U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lacey Bunkelman, 119th Wing, was named the Fargo Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year takes a group photo during a ceremony Jan. 26 at Fargo City Hall. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Contents
- Aviation Safety Award
- Top Air Guard Recruiter
- Da Guards Podcast
- Fargo Officer of the Year
- ND2000
- New Command Sergeant Major
- 3rd Annual North Dakota National Guard Office Chili Cook Off
- Why Settle for Roses for One Day? Rethinking Healthy Relationships
- Miller Retires
- Sather Retires
- USO Coffee Connection
- ND Cares Help Numbers
- Radio History
- Trust and Inspire Workshop
- ESGR Valley City
- ESGR Wahpeton
- ESGR Congratulations
- MilTax from Military OneSource
Aviation Safety Award
The North Dakota National Guard's 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment received the Director of the Army National Guard 2025 Excellence in Safety Award at the Army National Guard 2026 Safety Conference in Mobile, Alabama.
Left to right: U.S. Army Col. Michael Green, Joint Force Headquarters, state army aviation officer; and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Scott Dickmeyer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, were awarded the Excellence in Safety Award by Maj. Benjamin Gonzalez, Army National Guard aviation safety officer at the Army National Guard Safety Conference in Mobile, Alabama.
The unit received the award for setting the standard in embracing new systems and leveraging highly trained safety officers. Its validated, compliant safety program achieved an exemplary record of zero Class A–C mishaps in 2025.
Top Air Guard Recruiter
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Greg Peterson, North Dakota National Air Guard Recruiting, was named the Air National Guard's Top Recruiting and Retention Senior Enlisted Leader for 2025. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
IPPW Specialist Markelle Dockter
Let's meet the IPPW Specialist Markelle Dockter! Dockter works in our Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) as an integrated primary prevention specialist and has been in the position since 2024. She has 13 years of experience in elementary and early childhood education. She also has numerous certificates in integrated primary prevention. She talks about what someone in her position does and how the IPPW benefits the members and families of the North Dakota National Guard.
Fargo Officer of the Year
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lacey Bunkelman, 119th Wing, was named the Fargo Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year during a ceremony Jan. 26 at Fargo City Hall. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs) Bunkelman was recognized by her peers for her dedication, compassion and service. Officer Lacey Bunkelman sets the standard through the way she serves and connects with the community.
Officer Lacey Bunkelman has served with the Fargo Police Department since 2016 and is assigned to the Community Engagement Team, where she consistently went above and beyond in 2025. She took ownership of complex community issues, built strong relationships with residents and businesses, and produced measurable results, particularly in downtown Fargo.
A key part of her impact included leadership in mental health response, working with partners to connect high-need individuals with appropriate services and reduce repeat calls for service. She also coordinated a VA resources training for officers, improving the department’s ability to support veterans in crisis. Her sustained downtown engagement efforts reduced repeat complaints and strengthened trust through consistent communication and problem-solving.
ND2000
New Command Sergeant Major
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Kendall Vetter, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, was promoted to the rank of command sergeant major during a ceremony on Jan. 6 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
3rd Annual North Dakota National Guard Office Chili Cook Off
Why Settle for Roses for One Day? Rethinking Healthy Relationships
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner and messaging such as, “love is in the air”, we are brought back to a deeper look at relationships. It’s not just about flowers, gifts, or chocolates once a year, but the other 364 days we should invest our time in and reflect on what a healthy relationship can look like and skills that we can develop to foster them. When messaging, pressures, and expectations are all around us we can lose sight of what is truly important. (Written by Markelle Dockter, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
“Healthy” can mean something different for everyone, that said there are key pieces that need to be recognized. Effective communication, setting boundaries, and caring for yourself are key in any relationship. I will be highlighting effective communication for this article.
Effective communication is multifaceted but the most CRITICAL piece for a healthy relationship. There are different forms of communication that go beyond just talking. This includes active listening, conflict resolution, and expressing needs clearly and respectfully. Timing, in my opinion, can make or break how a couple or anyone communicates and receives information. This includes all of those we communicate with, not just our partners. Think about it this way. If you had a tough day at work, dealt with a flat tire, and missed dinner, this is probably not the best time to discuss relationship concerns or bring up something else that went wrong? During times like this it’s very important to communicate clearly and respectfully about your needs – recognize that you won’t be able to actively listen or effectively engage presently. These types of days aren’t the norm, and by setting aside time the following day or in the future allows each party to reflect, process, and approach the conversation with a clear headspace.
Before jumping into a discussion, think about your why. What’s the intent and what do you hope to accomplish? You may need to communicate this in advance. For example: if your goal is to simply be heard and nothing else, you may want to state that beforehand. Such as: “I have some things I want to talk to you about. I just need you to listen and let me finish without interrupting. Is now a good time to talk?” See, communication goes both ways! You both need to be heard; it just might look different.
