Cover photo: The 119th Civil Engineer Squadron training cadre work with visiting students from the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron as they utilize a telehandler to place a bag of Slash and Splash, rapid-set, quick-drying concrete over a simulated bomb impact crater at the North Dakota Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., September 30, 2021. (National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
Wendland to compete Army Best Warrior Competition
Staff Sergeant Brandon Wendland, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), will compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition (BWC), scheduled for October 3 to 8, 2021. (National Guard story by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Wendland competed in July at the 2021 Army National Guard BWC in the noncommissioned officer (NCO) category at Camp Navajo, Arizona, and placed second. The first-place winner was unable to compete, so Wendland will represent the Army National Guard at the Army-level BWC competing against Soldiers from across the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve.
"I'm really proud of Staff Sgt. Brandon Wendland for all of his achievements at various levels of the Best Warrior Competition," said Command Sgt. Derek Heck, state command sergeant major for the N.D. Army National Guard. "It's important to point out that traditional National Guard Soldiers have to prepare for Soldier competitions like this on their own time, which includes Soldier skills, military knowledge and physical fitness."
Another Happy Hooligan First
The Happy Hooligans began using the new Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery (RADR) training system for the first time at the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG) Regional Training Site (RTS). (National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
The Hooligans supported the visiting U.S. Air Force active duty 90th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES), from Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, the week of September 26 through October 2. The Fargo-based RTS is one of four Air National Guard civil engineer career field training sites providing the Rapid Damage Repair (RDR) portion of the RADR training, and is the first ANG training site to fully utilize this system for training.
An Airman operates a wheeled excavator equipped with a hydraulic concrete hammer as the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron training cadre works with visiting students from the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron. The students use heavy equipment and materials to patch simulated bomb impact craters to a concrete training runway at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., September 30, 2021.
An Airman operates an asphalt compactor as the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron training cadre works with visiting students from the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron. The students use heavy equipment and materials to patch simulated bomb impact craters to a concrete training runway at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., September 30, 2021.
119th Civil Engineer Squadron training cadre works with visiting students from the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron. The students use heavy equipment and materials to patch simulated bomb impact craters to a concrete training runway at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., September 30, 2021.
“For the past three to four years, the training has only been available at one of the Silver Flag U.S. Air Force civil engineer training sites at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Anderson AFB, Guam, or Ramstein AFB, Germany,” said Senior Master Sgt. Dan Anderson, an NDANG trainer at the RTS. The NDANG training site is still waiting for a few small pieces, like a special concrete saw that gets mounted on fork-lifts, but it is making due with standalone concrete saws in the meantime.
The 119th Civil Engineer Squadron training cadre work with visiting students from the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron as they utilize a telehandler to place a bag of Slash and Splash, Rapid-set, quick-drying concrete over a simulated bomb impact crater at the North Dakota Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, N.D., September 30, 2021. (National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing)
“We spent the first few days with the visiting personnel getting some stick-time with the equipment to get used to it before we begin the RDR training on the simulated concrete runway,” said Anderson.
The RADR system features a 150 feet by 750 feet concrete simulated runway, sectioned off in 20 foot by 20 foot squares for training craters. It is specially designed for making holes in the concrete that simulate bomb impact craters that can be repaired with fill and capping material.
“The idea is if we are at a deployed location and our runway gets hit, we have to be able to repair the damage quickly so we can take the fight to the enemy,” said Capt. Casey Parks-Garcia, 90th CES.
Debris is cleared from the simulated bomb blasts and the craters in the concrete are cut to make ready for the fill and patching. The patching is done with either asphalt or concrete capping material. The capping material is preferably selected to match the runway, but either asphalt or concrete may be used if one material is more easily accessible at the damage site.
“The RADR training course will be required for all engineers in the near future. Right now we average about 1,000 students per year at our RTS and we will be adding about another 300 per year when this becomes required,” said Anderson.
The 119th CES at the NDANG has received approximately 40 pieces of additional heavy equipment and is expecting about seven more for their new RADR training facility, and it has been up to the RTS trainers to get familiar with all of the equipment prior to providing training for trainees. In addition to the RDR portion of the RADR system, additional aspects of RADR will eventually be added. They are called the rapid explosive hazard mitigation (REHM) and the rapid airfield damage assessment system (RADAS).
“We don’t have any of this equipment at our base and we don’t have the time set aside to train with this type of equipment, so it has been great to come here and actually do this kind of training here for our war-time mission,” said Park-Garcia.
For now, the NDANG RTS is refining use of the training equipment and becoming more efficient in the training process that will be used for 119th CES members and visiting students from other units.
“It’s all a learning curve with the brand new equipment. Getting the settings right with the conveyor speed, the auger speeds needed a little adjustment. Glad we got the chance to work on it with these guys,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Larson, an RTS instructor.
SPP develops whole of government approach
The State Partnership Program conducted an introductory meeting between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Sanford World Clinic, a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization (NGO) that operates around the world supporting healthcare initiatives. (National Guard story by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, director N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program)
Sanford World Clinic, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., has operated for 10 years in Ghana but this was the first official meeting with USAID. USAID is the lead for international development programs on behalf of the United State's interest overseas. Ghana, along with the west African nations of Benin and Togo, are aligned with the N.D. National Guard in the National Guard's State Partnership Program.
“This is a great opportunity to conduct a whole-of-government approach within the healthcare sector with the Republic of Ghana. The N.D. National Guard is excited to work closer with our Sanford Partners, a leader in rural healthcare in the nation,” stated McEvers.
