrics were established by and voted on by the National Guard Bureau's Office of the Chief Surgeon.
This year’s award metrics included Critical Care Flight Paramedic (CCFP) certification, budget execution, Disability Evaluation System compliance, 68W (Army Combat Medic) recertification, highest availability percentage of medical readiness, credentialed and privileged of health care providers percentage. The N.D. State Medical Detachment was also awarded this honor in fiscal year 2019 as well.
Col. Todd Schaffer, N.D. Army State Medical Detachment, center, accepts the Best Overall Medical Readiness awards for a small state, from the National Guard Bureau Surgeons Office during the medical team conference at the National Guard Professional Education Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas, April 26, 2022. From left, Maj. Gen. Jill Faris, Col. Susan Fondy, National Guard Bureau Surgeons Office; Schaffer; Col. Gunner Kiersey, Sgt. Maj. Sherry Blackwell, National Guard Bureau Surgeons Office.
The Surgeon's Office and State Medical Detachment work together to ensure service members are medically ready to react to any local, state, or national emergency. The unit conducts annual medical and dental screenings on every Soldier and tracks, follows, and corrects deficiencies.
Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, and other senior leaders visited the Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee (MAC) in Williston, N.D., May 6, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. Public Affairs Office)
Topics discussed were National Guard activities, initiatives, and economic impact on the Williston community as well as future projects, to include Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment becoming a part of the Williston community.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, center, discusses topics, such as the Guard's economic impact on the community, with the Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee (MAC) in Williston, N.D., May 6, 2022.
Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard strategic plans and policy officer, left, highlights the need for initiatives to support service members and the many challenges they face, such as access to mental health support, with the Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee (MAC) in Williston, N.D., May 6, 2022.
VFW Citizenship Medal
While attending the Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee (MAC) meeting, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard strategic plans and policy officer, and Maj. Chance Schaffner executive officer for the adjutant general, received the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Citizenship Medal from Corey Moen, N.D. VFW state commander, May 6, 2022, in Williston, N.D. (National Guard story and photos by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. Public Affairs Office)
Corey Moen, N.D. Veterans of Foreign Wars state commander, addresses the Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee (MAC), May 6, 2022.
Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard strategic plans and policy officer, shakes hands with Corey Moen, N.D. Veterans of Foreign Wars state commander, after receiving the Veterans of Foreign Wars Citizenship Medal, Williston, May 6, 2022.
N.D. Army Command Briefing
Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson and Command Sgt. Maj. Derek Heck, N.D. Army National Guard (NDARNG) commander and state command sergeant major respectivefully, hosted several events at Camp Grafton Training Center, from May 6 to 7, 2022. (National Guard story by Col. Debra Lien, N.D. Army National Guard chief of staff)
On May 6, the officers-in-charge, down to the battalion level, met for their semi-annual discussion on a variety of topics to include full-time manning, upcoming training events and opportunities, as well as the outlook for federal funding during fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The Strength Maintenance meeting discussed the current recruiting and retention status and events with the brigade and battalion commanders. Erickson facilitated a discussion about successes within our organization for both recruiting and retention efforts with our Soldiers. Ms. Amy Ruff, R3SP (Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention) coordinator, facilitated a presentation about the CR2C (Commander’s Ready and Resilient Council) and provided Suicide Event data and Behavioral Health data.
On May 7, these key leaders participated in a command and staff run to begin the day. The rest of the day's meeting was focused on the Army Commander’s Fiscal Year 2023 back brief. Subjects included an update on the NDARNG Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Training plans, and the training plans for Fiscal Year 2023. There was excellent discussion and coordination throughout all of our command teams down to the battalion level. The weekend was a huge success in covering a variety of topics and encouraging coordination and collaboration between the senior leaders, officers and enlisted.
CST Promotion
Lt. Col. Pat Flanagan, commander, 81st Civil Support Team, presided over the promotion of Jesse Handegard to first sergeant, at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, May 2, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information Office)
Maj. Shawn Markovic, emcee, reads the promotion orders for 1st Sgt. Jesse Handegard, right, as Lt. Col. Pat Flanagan, commander, 81st Civil Support Team, listens, Fraine Barracks, May 2, 2022.
Air Assault
Four N.D. National Guard Soldiers attended Air Assault school, graduating May 6, 2022, at Camp Gruber Training Center, Braggs, Oklahoma. (National Guard story by Sgt. Doss, 191st Military Police Company)
The U.S. Army Air Assault school is a challenging, ten-day course that mentally and physically produces members capable of undergoing high-intensity situations by preparing them both mentally and physically. Students must complete a multitude of tasks, including the obstacle course, sling load operations, rappelling from a 50-foot tower and two rappels from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter hovering at 70-90 feet, all culminating with a 12-mile ruck march in full gear in less than three hours.
All course participants must successfully pass the physical rigors of Day Zero, before the are formally admitted into the course. Four N.D. Guard Soldiers started with a class of 190 and graduated with 138 Service members.
Back row from left, Spc. Tyler Kollman, Sgt. Andrew Doss, 191st Military Police Company, Staff Sgt. Zachary Fischer, 188th Army Band, and Sgt. Adelard J. Hoffarth, 164th Regional Training Institute, holding their class flag, May 6, 2022, at Camp Gruber Training Center, Braggs, Oklahoma.