In conclusion, when communication is effective it builds trust, respect, and fosters a safe environment to support your relationship in a beneficial way for all. Remember, it’s not just talking about what you need, but also actively listening to the needs of your partner as well. If neither of your communication needs are being met, then your relationship will likely not grow and thrive in a productive, healthy manner. Invest in the other 364 days of your relationship, not just the one-day society heavily encourages us to do so.
Stay tuned for part 2 including setting boundaries and caring for yourself within a healthy relationship. If you would like to learn more about other strategies, supports, or services available please contact IPPW at 701-333-2373 or visit our site on GKN. We are here to support all in the NDNG.
Miller Retires
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Timothy Miller, state inspector general, was presented the State Meritorious Service Medal during a retirement ceremony at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Jan 29. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Maj. Vanessa Lennick, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general, North Dakota National Guard, presented Lt. Col. Timothy Miller with the State Meritorious Service Medal during a private retirement ceremony at Fraine Barracks.
Miller retires from the Army after more than 32 years of faithful service. He served as the state inspector general from March 2018 to Jan. 2026.
Sather Retires
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Nathan Sather was presented the Meritorious Service Medal during a retirement ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard base in Fargo, Jan 2. (U.S. Air Force National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Elizabeth Bergen, 119th Operations Group, presented Senior Master Sgt. Nathan Sather with the Meritorious Service Medal during a private retirement ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base.
Sather retires from the North Dakota National Guard after more than 25 years of faithful service. He began his career in the active Army, later joined the Air National Guard, served as a religious affairs airman in the chaplain’s office, and finished his career as a mission intelligence coordinator for the 119th Operations Group.
USO Coffee Connection
Military Spouses, You are invited to attend Bismarck’s first USO Coffee Connection on Feb. 11, 10:00-12:00 at 30 Fraine Barracks, Bismarck. This is an opportunity to connect with other military spouses, enjoy a cup of coffee and an activity. This month we will be doing Diamond Painting. No experience needed. Register today to reserve your spot!
ND Cares Help Numbers
North Dakota Health and Human Services have created this incredible graphic that reminds us that help is 3 Numbers Away. 988, 211, and 911 combine to support whole person care.
Radio History
The TA-312/PT field telephone was developed to replace the World War II-era EE-8 field telephone, offering a more rugged, waterproof, and clear-sounding alternative. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Shirley J. Olgeirson, North Dakota National Guard Historian)
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Paul Cervinski shows the function of a switchboard as Lori Nohner, Research Historian from the State Museum, answers the operational TA-312 “field phone”.
The radios and photo are courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Troy Johanson, Combined Support Maintenance Shop, Camp Grafton.
Trust and Inspire Workshop
The North Dakota Army National Guard Office of the Chaplain is sponsoring a weekend for married couples Feb. 27 - Mar. 1. The event, Trust and Inspire, will equip couples with tools to build trust and deepen their relationship. It will challenge participants to think and act as transformational leaders in all facets of life. Chaplain Lt. Col. Justin Fenger and Chaplain Capt. Joseph Leach will lead the event.
ESGR Valley City
Joshua Seley and Travis Hackey, volunteers for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), participated in Valley City event dedicated to supporting service members transitioning from deployment in Valley City, North Dakota on Jan. 21. (ESGR photos by Rob Keller, North Dakota ESGR Vice-Chair)
Service members in attendance received presentations from local experts on employment rights and responsibilities, financial planning, and other essential support resources. The event also featured an ESGR booth, where Travis and Joshua provided information, answered questions, and engaged one-on-one with soldiers.
ESGR Wahpeton
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteers Kristy Wangler and Mike Humble recently conducted a specialized briefing at the Wahpeton Armed Forces Reserve Center in Wahpeton, North Dakota on Jan. 17. (ESGR photos by Rob Keller, North Dakota ESGR Vice-Chair)
ESGR Congratulations
Congratulations to Ralph Lundberg, Bismarck ESGR area chair, on being selected to serve on the initial ESGR Volunteer Support Training Cadre.
This national appointment recognizes Ralph’s experience, dedication and commitment to supporting ESGR volunteers across the country. As part of the team, he will help shape and deliver training that strengthens the mission nationwide. North Dakota is proud to have Ralph representing the state at the national level. Thank you for continuing to serve ESGR and Guard and Reserve members with professionalism and dedication.
MilTax from Military OneSource
As a service member registered in DEERS, you have access to MilTax — a suite of free tax services from Military OneSource. MilTax is built to handle real tax situations service members and their families face, including deployments, combat pay, PCS moves, multistate filings, and training pay. With MilTax, you’ll get free: Federal tax preparation and e-filing - Filing of up to five state tax returns - One-on-one support from tax consultants trained in military-specific tax scenarios. (Information provided by Military OneSource)