Sgt. Domonic Delaney, left, and Sgt. Travis Johnson, center, both of the 81st Civil Support Team, assisted by a member of the Rapid City Fire Department Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team, conduct a chemical and biological weapons response exercise at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, April 26, 2022. (National Guard photo by Spc. Donald Bond, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Desert Storm MPs Hold Reunion
Soldiers of the N.D. National Guard's 191st Military Police (MP) Company who served overseas during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm three decades ago, met for a reunion at the Mandan Moose Lodge, Mandan, April 23, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
The MPs arrived in Saudi Arabia in November 1990 and returned home in May 1991. Their primary mission during the deployment was transporting, guarding, and feeding more than 20,000 enemy prisoners of war (EPWs).
Of the 106 N.D. Guard Soldiers that participated in this deployment, 45 attended the reunion. The only known deceased unit member is Keith Braddock, senior patrol officer, Watford City, N.D., who was killed in the line of duty on March 20, 1996. The Soldiers brought spouses and other guests to share in the celebration with their brothers and sisters-in-arms.
The unit's originally planned 30th reunion was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reunion committee leader, retired Master Sgt. Ron Balkowitsch assisted in the planning of this reunion as well as the 10-year and 20-year celebrations. His wife Marlys not only helped with planning the reunions but was also very involved in the Family Support Group while the 191st MPs were deployed to the middle east. Balkowitsch, who also served during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division, was a platoon sergeant during the Desert Storm deployment and understands the importance of these reunions.
"It was nice to reminisce with all the people who were able to attend this reunion," said Balkowitsch. "At the end of the night, we were telling great war stories; it truly felt like a family reunion."
Retired Master Sgt. Ron Balkowitsch and his spouse Marlys helped organize the 191st Military Police Company's 10, 20, and 30-year reunions, Mandan, April 23, 2022.
The unit was commanded by Capt. Scott Brand and the top non-commissioned officer was 1st Sgt. George Belohlavek. Only two Veterans of the Desert Shield/Desert Storm deployment that were present at the reunion are still serving in the National Guard. Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general and Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Johnson, Minnesota National Guard and assigned to the National Guard Bureau.
CST Exercise in South Dakota
Members of the N.D. National Guard's 81st Civil Support Team (CST) participated in exercise Rushmore Roundup, South Dakota, April 26 to 27, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Spc. Donald Bond, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Exercise participants consisted of CST units from CST Region 6, which includes North and South Dakota, Alaska, Idaho, Nebraska, and Washington. This joint training exercise is designed to promote regional response preparedness and interoperability between the CST Region 6 units and partner the teams with local and federal response agencies.
Sgt. Elise Fettes, left, and Sgt. Brent Lafontaine, center, 81st Civil Support Team, and Cassie Christy (right), of the Rapid City Fire Department Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team, scan the perimeter of a building during a chemical and biological weapons response exercise at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, S.D. on April 26, 2022.
Sgt. Brent Lafontaine, left, and Sgt. Elise Fettes, both of the 81st Civil Support Team, assisted by the Rapid City Fire Department Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team, identify chemical agents during a chemical and biological weapons response exercise at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, April 26, 2022
Sgt. Travis Johnson, left, and Sgt. Domonic Delaney, both of the 81st Civil Support Team, assisted by the Rapid City Fire Department Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team, take samples of biological agents during a chemical and biological weapons response exercise at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, April 26, 2022.
The training challenged the 81st CST to respond to simulated weapons of mass destruction and mass casualty scenarios. Specifically, the scenario called for responding to simulated chemical and biological weapons inside a water treatment plant and other buildings within the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota.
Later the training involved simulated radiological weapons and mass casualty events at the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
Sgt. Domonic Delaney, left, and Sgt. Travis Johnson, both of the 81st Civil Support Team, scan a doorway for radiation during a radiological weapons response exercise at the Badlands National Park, South Dakota, April 27, 2022.
Sgt. 1st Class John Noyes, left, and 1st Sgt. Robert Federer, both of the 81st Civil Support Team, provide medical assistance to a casualty during a simulated vehicle accident at the Badlands National Park, South Dakota, April 27, 2022.
Senior N.D. National Guard Leaders meet with Devils Lake MAC
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, Command Sgt. Maj. Derek Heck, state command sergeant major, and other senior leaders visited with the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Devils Lake Chamber, Devils Lake, N.D., April 27, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Topics discussed were National Guard activities, initiatives, and economic impact to the Devils Lake community as well as future projects at Camp Grafton Training Center.
The meeting was conducted at the Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) Military Service Club.
