Bison Host Military Appreciation Football Game
Soldiers from the N.D. National Guard's Fargo-based 188th Army Band supported the military appreciation football game between the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison and the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Nov.9 at the Fargodome. Four Soldiers sang the national anthem while the band's commander, Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Landman, served as guest conductor with the NDSU Gold Star Marching Band during halftime festivities. Top photo: Guest conductor Landman leads the Gold Star Marching Band in a musical selection at halftime.
UPAR Training
The N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office conducted Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) training on Nov. 2 in Bismarck. UPARs serve as the link between the public affairs office and units throughout the state. They report news-worthy events, military training, and play a significant role in telling the story of the Citizen-Soldier and Airman. Approximately 20 Soldiers learned the role of a UPAR, basic photography and video capture, writing skills and social media. The course ended with a practical exercise to test skills learned throughout the day. To learn more or to request UPAR training contact the N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office at 701-333-2195.
N.D. Army Guard Recruiters Excel
N.D. Army National Guard’s Master Sgt. Richard Blumler was awarded the Expert Seven award for the Strength Maintenance Advisory Group (SMAG), Region VI. The Expert Seven is awarded annually to the most outstanding recruiting team leader (non-commissioned officer-in charge) who exemplifies superior leadership and strength maintenance skills for recruiting and retention within the region. Region VI includes North Dakota, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Erik Wall, left and Master Sgt. Richard Blumler, represented the N.D. Army National Guard at the Strength Maintenance Advisory Group (SMAG) Region VI competition in San Diego, Calif. Wall was selected as the top Army Guard recruiter for North Dakota and competed for SMAG Region VI’s Director's 54 award.
Happy Veterans Day
"On this day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom."- President Dwight D. Eisenhower