Naturalization Specialist's Progress
For the past six months, Spc. Yusuf Mustapha has been working as the Naturalization Specialist for the N.D. Army National Guard. (National Guard story by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Mustapha is currently assisting 41 Soldiers through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens. Although he's only been in this job for a few months, 10 Soldiers have gained citizenship with his help. He starts assisting Soldiers after they returned from Basic Combat Training (BCT), so there is no delay in beginning their naturalization process. Depending on the Soldier's background, it can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete the process once the proper forms are submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After that, a security clearance can take anywhere from a week to a year to process.
Per U.S. Army regulations, only U.S. Citizens are eligible for a security clearance. Without one, Soldiers cannot access the IT network, attend most schoolhouses, be on orders extending past 30 days, and cannot be hired full-time within the organization. They are limited to certain jobs within the Army and most cannot reach a rank higher than sergeant (E-5). Thanks in part to Mustapha's efforts, five naturalized Soldiers have received security clearances.
As the N.D. Army National Guard's Naturalization Specialist, Mustapha built a partnership with the state's USCIS office in order to more efficiently assist N.D. Guard Soldiers who are want to begin the naturalization process. Mustapha says that he feels fulfilled doing this work, knowing that he is directly helping Soldiers achieve their dreams of becoming American citizens and progress in their military careers. He encourages all Soldiers seeking help with the naturalization process to contact his office at 701-451-6414.
"Specialist Mustapha is very dedicated to assisting Soldiers in obtaining U.S. citizenship. He's always motivated and has a great attitude. As a naturalized citizen himself, he's the right fit for this position," said Lt. Col. Anna Wittrock, Deputy Director of Personnel, N.D. Army National Guard.
'TIS THE SEASON OF FREEDOM AWARDS
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award nomination season runs from October 1 through December 31. Employees who are members of the National Guard and other Reserve components and their families can nominate the member’s employer for this prestigious award. (National Guard story by Jannette Fetch, Volunteer Support Technician, N.D. ESGR)
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recognizes employers who provide the most outstanding support for their Guard and Reserve employees. Nominations come from almost every industry, including local community organizations, the public sector, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, as well as state and local government agencies. Companies fall under three categories of selection: large business, small business, and public sector.
Nominate your employer at the ESGR website.
For more information, contact Janette Fetch at (701) 333-2057 or janette.k.fetch.ctr@mail.mil. Please follow ESGR's Facebook page to stay current on their events and activities.
Senior N.D. Army Guard Leaders participate in aCFT
Senior leaders of the N.D. Army National Guard participated in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), September 29, 2021, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck. (National Guard story and photos by 2nd Lt. Erin DeMoe, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The ACFT is designed to more closely mimic the physical stress associated with combat duty, thus a providing an improved evaluation of a Soldier's combat readiness in regard to physical fitness. The Soldiers continued the test despite heavy rain from a thunderstorm.
Colonel Jonathan Erickson, N.D. Army National Guard chief of staff, runs the 2-mile event in the Army Combat Fitness Test at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, September 29, 2021.
Colonel Paul Helten, 68th Troop Command commander, runs laps with other North Dakota Army National Guard leadership during the 2-mile Army Combat Fitness Test event at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, September 29, 2021.
Martens Promoted to Captain
Chris Martens, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade judge advocate, was promoted to captain at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, September 30, 2021. He was promoted by Maj. Michelle Thomsen, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade command judge advocate, and had his new rank applied by his wife, Erin Martens.
Captain Chris Martens, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade judge advocate reaffirms his oath of office with Maj. Michelle Thomsen, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade command judge advocate, while his wife Erin, daughters Bailey and Ivie, and son-in-law Mitchell, observe the ceremony at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, September 30, 2021.
A Day for awards
Lieutenant Colonel Pat Flanagan, commander, 81st Civil Support Team (81st CST), presented several awards to members of the 81st CST, September 29, 2021, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Keller, 81st Civil Support Team)
Maj. Waylon Tomac earned the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding leadership and accomplishments while serving with the 81st CST during the N.D. National Guard's COVID-19 pandemic response. Capt. Laura Kleihauer was presented the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding leadership and accomplishments while serving with the 81st CST during the N.D. National Guard's COVID-19 pandemic response along with her service as commander of the 116th Public Affairs Detachment.
Sgt. Domonic Delaney and Officer Candidate Brent Lafontaine were each presented the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding performance while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff Sgt. James Porten was also presented the Army Commendation Medal in acknowledgement of his outstanding achievements during his full-time assignment at the 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot.
Finally, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Anton, Staff Sgt. Brent Miller, and Sgt. Elise Fettes were presented with certificates from the N.D. National Guard acknowledging fifteen, ten, and five years of service respectfully, as AGR (Active Guard Reserve) Soldiers.
Soldiers and Airmen of the 81st Civil Support Team stands in formation at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, September 29, 2021.
Sergeant First Class Eric Anton, center, Staff Sgt. Brent Miller, left, and Sgt. Elise Crider Fettes salute Lt. Col. Patrick Flanagan during a ceremony where they were presented certificates HONORING THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE AS AGR (ACTIVE GUARD RESERVE) SOLDIERS, Raymond J. Bohn Armory, September 29, 2021.
Appreciation
Two Soldiers assigned to Joint Force Headquarters were honored for their service at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, October 1, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Major General Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, presented Meritorious Service Medals to Maj. Ida Erickson and Maj. Matt Voeller for their service. Erickson served as the adjutant general's executive officer from October 2013 to August 2019, before serving as the deputy director, N.D. National Guard's J5/9 September 2019 to September 2021. She's now assigned to the N.D. Army National Guard's G-3.
Voeller served as the adjutant general's executive officer from July 2019 to August 2021. He's currently assigned as the officer-in-charge of the 68th Troop Command.
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