Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, right, attaches the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) streamer as Col. Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing commander, holds the unit colors, and Chief Master Sgt. Chris Andvik, 119th Wing command chief, center, and Chief Master Sgt. MJ Filloon, 119th Medical Group, observe during a ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., March 5, 2022. (National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Christa Anderson)
North Dakota Air National Guard Earns 23rd Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
The 119th Wing, N.D. Air National Guard, held a ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., March 5, 2022, to formally recognize earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA). It is the 23rd time the N.D. Air National Guard has been recognized by this award, which has been achieved by only one other unit in the U.S. Air Force. (National Guard story and photos by Airman 1st Class Christa Anderson)
The AFOUA is awarded by the secretary of the U.S. Air Force to numbered units of the active-duty Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement, including successful involvement with combat operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.
The recent award was for achievements rendered from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2020. During this period 119th Wing successfully executed combat and expeditionary support operations to multiple commands by activating over 165 Airmen to locations around the globe. Notable accomplishments include over 10,000 combat hours flown resulting in successful degradation of enemy networks; the 119th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group continuing to lead the Air National Guard through its 456% increase in target production output; and the 219th Security Forces Squadron facilitating a 98.7% sortie alert rate while safeguarding $3.3 billion in U.S. Strategic Command nuclear assets.
“Congratulations to the members of the N.D. Air National Guard’s 119th Wing as they celebrate an incredible 23rd Air Force Outstanding Unit Award,” said Gov. Doug Burgum, commander-in-chief of the North Dakota National Guard. “Whether serving in support of U.S. commanders overseas or here at home, we can always count on the Happy Hooligans to excel in their assigned missions and instill pride among North Dakotans.”
“It’s a privilege to be with the Happy Hooligans as you celebrate this latest recognition by the U.S. Air Force,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general. “Since the North Dakota Air National Guard was established in 1947, you’ve continued to excel while accepting the challenges of changes in aircraft and missions. Last year the 119th Wing safely deployed 120 Airmen in support of overseas missions, all while continuing to successfully support other federal and state missions here at home”.
Col. Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing commander, left, and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, hold the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award certificate, Fargo Air National Guard Base, March 5.
Arctic Eagle Patriot 22
Two N.D. National Guard units, the 81st Civil Support Team (CST) and the 174th Cyber Protection Team (CPT) participated in exercise Arctic Eagle Patriot 2022 (AEP22) in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 22 to March 9, 2022. The exercise partners the National Guard, active-duty military, Canadian military forces, and civilian first responders allowing them to develop, enhance, and test their skills in extreme cold-weather during a simulated, large-scale natural disaster. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
More than 900 Army and Air National Guard personnel across 15 states participated in the joint exercise. AEP22 increases the National Guard’s capacity to operate in cold weather environments and enhances the ability of military and civilian partners to respond to emergency and homeland security missions across Alaska and the Arctic region.
Capt. Jacob Sommerfeld, 81st CST and AEP22 battle captain for the south-central training venue expressed that interoperability exercises build understanding across military forces, civilian first responders, as well as domestic and international borders, allowing military and civilian agencies to cross-train, learn best practices and test their capabilities.
“Typically, we wouldn’t have those kinds of opportunities in the National Guard, and as part of a big exercise like this, dual-status command, bringing all of us together has really allowed for some great experiences,” said Sommerfeld.
While this event was held in Alaska, North Dakota is looking at ways to adapt the training elements and techniques during common natural disasters that are specific to the region.
Sgt. Elise Fettes, 81st Civil Support Team, N.D. National Guard, center, monitors for radiation alongside Sgt. Colton Abott and Pfc. Caleb Putney, 95th Chemical Company, 17th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during a simulated exercise during Exercise Arctic Eagle-Patriot 22 in Nome, Alaska, March 3, 2022. (National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Ashley Low, Colorado National Guard)
Sgt. Elise Fettes, 81st Civil Support Team, N.D. National Guard, monitors for radiation alongside Sgt. Colton Abott and Pfc. Caleb Putney, 95th Chemical Company, 17th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during a simulated exercise during Exercise Arctic Eagle-Patriot 22 in Nome, Alaska, March 3, 2022.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, Col. Paul Helten, 68th Troop Command commander, and Col. Dave Hall, Joint Force Headquarters, traveled to Alaska to participate in distinguished visitors' days March 1 to 2, 2022.
