From The Field - U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tim Quintus, Joint Force Headquarters, lands his last flight as Bismarck fire trucks spray water on it to celebrate his retirement at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, Feb. 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Kilber, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment)
Contents
- Top Airmen of 2024
- 2024 Pitsenbarger Award
- Civil Support in Ghana
- Soldiers Exceptional Actions
- 119th Wing's New Chief
- Avenger Master Gunner
- Quintus Last Flight
- Da Guards Podcast
- Pride in the Patch
- ND 2000
- New Chief Warrant Officer 2
- From the Field Campaign
- Promotions
- Resilience Training Assistants
- Chili Cook-Off Bismarck
Top Airmen 0f 2024
The Happy Hooligans proudly honored their top Airmen of 2024 at the Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet in Fargo, N.D. This annual event celebrated the exceptional service of our Airmen across the 119th Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy of the 119th Wing social media)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander with Senior Airman Kolby Merkel, 119th Medical Group.
This year’s honorees:
⭐ First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Lacey Bunkelman, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group
⭐ Outstanding Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Kolby Merkel, 119th Medical Group
⭐ Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Adam Kohls, 119th Mission Support Group
⭐ Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Paul Hubbard, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group
⭐ Outstanding Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Kyle Knutson, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group
⭐ Outstanding Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Kim Nelson, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group
2024 Pitsenbarger Award
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Zach Robinson has been honored by the Air Force Sergeants Association with the 2024 Pitsenbarger Award. This national recognition is given to enlisted Airmen with extraordinary courage and selflessness in life-threatening situations. Robinson received the honor for his extraordinary heroism during the July 14, 2023, Fargo police shooting. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Brody Katka, 119th Wing)
While serving in his civilian role as a Fargo Police Officer, Robinson took decisive action to stop an active shooter, preventing further loss of life in what could have been a mass-casualty event. His bravery protected his fellow officers and the community, embodying the Hooligan spirit in and out of uniform.
Civil Support in Ghana
The North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team (CST) conducted a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) 201 engagement in Accra, Ghana, Feb. 10-15, as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP). (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Raul Boamah, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
They worked alongside the Ghana National Fire Service and local first responders. The engagement, led by five CST members, aimed to enhance Ghana’s emergency response capabilities and strengthen the longstanding state partnership between North Dakota and Ghana.
U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class Chris Keller, 81st CST, conducts a lecture on the Incident Command System during the Hazmat 201 training course in Ghana on Feb.9.
The course instructors were U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sam Hemphill, U.S. Army Capt. Tom Hansen, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Keller, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jory Shipkowski, and U.S. Army Sgt. Brett LaFontaine.
The bilateral engagement was conducted as part of the SPP to foster developmental and military cooperation between North Dakota and the Republic of Ghana. North Dakota and Ghana have maintained a strong partnership under the program since 2004.
U.S. Army Capt. Tom Hanson, 81st CST, Nuclear Medical Science Officer (NMSO), teaches radiation at the Ghana National Fire Service during the Hazmat 201 training course in Ghana, Feb. 12.
“We’re here to support our state partnership with Ghana by bringing HAZMAT to their fire service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and a handful of their uniformed services,” Hansen said.
The program began with two days of classroom lectures covering essential HAZMAT principles and procedures. Participants were then divided into groups to tackle practical exercises, applying the knowledge they had gained. Over the final two days, the CST escalated the classroom exercises into an operational exercise, requiring all groups to use their knowledge to solve complex problems and present their solutions to instructors. Each participant received a certificate of completion on the final day. The event marked the successful transfer of essential skills and knowledge, equipping Ghanaian first responders with enhanced capabilities to handle hazardous materials and emergencies.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jarod Simek, State Partnership Program, presents personal protective equipment to the National Fire Service during the Hazmat 201 training course in Ghana on Feb. 9.
The CST regularly conducts similar exercises with firefighters and emergency responders.
“We regularly train with firefighters. Just last week [before this mission], I was down in Fargo [North Dakota] training with their firefighters,” LaFontaine noted.
The CST regularly conducts similar exercises with firefighters and emergency responders.
