The N.D. National Guard Military Funeral Honors team fires the cannon during the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery's 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony, Mandan, North Dakota, May 26. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Nathan Rivard, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Contents
- New State Command Chief
- Happy Hooligans Leadership
- 164th RTI Change of Command
- Memorial Day
- Region VI Best Warrior Competition
- Basic Officer Leader Course
- Tactical Radio Course
- ND 2000
- Air & Army Team Up
- 131st Military Police Battalion
- From the Field Campaign
- Wing Retirement
- Last Day of School
- Professional Development
- Historical Gavel
- 818th Engineer Company
- Healthy Relationships
- Military Couples Paint Night
- 141st ECB Reunion
New State Command Chief
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Dorneman relinquished responsibility as the state command chief warrant officer to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiley Kuntz during a ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center on May 17. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Anna Welchel, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander, Land Component Command, receives the guidon from outgoing Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Dorneman.
Dorneman says, "Serving in the North Dakota National Guard has been a great time. It has been 37 years, and although there were hard times overall, it is a great organization, and I am so glad I got to spend as much time in it as I have."
The North Dakota National Guard gives everyone in it a great opportunity to succeed, work hard and enjoy your time with the military.
"I have full confidence in Kiley Kuntz to carry the torch forward," said Dorneman, "She's not just an exceptional logistician, but a proven leader who has served as a mentor, confidant, and a guiding force for Soldiers in the Army National Guard. Her dedication to developing future leaders is widely recognized and deeply appreciated."
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander, Land Component Command, hands the colors to the incoming state command chief warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiley Kuntz.
Kuntz said, "Serving as a Warrant Officer is one of the smartest decisions I’ve made in my life. Being the technical expert in your field, mentoring and training Soldiers, and watching them succeed is a source of tremendous pride. Becoming a Warrant Officer is a path for Soldiers in technical fields who love their MOS and want to deepen their skills and increase their influence through expertise."
I look forward to having the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the outstanding Warrant Officers of the NDARNG, ensuring their expertise is recognized and utilized to its fullest potential, and shaping the future of the Warrant Officer Corps, said Kuntz.
Happy Hooligans Leadership
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. McKenzie Dauner, a targeting analyst with the 176th Intelligence Squadron, was selected to participate in Building Up Bison, an inaugural leadership course in Barry Hall at North Dakota State University on May 9. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Kimberly Nelson, 176th Intelligence Squadron assistant director of operations, and Staff Sgt. McKenzie Dauner, 176th Intelligence Squadron, at North Dakota State University.
As part of the program, Dauner collaborated with local businesses, engaged in personality assessments to identify growth areas, and developed strategies to leverage her strengths. Demonstrating exceptional insight and poise, McKenzie was selected to speak at the course's closing banquet, where she shared her leadership journey and highlighted the pivotal role the military has played in helping her find her voice. McKenzie invited Maj. Kimberly Nelson, 176th Intelligence Squadron assistant director of operations, as her mentor and personal guest at the banquet.
164th RTI Change of Command
The 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute held a change of command ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center on May 16. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jasmyn Lenz, 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute)
U.S. Army Col. Philip Baker, outgoing commander of the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute, speaks with troops during a change of command ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center.
U.S. Army Col. Philip Baker relinquished command of the unit to Col. Raymond Ripplinger in a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center.
Baker Retires
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, awarded Baker the Legion of Merit during a retirement ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center.
The Legion of Merit is a prestigious U.S. military decoration awarded to members of the Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service.
Memorial Day
North Dakotans gathered at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery for the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony, Mandan, North Dakota, May 26. (U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Capt. Nathan Rivard, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, renders remarks at renders remarks at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery for the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony, Mandan, North Dakota.
U.S Army Capt. Chelsy Adams served as Master of Ceremonies and North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, rendered remarks during the ceremony.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Hillig
This year's keynote speaker was Retired Command sergeant major Tony Hillig, a Bismarck, North Dakota native who first enlisted in 1993 as a cavalry scout. With more than 25 years of distinguished service, he has held key leadership roles at every level.
Memorial Day Full Ceremony
Region VI Best Warrior Competition
The North Dakota National Guard's Staff Sgt. Joseph Kane and Spc. Edward Snyder joined 11 other competitors from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho, for the Region VI Best Warrior Competition, May 4-9.
The Idaho National Guard hosted the Region VI Best Warrior Competition, challenging participants with six days of physically and mentally demanding events to determine the region’s top non-commissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier. (U.S. Air National Guard story by Staff Sgt. Jadyn Eisenbrandt, Idaho National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Kane from the North Dakota National Guard competes in the Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the 2025 Best Warrior Competition at Gowen Field on May 5, 2025. (U.S. National Guard photo by Mr. Mike Freeman)
Both winners of this year’s Region VI Best Warrior Competition are from the Montana Army National Guard. Spc. Canyon Blassingame, an infantryman, and Sgt. Matthew Lee, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist, earned the top scores for their outstanding performance and dedication. They will go on to represent Region VI at the Army National Guard’s national-level Best Warrior Competition later this year.
U.S. Army Spc. Edward Snyder from the North Dakota Army National Guard participates in the Combat Training Scenario event of the 2025 Best Warrior Competition at the Orchard Combat Training Center, Boise, Idaho, on May 7, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jadyn Eisenbrandt)
“This competition strengthens us in our camaraderie,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Alice Mapes, former Senior Enlisted Leader of the Idaho National Guard and board president of the Soldier Board event. “Working with other units and gathering information to put this whole event together has been a phenomenal experience. Everyone has worked well together and done an incredible job to make this competition the best.”
U.S. Army Spc. Edward Snyder from the North Dakota Army National Guard participates in the Combat Traning Scenario event of the 2025 Best Warrior Competition at the Orchard Combat Training Center, Boise, Idaho, on May 7, 2025.