Soldiers and civilian employees of Camp Grafton Training Center listen to senior N.D. Guard leaders at a town hall meeting, April 27.
New Hooligan Welcome Sign
The N.D. Air National Guard has a shiny new face at the base entrance at the corner of University and 32nd Avenue in north Fargo. (National Guard story and photos by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs Office)
The new welcome sign is the result of a unit design contest that began in spring 2021. 2nd Lt. Jeff Arel, 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, led the efforts for a new design and recruited six Happy Hooligan Airmen from various areas on base to help select the winning design. The board reviewed 39 design submissions and incorporated ideas from several.
“It would be hard to credit just one person for the design, since we included parts of several submission in the final version," said Arel. "I’d like to give a shout out to all those that submitted design ideas and to the Design Review Board and the deputies for their efforts in making the new sign a reality.”
The new welcome sign at the N.D. Air National Guard Base entrance.
The old sign, which was worn and damaged, was erected when the current entrance moved from the University and 28th Avenue in December 2008.
Strategic Execution Course
The N.D. National Guard hosted the Strategic Execution course, at the N.D. Department of Health classroom in south Bismarck, April 25 to 29, 2022. (National Guard story by Lt. Col. Steve Bohl, N.D. National Guard Joint Force Headquarters)
The course was facilitated by the Strategic Solutions Group. Its purpose is to improve the skills of N.D. National Guard strategic planners and garner the best practices from private, non-profit, and public sectors.
The class consisted of 24 participants. Six N.D. National Guard Airmen, seventeen N.D. National Guard Soldiers and one civilian. Two instructors traveled to Bismarck to conduct the course.
Students of the Strategic Execution course listen to the instructor, Bismarck, April 25, 2022. (National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Race to Zero
The 9th Annual Race To Zero 5k and 10k run/walk for sexual assault awareness and prevention featured 200 participants on the morning of April 9, 2022, in Bismarck, ND. (National Guard story by Staff Sgt. Tyler Wall, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The annual race is a family-friendly event that encourages community conversation about sexual assault awareness and prevention. The Department of Defense observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month each April, offering an opportunity to continue to improve outreach and support to victims while also expanding prevention efforts.
The race is a collaborative project between the Abused Adult Resource Center, Bismarck State College, CAWS North Dakota, and the North Dakota National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. These agencies work tirelessly toward their shared goal of zero sexual assaults in North Dakota.
Two participants push strollers during North Dakota’s annual Race to Zero event in Bismarck, North Dakota, April 9, 2022.
If you are in danger or need help reporting an assault, please call the 24/7 confidential DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 or the North Dakota National Guard Helpline at 701-425-4821. You can also find useful resources by visiting www.safehelpline.org.
Retirement Seminar
The N.D. Army National Guard's G-1 (personnel) section, in conjunction with the Retirement Services Office, 88th Readiness Division, U.S. Army Reserve, conducted its annual traditional Soldier retirement seminar, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck, April 23, 2022. (National Guard story by Ms. Ashley Timian, Retirement Services Officer)
The seminar focused on information useful to traditional Soldiers and spouses with 18 to 20 years of service. There were over 60 attendees, consisting of 41 Service members and 20 spouses who were supported by 10 staff members.
Holocaust Remembrance
Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, was observed on the campus of Bismarck State College, April 26, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
This annual observance, paused by the pandemic, is a joint effort between the N.D. National Guard, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, and Bismarck State College (BSC). It solemnly commemorates the approximately six million Jews and others murdered by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Featured speakers included BSC president Doug Jensen; N.D. Attorney General Drew Wrigley; N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general Jackie Huber; Mr. Steve Hunegs, executive director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas; Ms. Joy Wezelman, a leader in the Bismarck Jewish community; and Rabbi Janeen Kobrinsky, Temple Beth El, Fargo ND. The colors were posted by Dakota Leathernecks Detachment 1419 with music provided by the BSC Mixed Chamber Choir.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, center, stands with audience members during the posting of the national and state colors at the Yom HaShoah observance, Bismarck State College, April 26, 2022.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, renders remarks at the Yom HaShoah observance, Bismarck State College, April 26, 2022.
The main speaker was Mrs. Dina Butcher of Bismarck whose family was severely affected by the Holocaust. Her father survived the notorious Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Germany while her grandmother, three aunts, an uncle, and two cousins were exterminated in the gas chambers at Auschwitz. In recent years, Dina has told her family’s tragic story, while warning against the possibility of similar atrocities if the Holocaust is forgotten.
