Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron recently participated in a training exercise at a regional training site, sharpening their skills in rapid runway repair operations at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Contents
- 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference
- New State Command Sergeant Major Announced
- Cyber Shield 2025
- Flood Response Exercise 2025
- Operation Chastise Exercise
- 119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron
- 119th Medical Group
- 131st Military Police Battalion
- ND 2000
- 164th Engineer Battalion
- 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
- From the Field Campaign
- Norwegian Ruck March
- More Than a Click: PTSD Awareness and the Hidden Impacts of Social Media
- Chief Master Sergeant Retires
- Military Adventure Night
- Late Afternoon Swearing In
2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference
U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, stands for a photo with North Dakota National Guardsmen during the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, National Guard Bureau)
The North Dakota National Guard is partnered with three African nations in the National Guard State Partnership Program: Benin, Ghana and Togo.
New State Command Sergeant Major Announced
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena has been selected to serve as the next State Command Sergeant Major, effective Sept. 13. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by North Dakota National Guard Visual Information)
Kachena brings more than 24 years of exceptional experience, superior mentorship skills, and leadership expertise.
Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena was born in Park River, North Dakota and enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in December 2000. He completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in August 2001 and Advanced Individual Training as a Stinger Crewmember (14M) at Fort Bliss, Texas in August 2002. Kachena currently serves as the 164 RTI Commandant, in Devils Lake, ND.
I am honored to assume the role of Command Sergeant Major of the North Dakota Army National Guard. I want to thank our senior leaders for their trust and confidence and express my sincere appreciation to Command Sergeant Major Eric Binstock for his exceptional leadership, friendship, and candor in laying a strong foundation for our future.
His military assignments included the Assistant S4 Active Guard Reserve (AGR), 1-188th ADA, Grand Forks, ND; Admin NCO, HHB, 1-188th ADA, Grand Forks, ND; Supply Sergeant, HHB, 1-188th ADA, Grand Forks, ND; Readiness NCO, Battery B, 1-188th ADA, Grand Forks, ND; BN Operations NCO, 1-188th ADA, Grand Forks, ND; BDE Operations NCO, 141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fargo, ND, BN CSM 142 Engineer Battalion, Commandant 164 Regional Training Institute.
I’m excited to work alongside our Soldiers to strengthen the organization, enhance training, support recruiting and retention, modernize equipment, and deepen the relationships within the communities we serve.
Cyber Shield 2025
Cyber Shield is a collaborative training event that brings together military branches, states and partner nations to develop and maintain defensive cyber forces against network-based attacks. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Nigel Helley, Detachment 1, 174th Cyber Protection Team)
Hosted annually by the National Guard Bureau, Cyber Shield is a premier cyber defense exercise that draws participants from all 54 states and territories, State Partnership Programs and international partners to strengthen collective cyber readiness.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Collin Martz and 1st Lt. Donte Stevens work in the white cell as observers, providing blue teams with training assessment and validation. “Edited image”
This event challenges 37 teams from across the nation, along with 15 State Partnership Program nations, to hone their defensive cyber skills by responding to real-world cyber incidents in a controlled environment.
U.S. Army Spc. Zane Ness, Joint Force Headquarters, and Sgt. Christopher Vandy, 112th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, works in the fusion cell to provide intelligence support to blue teams.
The training focused on open-source toolkits and tactics, techniques and procedures to support defensive cyber operations, including network sensor placement, network identification tools and techniques, containment strategies, network hardening and eradication, threat emulation, continuous monitoring and incident response playbooks.
North Dakota Guardsmen Recognized by Guam Team at Cyber Shield 2025
U.S. Army Capt. Rhea Goulet and Sgt. Sierra Erickson of the North Dakota Army National Guard, assigned to the 3662nd Support Maintenance Company in Devils Lake, serve as the only full-time support personnel for Cyber Shield 2025.
The Guam team, presented Goulet and Erickson with custom plaques as a gesture of appreciation. The recognition reflected their professionalism, flexibility and tireless efforts to ensure inclusive and effective coordination for all participants. Their support represents more than a contribution to Cyber Shield. It reflects the greater spirit of service, partnership and excellence that defines the National Guard.
Flood Response Exercise 2025
The North Dakota National Guard worked with representatives from more than 40 local, state and federal agencies during a large-scale emergency response exercise held June 9–13. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Anna Welchel, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Delegates from various state agencies collaborate during an emergency flood response exercise at the Law Enforcement Training Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, June 10.
The North Dakota National Guard operated from the Joint Operations Center at Fraine Barracks and other alternate locations, while state officials gathered at the Law Enforcement Training Center in Bismarck. The exercise focused on testing and refining statewide strategies and tactics for responding to real-world emergencies.
