N.D. Guard assists Cass County in flood response
Ten Soldiers from the Wahpeton-based 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) reported for duty April 6 in support of Cass County’s flood response operations. The Quick Reaction Force, which is equipped with trucks for hauling sandbags and a light mobility tactical vehicle for evacuation and rescue, is responding to emergency calls as directed. They have responded to several requests for emergency sandbag deliveries and other missions in rural Cass County this week.
"Joining the National Guard is all about helping your community whenever you possibly can." -Staff Sgt. Joshua Trulson, of the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical)
Civil Air Patrol
The N.D. Civil Air Patrol (NDCAP) continues to support the N.D. Department of Emergency Services and other local, state and federal partners in the flood response for 2019. NDCAP has flown 14 sorties to date, capturing imagery and conducting reconnaissance of the James, Sheyenne, Maple, Red and Pembina River Basins. In addition, they provided an aerial platform for McKenzie County Emergency Management to conduct a damage assessment of the Fairview, Montana, area.
Governor Burgum proclaims April as 'Month of the Military Child'
On April 10, members of the N.D. National Guard joined their children at the State Capitol to witness Gov. Burgum sign a proclamation announcing April as the "Month of the Military Child."
Labor Agreement Signings
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann signed labor agreements with representatives from the N.D. Army and Air National Guard on April 5 in Bismarck. Mr. Andy Stroklund serves as the president of the Roughrider Chapter 112 of the Association of Civilian Technicians (ACT), while Ms. Tracy Zidon is the president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFL-CIO Local 2989. Both union bodies are entrusted with protecting rights and pursuing the interests of federal civilian employees. We continue to partner with our unions to help ensure our workers have a safe and productive work environment to help maintain our readiness. The N.D. National Guard has about 600 federal civilian workers employed throughout the state.
Race to Zero
The 8th Annual Race to Zero 5k and 10k walk/run featured more than 230 participants on the morning of April 6 in Bismarck. The runner traversed routes through the Sertoma Park running trail. 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.
This year’s race was a collaboration between CAWS North Dakota, the N.D. National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, University of Mary, United Tribes Technical Collage, Bismarck State College and Abused Adult Resource Center. Fargo will be hosting their Race to Zero on April 28. 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 N.D. National Guard Helpline at 701-425-4821. You can also find useful resources at www.safehelpline.org.
Employee Advisory Board
The Office of the Adjutant General Employee Advisory Board met this week at the N.D. National Guard headquarters at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. The group consists of 18 members from across the state and includes Army, Air and state employees. The board members discuss current issues facing the organization and use feedback gathered from their co-workers, peers and supervisors to help solve those issues. Their input is shared with the adjutant general and state command sergeant major. The board meets quarterly at various locations across the state.
Legislative Update
• HB1053 – A military retiree tax exemption was signed into law by the Governor on April 8. Retired military pay will not be taxed by the State of North Dakota beginning tax year 2019.
• HB1101 – Gave authority to the Office of the Adjutant General to accept and execute funds for service member, veteran, family and survivor programs. This bill was signed by the Governor on April 1.
• HB1046 – A State Tuition Assistance bill that removes semester start dates for new Guard members has been signed. This bill had an emergency clause that allows N.D. National Guard recruiters to leverage this law, effective March 28.
• Two bills dealing with medical license compacts, SB2173 and HB1337, have passed and were signed by the Governor.