Ms. Joy Wezelman, a leader in the Bismarck Jewish community, lights a memorial candle during the observance of Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, at Bismarck State College, April 26, 2022.
The first Yom HaShoah was observed in Israel on December 28, 1949 and has spread across the world. This year the official observance began at sunset on April 27 and concluded at nightfall on April 28.
Students Learn About Army Guard Careers
The N.D. Army National Guard teamed with the staff of the Bismarck Public School Career Academy on the Bismarck State College campus, to host the annual Discover Career Fair, April 27, 2022. (National Guard story by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
This event showcases some of the career fields in the N.D. Army National Guard to potential applicants. Juniors and seniors from Bismarck Public Schools attended. The key jobs that were showcased were Air Defense, Aviation, Information Technology, Vehicle Maintenance, Military Police, Medical, and the Civil Support Team. Approximately 350 students attended the annual event fair.
Warrant Officer 1 Trey Grumann, Company C, 2nd Battalion 285th Aviation Regiment, explains the features of a flight helmet to a student at the N.D. Army National Guard's annual Discover Career Fair, April 27, 2022. (National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Sgt. Anthony Koistinen, information technology specialist, discusses career options with high school students at the N.D. Army National Guard's annual Discover Career Fair, April 27, 2022.
Sgt. Alexander Johnson, bottom, and Sgt. Levi Kudrna, both of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, discuss air defense careers at the N.D. Army National Guard's annual Discover Career Fair, April 27, 2022.
Religous Support Engagement with GAF
Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, state chaplain for the N.D. National Guard, along with Chaplain (Maj.) Chad O. Gion, 68th Troop Command, conducted a religious support engagement with the Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF), Accra, Ghana, from April 25 to 30, 2022. (National Guard story by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, director, N.D. State Partnership Director)
The N.D. Guard chaplains were joined by Chaplain (Col.) Laurence J. Bazer, director of religious affairs for the Army National Guard and Deputy Director, Office of the Chaplain, National Guard Bureau. The engagement focused on the challenges faced while providing religious support in a deployed environment. Topics included combat and operational stress control (including traumatic event management), suicide awareness and prevention, moral injury, as well as religious support for the dying.
For decades, Ghana has contributed peacekeeping forces to United Nations (U.N.) efforts in promoting regional peace and security. They have provided approximately 78,000 peacekeepers to various international operations and consistently rank among the top ten contributors to U.N. peacekeeping operations. They were the first African country to deploy peacekeepers to Congo in 1960 as part of the U.N.’s first large-scale peacekeeping mission.
This is the first-time visit to Ghana for Chaplains Bazer and Gion. They were impressed with the professionalism and the amount of training that Chaplain Johnson has personally invested in the State Partnership Program over the last 8 years.
This is the 9th joint engagement (eight in Ghana and one in North Dakota) between the religious support chaplains and specialists of the N.D. National Guard and GAF. There were two chaplain engagements to Togo and Benin in 2015 and 2018, respectfully.
Recognition
Joe Kraft, Grounds and Maintenance - Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), was awarded a recognition coin for routinely going above and beyond in keeping the installation operational during periods of inclement weather, at CGTC, April 27, 2022. He spent countless hours on weekends ensuring the safety of Soldiers and civilian employees - clearing roads and walkways. His knowledge and expertise in maintenance equipment have allowed him to quickly identify deficiencies and correct them in a timely matter.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, presents a recognition coin to Joe Kraft, Camp Grafton Training Center, April 27, 2022.
Steve Elfman, Heat Plant - Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), was awarded a recognition coin for outstanding performance in his duties since 2010. His knowledge was instrumental in converting the heating plant’s controls from analogue to digital while assisting a contractor in customizing the automation program to achieve optimum efficiency. As a subject matter expert, Elfman fully understands the principles of steam generation and shares his knowledge with his fellow employees.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, presents a recognition coin to Steve Elfman, Camp Grafton Training Center, April 27, 2022.
Staff Sgt. Tiffany Vannett was recognized for outstanding performance while conducting duties as both the unit administrative non-commissioned officer (NCO) and as training NCO for the 3662nd Support Maintenance Company (SMC). Vannett submitted 28 Distributed Leader Course manual enrollment requests and processed 28 Electronic Based Distributed Learning packets resulting in the payout of over $17,000 to her Soldiers. She continually advocates for her Soldiers under her care and remains days ahead of all assigned suspenses.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, presents a recognition coin to Staff Sgt. Tiffany Vannett, 3662 SMC, Camp Grafton Training Center, April 27, 2022.
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