Airmen of the Year Banquet - March 2
The ND Air National Guard, recognized the organization’s top NCOs and unit members of the year during its 2018 Outstanding Airman of Year (AOY) banquet, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo.
Fifteen Airmen were nominated for the awards based on their military and civic service throughout 2018, with three winners ultimately being honored as OAY, Outstanding NCO of the Year and Outstanding Senior NCO of the Year.
A number of distinguished guests attended the event and were treated to entertainment by the N.D. Army National Guard’s 188th Army Band. The NDNG’s senior enlisted leader and the 119th Wing commander rendered remarks.
Senior leaders presented awards to Master Sgt. Kelly Rezac and Senior Master Sgt. Richard Duysen. Rezac was named Unit Career Advisor of the Year for his individual efforts and achievement with unit retention and career motivation program management. Duysen was named First Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by first sergeants in the Air Force.
The award presentation honoring the three Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners followed: Airman 1st Class Gretchen Freed was named Outstanding Airman of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Robert Desilet was named Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Master Sgt. Jason Coalwell was named Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
State Partnership Program (SPP)
817th Engineer Company (SAPPER) conducted their 4th engagement in 3 years with the Togolese Armed Forces Feb 16 - March 2. Training focused on best practices to support Peacekeeping Operations & included Mission Planning, Troop Leading Procedures & counter improvised explosive device (CIED) training. The ND Guard is aligned with Togo, Benin & Ghana as part of the U.S. State Department's State Partnership Program which directly supports U.S. African Command (AFRICOM) imperative of "Building Partner Capacity in Africa".
Sen. Kevin Cramer & Rep. Kelly Armstrong visit NDNG
The Adjutant General (TAG), MG Al Dohrmann had an opportunity to engage with Senator Kevin Cramer (Feb 19) & Congressman Kelly Armstrong (March 19) during their visits to the NDNG, Bismarck & Fargo. During the engagements, TAG discussed subjects from personnel benefits to military construction. Specific topics included how using federal tuition assistance (FTA) simultaneously with the federal GI Bill is no longer possible because DoD considers this dual compensation; Air Guard members not eligible for FTA; protecting the National Guard during future government shutdowns; and federal legislation that would allow federal technicians to use TRICARE as an option for health insurance. Cramer is a member of the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs committees.
Air Director & Command Chief visit Hooligans - March 5
The Happy Hooligans showcased their world-class mission execution capabilities to the Air National Guard (ANG) Director, Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice & Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air National Guard, CMSgt. Ron Anderson. Rice & Anderson met with wing leaders, toured the base, had conversations with Airmen answering questions at a town-hall style gathering on March 5. Issues discussed included posture force structure, facilities, equipment & mission capabilities required to be competitive for expanding/emerging missions by 2021. The visit helped build relationships with senior ANG officials & NDANG staff.
More photos of Lt. Gen. Rice's visit
Governor's Prayer Breakfast - March 8
Held early in the morning at the Bismarck Ramkota Hotel, the event featured a military focused agenda with Army retired LTG M. “Mick” Kicklighter as keynote speaker. Social events like this help our Guard build & renew relationships with our civilian communities.
Senior Officer Management Board (SOMB)
The board season (whether SOMB, SWOMB, or SEMB) is the NDARNG's senior officer, warrant officer and senior enlisted talent management process. The goal is always to put the right Soldier, in the right position, at the right time in order to best ensure our organization's readiness. Stewardship of our resources includes careful management of our personnel. For more information see U.S. Army Talent Management.