Engineers Conduct Annual Training In Wyoming
The Minot-based 164th Engineer Battalion and its subordinate units are conducting annual training at Camp Guernsey, Wyo. from July 19 to August 3. In addition to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Forward Support Company of the 164th Engineer Battalion, the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), the 817th Engineer Company (SAPPER), and the 818th Engineer Company (SAPPER) are participating. This marks the first time in more than 20 years that the entire battalion is training together outside of North Dakota. Top photo: Spc. Andrew Holmquist, 817th Engineer Company, launches an RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance during annual training at Camp Guernsey on July 25.
Spc. Aaron Haberlock, 957th Engineer Company, guides vehicles onto a raft to ferry them across the Glendo Reservoir on July 25 during their annual training at Camp Guernsey.
Staff Sgt, Jesse Cruise encourages and assists Spc. Jesse Urlacher firing the .50 caliber machine gun on July 25 during their annual training at Camp Guernsey. Both Soldiers are assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 164th Engineer Battalion,
Chaplain (Cpt.) Chad Gion, 164th Engineer Battalion chaplain, provides religious support for members of the 957th Engineer Company on July 26 during their annual training at Camp Guernsey.
Bridge Engineers Honored on Eve of Deployment
On July 27, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, the adjutant general and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader, hosted a sendoff ceremony for six Soldiers from the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) who were leaving for a year-long deployment to Kuwait. The 957th Engineer Company Soldiers will advise coalition forces on all aspects of military rafting and bridging operations acting as subject matter experts. Other distinguished visitors attending the sendoff were Gov. Doug Burgum, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, and U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong who joined with friends and family gathered at the Guard’s Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck. See media story: Guardsmen Honored for Overseas Mission.
Guard Aviators Perform Flyover Salute at Dedication of VA Cemetery at Standing Rock
National Guard Army aviators participated in the July 29 dedication of the All Nations Veterans Cemetery with a helicopter flyover. The cemetery, located on the Standing Rock Reservation, was recently recognized with a $4.9 million grant by the VA Cemetery Administration. The flyover salute was performed by two UH-72A Lakota helicopters, aircraft named in honor of Standing Rock's ethnic Hunkpapa Lakota, Sihasapa Lakota and Yanktonai Dakota. These types of engagements help strengthen the state's relationships with tribal nations and are aligned with Gov. Doug Burgum's focus on tribal partnerships, one of his Five Strategic Initiatives for North Dakota.
Lt. Col. Paul Helten (right), State Army Aviation Officer and mission commander for the July 29 flyover honoring the dedication of the All Nations Veterans Cemetery at Standing Rock listens to questions from crew members not pictured during pre-flight briefing on the tarmac at the Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility. Maj. Josh Yri (left) and Staff Sgt. Aaron Reich, both with the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support) also participated in the flyover performed with two UH-72A Lakota helicopters.
Two UH-72A Lakota helicopters from the North Dakota National Guard, perform a flyover salute at the dedication of the All Nations Veterans Cemetery on July 29.