Guard Member Named Sanford Health Resident of the Year
Capt. Ciciley Littlewolf won Sanford Health's Resident of the Year, May 6, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (National Guard story by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information Office)
All residency programs in North and South Dakota within the Sanford Health Care system and Sanford Medical Education nominate a candidate for this honor. The award was presented at a banquet that celebrated all nominees at the Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Littlewolf joined the South Dakota National when she was 17, transferring to the N.D. National Guard in 2007 after graduating from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Criminal Justice. She deployed to Kosovo as a combat medic in 2009 and returned with a desire to pursue medicine, enrolling in the University of North Dakota. She became an officer in 2015, receiving a direct commission. Currently, she is completing her Internal Medicine Residency.
"I couldn't be here if not for my husband. He sacrificed the past 13 years for me to pursue my goals in my medical degree and in the National Guard. I would not be here if not for his love and his belief in me." -Capt. Ciciley Littlewolf, N.D. Army State Medical Detachment.
Capt. Ciciley Littlewolf, center, with Dr. Jennifer Raum, University of North Dakota Internal Medicine Program Director, left, and Dr. David Theige, General Medical Education Director for all Sanford Resident Programs, May 6, 2022, at the Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Littlewolf's husband, Retired Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Williams, South Dakota National Guard)
Air Defenders Participates in Norwegian Foot March
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, serving in the National Capital Region, participated in the Norwegian Foot March, in Washington D.C., April 28, 2022. (National Guard story by Spc. William Thompson, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)
Early in March, Soldiers began training rigorously for the Norwegian Foot March, a 30km ruck to both prove themselves and earn the famed foreign award. The foot march originated in Norway during World War I to strengthen and test recruits. Successfully completing this challenge strengthen individual and unit readiness.
Maj. Justin Fenger, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Russell Garrett, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, prepare for the Norwegian Foot March by getting in plenty of miles prior to the event, March 20, 2022, in Washington D.C. (National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Jacob Kipp, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery)
To qualify for the Norwegian Foot Marching Badge, Soldiers must complete the 18.6 miles with a 25-pound pack within four and half hours. Despite the difficulties, the Soldiers kept a high level of confidence and heavily invested in preparing for the event.
After months of preparation, Soldiers finally formed up for the foot march. Stepping off close to midnight they began the arduous ruck. After 18.6 miles of the fast-paced march, Soldiers began crossing the finish line early in the morning. A total of 23 Soldiers completed the foot march in the early hours of the next morning, many of whom plan to participate in this event again in the future.
Police Week
Governor Doug Burgum proclaimed May 11 to 17, 2022, as Police Week in North Dakota and Thursday, May 12, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. As we honor these men and women, we give special thanks to the Soldiers and Airmen who not only serve their state and nation, but also their communities in law enforcement or security. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to serve and protect.
Professional Development
The N.D. National Guard conducted professional development for its full-time staff at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, May 11, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, N.D. Visual Information Office)
The first brief was from Lt. Col. Derek Kuntz on new developments at Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), near Devils Lake, N.D. CGTC is growing the on-base lodging by building a 31-plex housing, opening in spring 2023. There are also plans to build a physical training center to be used year-round by service members, allowing Soldiers to take the new Army Combat Fitness Test during the winter months. A recently opened RV park and the construction boat landing for morale, welfare, and recreation use are new improvements as well. CGTC is also increasing law enforcement training areas, for use by N.D. National Guard military police and security forces units, as well as local and state law enforcement partners.
This was followed by Sgt. 1st Class Angie Gross discussing best practices for North Dakota Knowledge Online. She discussed frequently asked questions, and provided advice on how to maximize the usefulness of the site.
Recognition
During Professional Development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, several N.D. National Guard Soldiers were recognized, May 11, 2022.
Col. Paul Helten received the Meritorious Service Medal for his achievements as the N.D. National Guard State Army Aviation Officer.
After the professional development, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, presented recognition coins to members of the N.D. National Guard Joint Operations Center (JOC) for their recent outstanding achievements in responding to four state emergencies while simultaneously managing the wildland firefighter certification (Red Card) course for 20 Soldiers.
Retirement
Lt. Col. Pat Flanagan, commander, 81st Civil Support Team (81st CST), presided over the retirement of 1st Sgt. Robert Ferderer, 81st Civil Support Team, May 11, 2022, at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, North Dakota. (National Guard story and photos by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. Visual Information)
Ferderer has served in the Guard for 27 years and was an original member of the 81st CST which was founded in 2005. He served as first sergeant for over three years.
Lt. Col. Pat Flanagan, commander, 81st Civil Support Team, right, presents 1st Sgt. Robert Ferderer, 81st Civil Support Team, the Meritorious Service Medal, May 11, 2022, at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, North Dakota.
NGB Media Awards
The N.D. National Guard placed second in two of the 2021 National Guard Media Contest categories and third in another. (National Guard story by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Staff Sgt. Lucas Greff with the 816th Military Police Company, North Dakota National Guard, demonstrates correct hand placement for holding a riot shield during civil disturbance training in the parking lot of the FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, Jan. 18, 2021. The photo won 2nd place in the 2021 National Guard Media Contest Training Documentation Photograph category. (National Guard photo by Sgt. Michaela C.P. Granger, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
A North Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk places an estimated 550 gallons of water at the direction of the wildland firefighters on the ground working to contain the 4,000-acre wildland Roosevelt Creek fire in Billings County, N.D., May 1, 2021. The photo won 3rd place in the 2021 National Guard Media Contest News Photo category. (National Guard photo by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. Public Affairs Office)
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment conducted water bucket training on the Missouri River using UH-72A Lakota Helicopters in Bismarck, North Dakota, June 9, 2021. The video won 2nd place in the 2021 National Guard Media Contest Training Documentation Video category. (National Guard video by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. Public Affairs Office)
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