The 13 competitors came together to test their tactical and technical skills in a series of rigorous events. Each competitor had previously earned their spot by outperforming their peers at both the unit and state levels.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Kane from the North Dakota National Guard competes in the water survival portion of the 2025 Best Warrior Competition in Caldwell, Idaho, on May 5, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jadyn Eisenbrandt)
“I saw this as a chance to test myself,” said Kane. “Being named Best Warrior means you're setting the standard. Our job is to lead by example and show what right looks like.”
Basic Officer Leader Course
Three North Dakota National Guard Soldiers graduated from the Basic Officer Leader Course in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on May 16. (Courtesy photo from Ashley Olson)
U.S. Army 2nd Lts. Theodore Mandt, Christopher Gibson, and Dalton Sivertson, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, at their Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 16.
Initial training at BOLC prepares Army officers both physically and mentally to lead effective, successful missions.
Tactical Radio Course
The North Dakota National Guard hosted a PRC-160 advanced tactical high-frequency radio training course at the North Dakota Information Technology building in Bismarck, North Dakota, May 20-22. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, welcomed National Guard members attending a PRC-160 advanced tactical high-frequency radio training course May 20 at the North Dakota Information Technology building in Bismarck.
Guard members from Guam, Kansas, New Mexico, Indiana, Colorado, Alabama and New York attended in person, while others participated virtually.
Toby Tirrito of L3Harris helped National Guard members connect to a radio in New Jersey during a PRC-160 advanced tactical high-frequency radio training course on May 22 at the North Dakota Information Technology building in Bismarck.
The course focused on updating radio units and learning new features and antenna configurations.
ND 2000
Air & Army Team Up
The 119th Operations Group teamed up with the 131st Military Police Battalion and the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program at the University of North Dakota to create a counter-UAS training scenario for the North Dakota National Guard at the Camp Grafton Training Center, May 5-7. (U.S. Air National Guard photos and story by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
This type of collaboration and joint training keeps all three organizations at the forefront of this technology and its potential applications.
131st Military Police Battalion
The 131st Military Police Battalion hosted its annual training at Camp Davis, near Valley City, and Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 131st Military Police Battalion)
Obstacles Course
VBS3 and Unstable Gunnery Tables
MOUT Training
From the Field Campaign
Wing Retirement
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ed Crary, 119th Wing, was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony at the Fargo Air Base, Fargo, North Dakota, on May 23. (U.S. Air National Guard photos and story by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Last Day of School
On May 23, members of the North Dakota National Guard helped lower the flag at Elk Ridge Elementary School in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Professional Development
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Division, conducted this month's professional development, May 14, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Historical Gavel
The Historian’s Office of the North Dakota National Guard came across a curious item. It was a simple wooden gavel with a brass band with engraved markings. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Russell Larson, North Dakota National Guard Assistant Historian)
According to an article, the gavel was crafted by Capt. Phil Christopherson, who served as custodian of Camp Grafton from 1929 to 1955. He used wood from the rudder of the Minnie H, the first steamboat to dock at Devils Lake, for the handle. The head of the gavel was made from a survey marker used by Heber M. Creel in 1879 to survey the Rock Island Military Reservation, which was later named Camp Grafton.
Creel had been assigned to the 7th Cavalry at Fort Totten, started the city of Creelsburg — which later became Devils Lake — served as inspector general for the North Dakota National Guard, and was appointed adjutant general in 1905.
The gavel was presented to Adjutant General Frayne Baker in 1936 and placed on display in his office, likely located in the new State Capitol at the time. The National Guard began moving operations to the Bismarck Indian School, later known as Fraine Barracks, in 1937.
Inscription on the gavel: Original Marker RIMR, erected by Gen Creel 1879. Donated by Capt. Christopherson to Adj. Gen. Office.
818th Engineer Company
Healthy Relationships
What defines a healthy relationship? We are all shaped by our experiences in life. From childhood through adulthood life shapes our perspective. These individual perspectives are what makes relationships both difficult to navigate as well as fulfilling. These traits can be extended to all relationships between intimate partners, family and friends. In this article it is my goal to give you a small insight as to how the experts define healthy relationship traits. (Information from Johnathan Fankhanel, 119th Wing, Force Support Squadron / Force Support officer)
RESPECT – You and your partner should treat one another with dignity as unique individuals. You should see value in one another.
COMMUNICATION – Be comfortable expressing your feelings and values. When you disagree, you should disagree in a constructive manner. It is okay to agree to disagree!
TRUST – Here is a big one and a key factor! Trust is built by being consistently honest in both words and actions.
HONESTY – It is vital to be honest, a solid relationship cannot be built on a foundation of lies.
ACCOUNTABILITY – Be responsible for your failures and take ownership for your mistakes.
EQUALITY – You and your partner should view each other as equals.
SUPPORT – Encourage your partner. When they have entrusted you with their goals and are struggling, be the rock they can count on.
BOUNDARIES – Establish both physical and emotional boundaries. It is healthy to maintain separate interests.
NON-THREATENING BEHAVIOR – You should always feel safe in your relationships. You should never feel in a place harm emotionally or physically.
RELATIONSHIP RESOURCE - Your relationship deserves an easy and flexible tool built for military life. Military One Source in conjunction with Our Relationship, offers a free program that helps you and your partner stay connected.
Military Couples Paint Night
The State Family Programs and Child & Youth held a Military Couples Paint Night at the Arts for Vets Gallery, Grand Forks, North Dakota, on May 20. (Photos courtesy of the State Family Programs and Child & Youth)
141st ECB Reunion
Get the TAG Line by Email
Click to receive an email whenever a new TAG Line is published.