First Sergeant David Saari, Shooter Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, holds his son during his unit's sendoff ceremony, at the Alerus Center, Grand Forks, N.D., June 5, 2021. (National Guard photo by Jon Haugen, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
N.D. Guard Air Defenders Ready for Mission
About 225 Soldiers of the Grand Forks-based 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA) were honored at a sendoff ceremony at the Alerus Center, Grand Forks, N.D., June 5, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Jon Haugen, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
The unit will be deploy for about 14 months of duty in the National Capitol Region (NCR). Their mission involves collaborating with other Department of Defense agencies forming the integrated air defense system protecting the airspace around the Washington, D.C. area and is part of Operation Noble Eagle. This mission is consistent with typical U.S. Army ADA missions and tasks associated with aerial surveillance and protection of facilities and personnel from air attack.
Rendering remarks in recognition of the deploying Soldiers were Gov. Doug Burgum, commander-in-chief for the N.D. National Guard; Sen. John Hoeven; Sen. Kevin Cramer; Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general; and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader for the N.D. National Guard. The 1-188th ADA is commanded by Lt. Col. Walyn Vannurden and the senior enlisted Soldier is Command Sgt. Maj. Russ Garrett.
Gov. Doug Burgum congratulates Spc. Gage Biel who was singled out for outstanding duty performance moments before by the N.D. National Guard's senior enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock. Biel was recognized with a coin during The sendoff ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Grand Forks, N.D., June 5, 2021.
This is the 1-188th ADA’s 12th deployment since 2004, making it the most-deployed unit in the North Dakota Army National Guard. The unit supported the NCR air defense mission twice before from July 2013 to April 2014 and March 2017 to February 2018. In addition to the NCR missions, this unit deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission, and its Soldiers deployed six times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Exercise Victory Hooligan
Fighter jets returned to the skies over Fargo as the 119th Wing hosted Exercise "Victory Hooligan", June 8, 2021, at the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG) base. (U.S. Air National Guard story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. David H Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Participants included the 119th Operations Group, with MQ-9 Reaper aircraft; Naval Air Station Oceana aviators, with four F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft; tactical air control party (TACP) Airmen from the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron; N.D. Army National Guard (NDARNG) aviators, with UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota helicopters; and several other visiting Airmen from various Air National Guard units.
Exercise "Victory Hooligan" facilitated joint integration training, which allowed the participating entities to coordinate assets and capabilities to train to best practices to support combatant commanders.
The NDARNG provided helicopters for transport of the TACPs while some NDANG members participated in the exercise as ground troops. The helicopters picked up the Airmen and returned them to the flight line, simulating a battle location drop-off point.
TACPs then conducted a military convoy to locate simulated enemy targets. After locating a target, they communicated with the MQ-9 and F/A-18 aircraft to call-in simulated airstrikes to sufficiently affect the target according to the commander's intent.
The training is an opportunity to rehearse planning and execution as a joint team in a controlled environment to prepare the various exercise participants for scenarios they are likely to encounter in combat. The exercise also allows time for after-action discussions to refine future actions.
A N.D. National Guard Airman flies in a North Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as part of Exercise Victory Hooligan hosted at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 8, 2021.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to get a little bit sharper then we were yesterday. One of the pillars of our joint culture in the Operations Group is that shared experiences build teams; Exercise "Victory Hooligan" was an outstanding example of this,” said Col. Ryan Ayers, 119th Operations Group commander. “Planning and training together as a coordinated joint team, accelerates our ability to understand, decide, and act as a joint force. We look forward to building on the success of this exercise.”
State Partnership Program Update
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock are meeting with U.S. and Ghanaian officials in Accra, Ghana, June 6 to 12, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, N.D. state partnership program director)
The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie Sullivan, led the U.S. delegation along with the U.S. Embassy to Ghana's political section chief, Chris Gunning. The Republic of Ghana, along with the Togolese Republic and Benin, is one three N.D. National Guard's west African partner nations.