“There are roughly 40 agencies involved,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dan Murphy, director of domestic operations for the Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard. “We have the domestic operations cell out of Joint Force Headquarters, the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade out of Fargo, 68th Troop Command out of Bismarck, 119th Wing out of Fargo are all participating as a function of this and some other outside states that have come in to play in this as well.”
About 50 Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Force Headquarters worked in the Joint Operations Center, or JOC, to apply their skills in planning, monitoring, coordinating and directing military support during this flood response training exercise.
“The intent of this exercise is on a large-scale event that includes, as I mentioned earlier, roughly 40 different agencies, so that cross-talk between agencies is invaluable, and when you don't have that, that just delays the response, that's an unacceptable answer,” said Murphy. “So the full intent is to exercise to a very high degree with all the participating agencies. You develop those relationships and understand each other and what they bring. With that common knowledge, the response for the real world is reduced, but enhanced by the fact that we are just quicker, faster, stronger at what we're able to do.”
The JOC is a combined Army and Air National Guard facility that serves as the command-and-control headquarters, providing direction and guidance for joint operations.
From left: U.S. Army Maj. Andrew Groninger, DOMOPS; U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Kruzel, 119th Operations Squadron; U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Schauer; and Staff Sgt. Jack Christl, 119th Communications Squadron. “Edited image”
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Schauer, assistant adjutant general for air, is briefed by communications experts on the capabilities of the alternate Joint Operations Center, or "Jump JOC," during Operation Chastise Statewide Exercise.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Col. Teresa McDonough, Joint Force Headquarters, Director of Staff, Air)
Operation Chastise Exercise
119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron
Debris Removal
Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron took part in a base-wide disaster response exercise, practicing debris removal to help ensure clear access for people and vehicles during emergencies at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Airman 1st Class Mike Kratz saws a tree during a base-wide disaster response exercise.
The exercise simulated the aftermath of a natural disaster, challenging the team to respond quickly and effectively under realistic conditions.
They gained valuable hands-on experience operating heavy equipment, using and maintaining chainsaws, and following proper safety procedures — all essential for staying mission-ready when it matters most.
Rapid Runway Repair Operations
Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron recently took part in a training exercise at a regional training site, honing their skills in rapid runway repair operations at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Master Sgt. Brandon Grund, 119th Civil Engineering Squadron, directs where to drop dirt during rapid runway repair operations at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10.
As part of the scenario, teams worked to fill a “legacy crater” simulating realistic airfield damage.
The Fargo-based Regional Training Site is one of four Air National Guard civil engineer career field training sites providing the rapid damage repair portion of Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery training. It is the first Air National Guard training site to fully utilize this system for training.
The hands-on training gave Airmen valuable experience operating heavy equipment and applying recovery techniques, strengthening their readiness to respond whenever and wherever needed.
119th Medical Group
Members of the 119th Medical Group recently participated in Tactical Combat Casualty Care Tier 3 training, a critical course designed specifically for combat medics and corpsmen at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The training helps them keep their certifications up to date while building the skills needed to respond quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations. By running through realistic combat scenarios, they gain hands-on experience that prepares them to save lives and stay mission-ready downrange.
131st Military Police Battalion
The 131st Military Police Battalion crowned the winners of its 2025 Battalion Best Warrior Competition June 9 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard photos from Master Sgt. Joseph Francetich, 131st Military Police Battalion)
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Lt. Col. Jay Sheldon, commander of the 131st Military Police Battalion, congratulates Sgt. Austin Hanten of the 191st Military Police Company on winning the noncommissioned officer category of the competition.
The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that recognizes and rewards the top-performing soldiers and noncommissioned officers.
Sheldon congratulates Spc. Madelyn Rohrich of the 191st Military Police Company on winning the Soldier category of the competition.
The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that recognizes and rewards the top-performing soldiers and noncommissioned officers.
Congratulations to Sgt. Richard Tangen of the 957th Engineer Company, Bridge; Sgt. Edward Langstaff of the 817th Engineer Company, Sapper; Spc. Kaden Campbell of the 164th Engineer Battalion; and Spc. Skylar Smith of the 817th Engineer Company, Sapper, for advancing to the state Best Warrior Competition.
Rappel Tower
Soldiers from the Forward Support Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, enjoyed a day at the Rappel Tower in Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, North Dakota, on June 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 164th Engineer Battalion)
The training exercised not only effective skill development but also provided a high-energy, morale-building and competitive experience.