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, left, Col. Paul Helten, 68th Troop Command Commander, center left, and Col. Dave Hall, N.D. National Guard Chief Information Officer, learn about chemical and biological warfare testing capabilities available on a Stryker vehicle during Arctic Eagle Patriot 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska, March 1, 2022. This vehicle has unique features for testing samples of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear components across multiple terrains. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
“WE Seek TO ENHANCE COLD WEATHER TRAINING opportunities IN OUR STATE AND WE HAVE A VARIETY OF UNIQUE COMPONENTS THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM this type of training,” SAID HELTEN, “THE CST AND CPT OFFER FACETS TO OUR DOMESTIC OPERATIONS ALLOWING THE ABILITY TO SAFEGUARD CYBER, CHEMICAL, AND PHYSICAL THREATS.”
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, Col. Paul Helten, 68th Troop Command commander, and Col. Dave Hall, Joint Force Headquarters, discuss urban search and rescue techniques with Canadian military forces at Arctic Eagle Patriot 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska, March 1, 2022. Urban search and rescue techniques are allowing experts to locate, extract, and provide initial medical attention to survivors of various needs in natural disasters, war, terrorism, or accidents. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Outstanding Airmen of the Year
The N.D. Air National Guard's Outstanding Airmen of the Year were recognized during a ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., March 5, 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Christa Anderson)
- Field Grade Officer of the Year: Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hovdenes
- Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Jesse Moch
- Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Danelle Card
- Non-commissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Abigail Swanson
- Airman of the Year: Staff Sgt. Ethan Cermak
Also honored were the Unit Career Advisor of the Year, Staff Sgt. Daniel Solberg, 119th Civil Engineer Squadron; and First Sergeant of the Year, Master Sgt. Ryan Nelson, 119th Operations Group.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, shakes hands with Senior Master Sgt. Danelle Card, 119th Operations Group, as he congratulates her on being selected as the Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year during a ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., March 5, 2022.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, congratulates Senior Master Sgt. Danelle Card, 119th Operations Group, on being selected as Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year during a ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., March 5, 2022.
Task Force Spartan Recognized
Soldiers in the 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment (EUD) were recognized by Maj. Gen. John M. Rhodes and Command Sgt. Maj. Daryle J. Plude, Task Force Spartan commanding general and command sergeant major, for their exemplary contributions to construction missions at Camp As Sayliya, Qatar, March 3, 2022. (National Guard story by Capt. Justin Johnson, 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment commander)
Last month, the 835th EUD was tasked with repurposing a large warehouse into a medical screening facility on Camp As Sayliya to support Task Force Spartan’s Afghan Evacuation Mission Support Element. This facility needed to be operational within 10 days so that Afghan refugees could be medically screened and processed as part of the resettlement process in support of Operation Allies Welcome. In just four days, 14 Soldiers from the 835th EUD completed construction of over 10 exam rooms, multiple offices, and separate areas for X-rays, vaccinations, and in-processing.
Rhodes commended the 835th on their expertise and efficiency in construction operations and recognized Sgt. Braeden Mather, Spc. Tyson Gass, and Spc. Eric Werlinger. Plude with coins. He also addressed the noncommissioned officers on the importance of troop leading procedures and engaged leadership from planning through execution. He also recognized Spc. Samuel Konah and Spc. Kyle Elliott with coins, who were not present due to ongoing missions.
Left to right, Sgt. Braeden Mathern, Spc. Tyson Gass, and Spc. Eric Werlinger, 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment, report to Maj. Gen. John Rhodes, Task Force Spartan commanding general, as he recognized them for their contributions and leadership, Camp As Sayliya, Qatar, March 3, 2022.
Maj. Gen. John Rhodes, Task Force Spartan commanding general, right, presents a Task Force Spartan 29th Infantry Division coin to Spc. Tyson Gass, 835th Engineer Utilities Detachment, Camp As Sayliya, Qatar, March 3, 2022.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Plude and I wanted to personally thank you for your hard work and ability to get so much done in a short amount of time and on short notice. This was a Task Force Spartan high priority project and due to your efforts, we were able to get this facility up and running rapidly," said Rhodes.