On June 9, 2021, Dohrmann was invited to meet with members of Ghana’s Parliament regarding capacity-building efforts with the North Dakota National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The two Ghanaian Parliament committees were the Committees of Defence and Interior; and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Dohrmann briefed the Parliament committee members about the N.D. National Guard’s roles with respect to its federal and state missions. He also addressed his unique role of managing the N.D. Department of Emergency Services along with commanding the N.D. National Guard. Committee members asked about the deployment of National Guard Soldiers under Defense Support of Civilian Authority and how that works within the U.S. National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Later, Dohrmann outlined the 42 disaster preparedness missions the N.D. National Guard has conducted with first responders from 2005 to 2021 and highlighted the exceptional work in disaster response of the Guard Soldiers, Airmen and personnel of the N.D. Department of Emergency Services. In addition to responding to floods, wildland fires, and civil disturbances, he highlighted the herculean efforts by the N.D. Department of Health and Local Public Health agencies within North Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The importance of conducting joint exercises was emphasized to ensure the first responders have relationships and procedures in place prior to emergencies occurring. This type of preparation helps ensure better and more effective response.
Ambassador Sullivan highlighted the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) which works with reinforcing agencies within the Government of Ghana in support of response to disasters and emerging threats. The committees, along with their chair the Honorable Kennedy Agyapong, acknowledged the N.D. National Guard's commitment to the Republic of Ghana and looks forward to future involvement with all hazards planning and mitigation which includes flooding, wildfires, and earthquake preparedness.
NCO Engagement With Ghanaian Partners
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, N.D. National Guard senior enlisted leader, met with senior Ghanaian non-commissioned officers (NCOs) while on a visit to the Republic of Ghana, June 6 to 12, 2021. (National Guard story and photo by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, N.D. state partnership program director)
Binstock met with Sergeant Major Ramos Barker, senior enlisted NCO of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghanaian Sergeant Major of the Army, Sergeant Major Addo. Addo is scheduled to visit the N.D. Army National Guard's annual Best Warrior Competition (BWC) in August. Another topic of discussion was the upcoming July engagement with five N.D. National Guard NCOs visiting Ghana to exchange experiences, discuss leadership, and better understand some of the challenges faced by the Ghana Armed Forces NCOs and warrant officers.
This is Binstock’s second trip to Ghana as the N.D. National Guard's senior enlisted leader.
Construction Engineers Continue Deployment Prep
The 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment continues to prepare for their upcoming deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area in the Middle East. (National Guard story and photos by Capt. Justin Johnson, 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment)
This past week the unit focused on certifying about 55 number of Soldiers on basic U.S. Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills during annual training at Camp Grafton Training Center. All Soldiers must conduct Situational Training Exercises (STX) that certify their proficiency against U.S. Army standards and stress the unit under rigorous training environments.
After exiting the gas chamber Soldiers of the 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment are guided to a safe area where they are instructed on how best to reduce the effects of the CS teargas. Soldiers learn to continue moving and flap their arms to remove excess gas from their uniforms.
During the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense training lane, Soldiers of the 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment exercise their ability to use assigned protective equipment while marking contaminated areas, Camp Grafton Training Center, June 7, 2021.
These STX Lanes also build Soldiers' confidence and squad-level team cohesion. Examples of training executed this week include individual weapons training, tactical communications and reporting, reacting to chemical and biological attacks, urban operations, and first aid training.
Hooligan Airman Drives Services Flight's Kitchen Efforts
During June drill, Tech. Sgt. Will Case, of the 119th Services Flight, led the effort to train and feed Happy Hooligans as part of a readiness exercise at the N.D. Air National Guard base June 3 to 5, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Nathanael Baardson, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Case was a key contributor to the 119th Services Flight's feeding of more than 550 Airmen from a single pallet expeditionary kitchen (SPEK) during the readiness exercise. The SPEK is a mobile, tent-based field kitchen which feeds U.S. Air Force personnel at a basic expeditionary airfield resources (BEAR) base. Its established at an austere location when other feeding means are not available. It is packed onto one pallet, can be loaded onto an aircraft, and then off-loaded, setup utilized as the first kitchen-in-place for up to 60 days.
Every Air National Guard unit is required to have a SPEK, and to conduct training for use of the equipment annually. A tasked unit is expected to be able to deploy the SPEK equipment and personnel within 72 hours of notice, and six people are expected to be able to set it up and ensure it’s fully functional in eight hours. The SPEK can be utilized at a forward operating area for combat support, or in response to a natural disaster for personnel coming to the aid of communities without operational infrastructure.
Case transferred to the 119th Wing in 2016 after serving nine years in the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard. He attended U.S. Air Force Technical Training School, participated in Silver Flag(a services training program at Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia), attended Airman Leadership School, and then deployed to Al Udeid.
Photo: Tech. Sgt. Will Case, 119th Services Flight, prepares an arch in the assembly of a single pallet expeditionary kitchen (SPEK) during a readiness exercise at the 119th North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 3, 2021.