141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Map Reading
Soldiers from the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade held a map reading class at the Army Readiness Center, Fargo, North Dakota, June 10. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
Domestic Operations Exercise
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade annual training continued with the start of a domestic operations exercise working with Joint Force Headquarters teammates from the Army Readiness Center, Fargo, North Dakota, June 9. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
Officer Exchange Program
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade welcomed an officer from the German Army during its annual training as part of an officer exchange program at the Army Readiness Center, Fargo, North Dakota, June 4. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jacob Chapman, 164th Engineer Battalion and Capt. Philipp Hesse, a military intelligence officer with the German Army, visited Col. Kevin Miller, commander of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, on June 4 at the Army Readiness Center in Fargo, North Dakota.
Chapman and Hesse are participating in the officer exchange program. Chapman will complete his assignment in Germany later this year.
The exchange program, known as the Military Personnel Exchange Program, is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen alliances and enhance defense cooperation by integrating U.S. Army officers into foreign militaries—and vice versa.
Celebrating 250
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade celebrated the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday at the Army Readiness Center, Fargo, North Dakota, June 4. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
From the Field Campaign
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Norwegian Ruck March
The North Dakota National Guard held a Norwegian Ruck March at the Camp Grafton Training, Devils Lake, North Dakota on June 6. (U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Capt. Nathan Rivard, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The Norwegian Foot March is a 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) ruck march that originated in Norway in 1915. It was initially designed as a test of endurance for Norwegian soldiers and has since evolved into a joint military and civilian event.
Participants carry a rucksack weighing at least 11 kilograms (24.25 pounds). Those who complete the march within the specified time earn the Marsjmerket badge, a NATO-recognized foreign military award.
The Medical Readiness Detachment hosted the event, and all five of its participants completed the ruck.
Sixty-nine service members started the march at 9:30 p.m. The first soldier to finish was Spc. Colter Thorsell of the 3662nd Support Maintenance Company, with a time of 3:18:57.
Top Male Overall – Spc. Colter Thorsel – 3:18:57
Top Female Overall – Eva Sybrant – 4:12:53
Top Female Soldier – Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Hill – 4:22:58
More Than a Click: PTSD Awareness and the Hidden Impacts of Social Media
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder and how modern tools such as social media can play both supportive and harmful roles.(Information from Markelle Dockter - Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
For individuals with PTSD, platforms can sometimes expose them to triggering content—such as violent videos, loud noises or distressing news—that may intensify symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety and emotional distress. Social media’s algorithm-driven content can unknowingly reintroduce trauma, making it crucial to use these platforms with intention and care.
At the same time, social media can be a lifeline for those struggling with PTSD. Online support groups, mental health advocates and trauma-informed communities offer spaces where individuals can share experiences, find validation and access resources. By following mental health professionals or participating in awareness campaigns, users can feel less alone in their journey. During PTSD Awareness Month and beyond, fostering these positive online connections can be a powerful part of healing and support.
Resources for Military Members and Families Facing PTSD use the buttons below.
By recognizing the risks and resources, we can use social media more wisely—and support those who carry unseen wounds from their service.
Group photo from the Let's Get Together 5K at Seratoma Park, Bismarck, North Dakota, on June 6.
Social media has become a powerful tool for connection, education, and opportunity. It enables people to stay in touch with loved ones across the globe, build professional networks, and access real-time information. It also offers platforms for self-expression, creativity, and activism, allowing individuals to share their voices and mobilize for causes they care about.
However, with these benefits come important cautions. Excessive use can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, often fueled by unrealistic comparisons and constant validation-seeking. There's also the risk of misinformation, cyberbullying, and the erosion of privacy, especially when users share personal information without fully understanding the consequences. Social media use while driving is also a growing safety concern, as it distracts attention from the road and slows reaction time. Glancing at a phone to check notifications, reply to a message, or scroll through content—even for a few seconds—can lead to serious or fatal accidents. It's a reminder that no post or like is worth risking your life or the lives of others on the road.
To use social media responsibly, we must approach it mindfully. This includes setting boundaries around screen time, curating positive and reliable content, and engaging in respectful interactions. I always like to ask myself this one question: “Would I say this or comment this way to a person if they were standing right in front of me?” Respectful interactions have decreased greatly over social media platforms, but what if we could set that clear and defined boundary of mutual respect? We could set up future generations to interact more positively online.
Chief Master Sergeant Retires
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jason Coalwell, 119th Security Forces Squadron, was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, on June 17. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Kris Jacobs, commander of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, presented Senior Master Sgt. Jason Coalwell the Meritorious Service Medal during a retirement ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard base.
Coalwell joined the Happy Hooligans on May 4, 1996, and served exclusively in security forces during his 29-year career.
Military Adventure Night
Late Afternoon Swearing In
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, swears in new Airman Christian Werkmeister at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, North Dakota, on May 30. (U.S. Army National Guard photos from Chief Warrant Officer 3 Deitra Harr, Joint Force Headquarters)
141st ECB Reunion
818th Engineer Company
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