Engagement Skills Trainer
Soldiers of 68th Troop Command participate in the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) for the rifle and pistol qualification at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., March 5, 2022. (National Guard story and photo by Staff Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The new requirements for M4 carbine rifle qualification are more combat-oriented. Soldiers now fire in kneeling and standing positions while the traditional methods of firing in a prone supported and unsupported position remain the same. Soldiers are also now expected to fire in an independent and realistic manner without commands from the range control tower. The changes to the M9 Beretta qualification table now includes a kneeling portion in addition to the traditional standing.
“This training helps Soldiers familiarize themselves with the new requirements for qualification,” said Sergeant 1st Class Rose Schwind, Camp Grafton Training Center. “Additionally, the EST can travel to armories across the state allowing many more soldiers the opportunity to improve their qualification skills prior to the range qualification time.”
68th Troop Command Soldiers Maj. Waylon Tomac, left, and Maj. Matthew Voeller, both complete the M9 pistol range during a simulation exercise held at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D. March 5, 2022.
RTI Trains Engineers
Nine Student-Soldiers worked hard towards their graduation on March 4, 2022. One of the final tests in the first two-week phase of the 12W Carpentry/Masonry reclassification course was to construct a 10’8” x 10’8” masonry wall. They immediately began their next phase with an emphasis on wood frame structures. (National Guard story and photos by Maj. Brett Nelson, 164th Regional Training Institute)
DARRT Training
Instructor John Buckley gives a class on the National Guard Bureau's Domestic Operation Awareness and Assessment Response Tool (DAART) domestic operations to Soldiers, Airmen and Civil Air Patrol members at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., Mar. 7 - 9, 2022. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
DAART provides a cloud-based, free-for-use web-based service developed and sustained by the National Guard Bureau and supported by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. It enables joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational end-users at federal, state, local, tribal levels the means to better execute and communicate during domestic operations (DOMOPS).
N.D. Guard members listen to John Buckley discuss the National Guard Bureau's DAART program at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., March 7, 2022.
DAART allows an information-sharing environment platform that permits using agencies to communicate during emergency response procedures.
Civil Air Patrol members showcase their equipment and capabilities for assisting authorities during domestic response operations, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., March 9, 2022.
The information processed by DARRT is used to assist authorities in responding to disasters for the purpose of saving lives, mitigating suffering, minimizing serious property damage, and protecting vital infrastructure.
Employee Development Training
Maj. Mike Champagne, N.D. National Guard State Safety Officer, and Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Information Officer, presented this month's professional development at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., Mar. 9, 2022. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The first class that was presented in multiple locations across the state, featured GSA/Non-tactical vehicle safety. Champagne spoke with the audience about a new program called the Extreme Ownership Program making drivers more responsible while using government vehicles and to make sure users treat vehicles as they would their own.
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Honored
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, recognized U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie Sullivan, with the North Dakota National Guard State Meritorious Service Medal, March 9, 2022. (National Guard story by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program director)
Dohrmann presented the award via a MS Teams meeting for her outstanding support to the N.D. National Guard and the State Partnership Program.
Award citation: Presented in recognition of outstanding leadership, support and assistance to the North Dakota National Guard from 2019-2021. During the 3-year tenure as Chief of Mission, Ambassador Sullivan conducted six strategic engagements between the N.D. National Guard along with the Republic of Ghana which advanced State Partnership Program efforts. Ambassador Sullivan's experience, expertise and strategic leadership allowed for over 20 successful State Partnership Program engagements during her tenure. Her collaborative council and vision allowed to leverage the state partnership program in a whole-of-government approach expanding the earthquake response for the Republic of Ghana in addition to the world-wide response to COVID-19. Ambassador Sullivan's council and professionalism provided is a testament to her values, care, and statesmanship.
Air Guard Officer Recognized for Excellent
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, awarded Col. Tad Schauer, Joint Force Headquarters, with the Legion of Merit, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., March 6, 2022. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Schauer received the award for exhibiting exceptional meritorious leadership in leading the N.D. National Guard's Joint Domestic Operations section in successfully responding to more than 12 missions from July 2019 to April 2021. These response operations included the Guard's historic COVID-19 support response, as well as three civil disturbance response missions in support of law enforcement.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, left and Col. Tad Schauer, Joint Force Headquarters, hold the North Dakota Legion of Merit Medal citation, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., March 6, 2022.
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