Many of the newer 119th Services Flight members have not had the opportunity to use a SPEK since their initial training, and even then, they didn’t serve a meal for 500 Airmen. During this exercise, Case and his team are exceeding the standard by feeding the maximum number of personnel recommended for the SPEK during the exercise.
“While it is an annual requirement for personnel to train on the SPEK equipment, it is over and above to actually feed out of it, especially to a capacity of over 500. We are hoping it leads to good team-building,” said Master Sgt. Samantha Kolness, 119th Services Flight superintendent.
“It was impressive to see the SPEK in action,” said Capt. Jeremiah Colbert, 119th Wing executive officer. “The services team worked incredibly well together, and the food was just as good as if it had been served out of their permanent kitchen.”
In addition to food preparation, services flight is responsible for lodging, fitness and sports, readiness, and mortuary services. “Most people think of services as just food preparation, but we are responsible for much more than that. In addition to the SPEK, we would establish a morale recreation program within 30 days of arrival at a BEAR Base,” said Case.
The outdoor temperature reached 95 degrees fahrenheit during the food service hours, adding to the challenge for the services flight team. “Even though it got really hot, everyone has been in great spirits, and Master Sgt. Adam Lund and Tech. Sgt. Will Case have been great leaders running the show – but we’ve all been there for each other to make this happen as a team,” said Kolness.
“There is nothing better than being able to showcase what we can provide to the wartime mission or domestic operations when called upon. I’m just really proud of our flight and what we were able to accomplish over the course of this exercise,” said Case.
Airmen of the 119th Services Flight unpack materials for constructing a single pallet expeditionary kitchen (SPEK) during a readiness exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 3, 2021.
Airman 1st Class Maria Sornsin, 119th Services Flight, serves hot meals out of a single pallet expeditionary kitchen (SPEK) during a readiness exercise at the 119th North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., June 4, 2021.
Civil Support Team Members Assist Fellow Guard Members
Three members of the Bismarck-based 81st Civil Support Team (CST) traveled to Fargo on June 5, 2021 to assist fellow Guard members with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training. (National Guard story and photos by 1st Lt. Jacob Sommerfeld, 81st Civil Support Team)
At the Air National Guard Base in Fargo, the 81st CST members worked with three Airmen of the 119th Emergency Management Flight who are scheduled to deploy to three different overseas locations next month. The CST helped the Hooligans with their (CBRN) training in preparation for their mobilization. The training provided the Airmen an opportunity to update and validate their standard operating procedures for real world CBRN responses.
Later in the day, the 81st CST members and the Hooligans trained five Soldiers assigned to the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in CRBN. The CST members demonstrated updated concepts of operations (CONOPS) for response and mitigation of a potential clandestine lab as well as radiological response actions.
Engineers Assist Wishek Community
During their 2021 annual training (AT) the 815th Engineer Company is exercising their construction skills at the Tri County Fairgrounds and Speedway, Wishek, N.D. The authority for the project is under the National Guard's Civil Assistance Project (CAP) and was requested by Tri Country Fair Board. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Matt Hebl, 815th Engineer Company) (National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Elijah Rude, 815th Engineer Company)
The fairgrounds project area is about about two acres. The project includes improving the incoming road from State Highway 13, clearing and grubbing, grading and leveling the parking area, improving handicap access and renovating and relocating two latrines. These types of projects provide training for Army National Guard engineer construction units while benefiting our communities.
Brig. Gen. Leo Ryan, N.D. Army Component commander, and Col. Rob Fugere, G-3 operations officer, visited the Soldiers working on the civil-military assistance project on June 9, 2021. The 815th Engineer Company, based in Lisbon, Wishek and Edgeley, is tackling the project in two phases. About 60 Soldiers are working on the project from June 4 to June 17, 2021. For the second phase, June 18 to July 2, 2021, about 50 Soldiers will fall in on the project. The unit capabilities consists of both horizontal (earth moving equipment) and vertical (carpenters, plumbers, masons and electricians) construction capabilities.
For all civil assistance community projects, a National Guard committee reviews the project scope, the plans and funding availability, and determines if the necessary skill set and training time are available within the North Dakota National Guard. They also check with the contractor's association to ensure that National Guard involvement does not compete against a private business. Once these requirements are satisfied, the project plan is sent to the Department of Defense for final approval.
