The winners and the runner-ups of the North Dakota Army National Guard 2026 Best Warrior Competition, Sgt. Richard Tangen, 957th Engineer Company, won the Non-Commissioned Officer category, and Spc. John Shrock, Delta Detachment, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, won the enlisted category. The runner-ups for the two categories were Sgt. Joseph Eberle, 142nd Engineer Battalion, and Spc. Alex Wangen, Alpha Company, 112th Aviation Battalion.
Contents
- 2026 Best Warrior Competition
- Promotion to Colonel
- Spirit of '45 Commemoration
- Street Closure and Detour in Bismarck
- ND1000
- Professional Development
- Da Guards Podcast
- Unit Cohesion: A Crucial Protective Factor for the National Guard
- August IPPW Calendar and National Wellness Month – Prioritizing Your Health & Well-Being
- 81st Civil Support Team Reunion
- Roughrider Golf Tournament
- Recognition
- Military Father-Daughter Ball Events
- Ice Cream Social
- Military Gallery construction begins at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
- Veterans Stand Down
- North Dakota at EANGUS
- Upcoming Open Houses
2026 Best Warrior Competition
The North Dakota Army National Guard 2026 Best Warrior Competition has concluded at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, North Dakota. Over four days, Soldiers demonstrated their skills and resilience through physical fitness events, land navigation, marksmanship on the range, camouflage, and scenario-based tactical challenges.
Promotion to Colonel
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nathan Dicks, Joint Force Headquarters, was promoted to colonel during a ceremony at the Fargo Readiness Center in Fargo, North Dakota, Aug. 8. (U.S. National Guard photos by Master Sgt. Jill McGough, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
Spirit of '45 Commemoration
Service members from the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing took part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the Spirit of ’45 Commemoration at the Fargo National Cemetery in Fargo, North Dakota, Aug. 14. (Photos by North Dakota State Representative Brandy L. Pyle)
The event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender and the end of World War II.
Street Closure and Detour in Bismarck
If you’ve traveled to the Raymond J. Bohn Armory recently, you’re likely aware of the ongoing bridge construction project. We were recently notified that a road closure is expected to begin around Aug. 25. (Information provided courtesy of Master Sgt. David Rohrich, G9 Physical Plant Operations)
Miriam Avenue will be closed to eastbound traffic. The closure is expected to shorten the duration of the intersection construction and should last one to two months.
ND1000
Professional Development
Ron Murray, prevention specialist with the North Dakota National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention team, conducted this month's professional development, Aug. 13, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Ron Murray, prevention specialist with the North Dakota National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention team, discusses Strengths and Motivators to Create Healthy Habits with federal and state employees on Aug. 13 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Murray discussed “Fuel and Focus: Finding Your Drive to Build Healthy Habits” during his class.
Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity simply because it is enjoyable or satisfying, rather than for external rewards or pressure. It comes from internal factors such as interest, curiosity and the inherent pleasure of the activity itself.
Why is intrinsic more sustainable than extrinsic motivation?
- Social media thrives on extrinsic motivation
- Unrealistic expectations are fueled by comparison
- Intrinsic motivation builds emotional resilience
- Extrinsic motivation promotes instant gratification
- Creativity and authenticity thrive with intrinsic motivation
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek State Partnership Program Director
U.S. Army. Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek is the State Partnership Program director for the North Dakota National Guard and has been heavily involved with the State Partnership Program since becoming a bilateral affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana in 2020. He joined the NDARNG in 2000 when he enlisted as a combat engineer. This episode dives into his military career and how the State Partnership Program works in North Dakota with their partners in Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Unit Cohesion: A Crucial Protective Factor for the National Guard
Unit cohesion is the backbone of operational success and psychological resilience within the National Guard. As a force made up of soldiers who balance civilian responsibilities with military commitments, the Guard faces unique challenges. Among them, maintaining strong interpersonal bonds within units is a critical protective factor that directly influences mission readiness, mental health and long-term service retention. (Information from Caren Stewart, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
At its core, unit cohesion refers to trust, camaraderie and mutual support among service members. This bond becomes especially vital during deployments, domestic emergency responses or high-stress training scenarios. In such environments, Guardsmen often rely on their fellow Soldiers for both operational effectiveness and emotional stability. Knowing they can depend on others under pressure not only improves performance but also significantly reduces feelings of isolation, anxiety and burnout.
Studies across military branches consistently show that strong unit cohesion reduces the psychological impacts of trauma and stress. For the National Guard—often mobilized on short notice for diverse missions, from natural disasters to overseas conflicts—this resilience is crucial. Guardsmen who feel connected to their units are more likely to seek help when struggling, communicate openly with leadership and remain committed to their roles.
Furthermore, cohesive units foster a culture of accountability, respect and shared purpose. This environment deters misconduct, boosts morale and reinforces the Guard’s core values. In units where cohesion is prioritized through effective leadership, regular team-building and inclusive practices, Guardsmen experience greater satisfaction and are more likely to remain in service.
Unit cohesion is far more than a morale booster — it is a protective factor that safeguards the well-being and effectiveness of the National Guard. Investing in strong interpersonal connections within units is not just beneficial; it is essential to the enduring strength and resilience of the force.
August IPPW Calendar and National Wellness Month – Prioritizing Your Health & Well-Being
81st Civil Support Team Reunion
The 81st Civil Support Team hosted a 20-year unit reunion celebration at Jaycee Centennial Park, Bismarck, North Dakota, Aug. 7. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
A group of founding members of the 81st Civil Support Team pose for a photo during a 20-year reunion celebration at Jaycee Centennial Park in Bismarck, North Dakota, Aug. 7.
North Dakota's 81st Civil Support Team, comprising 22 full-time Army and Air National Guard personnel, was authorized by the Department of Defense in November 2004.
Current and old members of the 81st Civil Support Team take a group photo during a 20-year reunion celebration at Jaycee Centennial Park, Bismarck, North Dakota, Aug. 7.
Roughrider Golf Tournament
Recognition
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, presented Nikki Frohlich with a Deputy Adjutant General coin after professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota, Aug. 13. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Military Father-Daughter Ball Events
The North Dakota National Guard Youth has their annual Military Father-Daughter Ball events scheduled for August and September in Devils Lake (Aug. 23), Bismarck (Sept. 6), and Fargo (Sept. 20).
Ice Cream Social
The North Dakota National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention and Sharp program held a Ice Cream Social at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota, July 24. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Caren Stewart, Prevention Specialist with the North Dakota National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention)
Military Gallery construction begins at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
The State Historical Society of North Dakota, the North Dakota National Guard, and their respective foundations announce the start of construction on the Military Gallery expansion at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. This 70,000-square-foot addition will include a new Military Gallery, amphitheater, and infrastructure enhancements.
Kraus-Anderson Construction is now installing safety fencing prohibiting public access to much of the southeast quadrant of the Capitol grounds. This will impact use of the Capitol trail system. The Capitol Mall and west segment of the arboretum trail continue to be open as walking routes. Wayfinding information will be installed on the fences soon. The southeast parking lots will be closed to the public and will serve as the headquarters and staging areas during construction.
Veterans Stand Down
North Dakota at EANGUS
Members of the North Dakota Army and Air National Guard attended the 54th annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, Aug. 11–14. (Photos provided courtesy of North Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association Facebook page)