Brig. Gen. Leo Ryan, center, N.D. Army Component commander, listens as Spc. Alex Schaefbauer, 815th Engineer Company, explains how he's employing a Philadelphia Rod in surveying an area for the new latrine at the Tri County Fairgrounds civil-military project, Wishek, N.D., June 9, 2021. 2nd Lt. Amanda Tang, left, project officer in charge, listens.
Military Fish Camp
The N.D. National Guard Child and Youth Program hosted its first summer camp, Military Fish Camp at Camp of the Cross, Garrison, N.D., June 6 to 10, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Mandy Malo, N.D. National Guard Child and Youth Program)
Nearly 50 military family members aged 8 to 15 participated in the camp. The North Dakota Game and Fish taught campers angling skills during the day, and Lure 'em For Life provided boats, bait and equipment ensuring a great experience fishing on boats and from shore. Other activities included swimming, kayaking, squad challenges and the campers' put on a talent show.
JROTC Orientation Flight
Photo: Col. Paul Helten, State Army Aviation Officer, provides Devils Lake High School's JROTC cadets a safety briefing prior to their orientation flight aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Grafton Training Center, June 2, 2021. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
A North Dakota Army National Guard's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew provided Devils Lake High School's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadets orientation flights over Camp Grafton Training Center, June 2, 2021. The purpose of the flights is to demonstrate Army aviation capabilities to the cadets. In addition to the orientation flights, the JROTC cadets enjoyed three days at CGTC learning about military service and how Soldiers train. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
Col. Paul Helten, State Army Aviation Officer, discusses flight safety with cadets from the Devils Lake High School's JROTC at Camp Grafton Training Center, June 2, 2021.
A N.D. Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter prepares for take-off during an orientation flight for JROTC cadets over Camp Grafton Training Center, June 2, 2021.
Navy ELPO Checks in with Adjutant General
Capt. Douglas Holtan, the U.S. Navy's Emergency Liaison Preparedness Officer (EPLO) to North Dakota, conducted an office call with Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, and Cody Schulz, N.D. director of homeland defense, N.D. Department of Emergency Services, June 4, 2021. Holtan is a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs)
EPLOs are Department of Defense personnel who coordinate military assistance to other federal agencies and state governments as needed. According to a June 2020 U.S. Navy news release, the Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers (NEPLO) program consists of about 138 Naval personnel trained in Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). They are deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) to FEMA headquarters, FEMA regional headquarters, and State Emergency Operations Centers, ensuring effective communications between civil and military counterparts in emergency response operations. NEPLOs are also assigned to major Department of Defense command and control nodes including U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), Navy and Army component commands, and Commander, Navy Installations Command.
Professional Development
Maj. Rachael Berg, Human Resource Specialist, hosted this month's professional development on "Active Listening" at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, June 9, 2021. Active listening teaches you to listen to your conversation partner and to stay engaged in a positive way. The process encourages the listener to make eye contact, paraphrase, and reflect back on what is said before providing your input. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Fuel the Force
Fuel the Force is a 15-week series that will be available soon on the North Dakota National Guard's Facebook page. This series is a proactive approach to prevention and education. It is meant to increase Service Members and Family readiness, resilience, and holistic health by providing tools and resources to create stable and healthy habits.
Recognition
After this month's professional development, Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, recognized Janette Fetch for outstanding achievement at Raymond J. Bohn armory, June 9, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Fetch, N.D. ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve), was recognized for recommending that the N.D. state ESGR chair Delton Steele, be named as honorary commander for the Joint Force Headquarters. Additionally, her work as a liaison to various Bismarck-Mandan area Veterans organization in support of this year's Memorial Day activities at the state capitol's Heritage Center, ensured a smooth transition to a new format that directly benefited the N.D. National Guard's annual Memorial Day ceremony at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery.
ESGR Employer Award
Capt. Bradley Miller awarded Lt. Steven Scheuer, shift commander Bismarck Police Department, the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Service Member Patriot Award, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2021. The award is a thank you from Miller to his supervisor in recognition of his support of his military service during his participation in the Guard's COVID-19 mission. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (701) 333-2057 or visit ESGR.mil/ND.
“My shift supervisor ensured I was always in the loop with updates to my civilian job. I also want to thank my team for picking up the slack while I fulfilled my military obligation,” said Miller.
Shift Supervisor Lt. Steven Scheuer, “I want to thank Capt. Miller for nominating me for this award. His military service benefits us by bringing his National Guard experience to our Police Department.”
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