These training sessions ensure that the CST and the groups they work with remain updated and well-versed in the latest public safety practices.
Soldiers Exceptional Actions
Four N.D. National Guard Soldiers from the 164th Regional Training Institute were recognized for their exceptional and selfless actions in response to an accident on Highway 20 just South of the turn into Camp Grafton proper. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena, 164th Regional Training Institute, commandant)
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Merkley, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eric Hinkeldey, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Morgan Axelson provided lifesaving measures for multiple victims and rerouted and directed traffic away from the accident. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Nieves directed traffic away from the accident and controlled the scene until first responders arrived.
From left to right, Merkley, Hinkeldey, and Axelson were recently presented with the N.D. National Guard’s Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award. Staff Sgt. Nieves was awarded the ND State Commendation Ribbon for his actions.
The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award is named in honor of U.S. Army Master Sgt. Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Keeble was a North Dakota National Guard member who served in World War II and the Korean War. Keeble was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2008 for courageous actions while serving with Company G, 19th Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division in Korea.
For an individual to be eligible for the Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award, the act performed must have been one displaying personal courage, fortitude, and determination to protect/defend life, limb, or property. This may include, but is not limited to, providing lifesaving measures, performing evacuation efforts (i.e., fire), assisting with a vehicle accident, etc.
119th Wing's New Chief
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Dahl, 119th Wing, was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant during a ceremony at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D. Feb. 6. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle)
Avenger Master Gunner
Three Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, have graduated from the Avenger Master Gunner course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Feb. 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery social media)
Staff Sgt. Stephen Brooks, Staff Sgt. Scott Leidholm, Staff Sgt. Taylor Dwyer, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery.
These three Soldiers classes started with 22 Soldiers, only eight of whom graduated. This grueling course turns Soldiers into technical experts on the Avenger Weapon System.
Quintus Last Flight
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tim Quintus, state aviation safety officer, took his last flight in UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter for his retirement at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, Feb. 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Helten awarded Quintus the State Meritorious Service Award during a retirement ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, Feb. 28.
Quintus was recognized for his 39 years of service.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bradly Berthold
Let's meet Tech. Sgt. Bradly Berthold, an N.D. Air National Guard recruiter, as he discusses some of the Air National Guard opportunities within the state of North Dakota!
New podcast episodes will be announced every other Monday.
Pride in the Patch
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) held a patching ceremony at the Fargo Readiness Center, Fargo, on Feb. 21. (U.S. Army National Guard courtesy of 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
The shoulder sleeve insignia worn by the 141st MEB is unique. The patch's elements depict the service of the state’s legacy unit, the 164th Infantry Regiment, and the 164th's rich history during its 72 years of service in the North Dakota Army National Guard.
The event was created to welcome new Soldiers, increase their esprit de corps, and learn their unit's lineage. The Headquarters Support Company, 141st MEB, and the 426th Signal Company are the only units in the state that wear the MEB patch. Most N.D. Army National Guard Soldiers wear the state patch, a blue shield with the state military crest of a bow and three arrows.
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (patch) depicts the service of the legendary 164th Infantry Regiment. The Spanish castle indicates service in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection (1998-1899), where unit members earned nine Medals of Honor. The sunburst from the 41st Infantry Division insignia denotes World War I service with that division in France (1917-1919). The stars of the Southern Cross come from the Americal Division’s patch and denote World War II service in the South Pacific theater (1942-1945), during which the 164th Infantry Regiment was recognized as the first U.S. Army unit to engage the enemy (in either theater) offensively. The base color of the shield is blue for infantry. The 1st North Dakota Infantry Regiment, formed in 1883, was renamed the 164th Infantry Regiment during a nationwide renumbering system during World War I.
ND 2000
New Chief Warrant Officer 2
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Tessa Hogan, 68th Troop Command, was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, on Feb 26. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
From the Field Campaign
141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Winter Training
Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard put on their snow boots and participated in cold weather training at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, Feb. 22. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Geri Berg, 816th Military Police Company)
The Soldiers learned how to make thermal shelters to survive extreme weather conditions with their battle buddies.
Convoy Operations Training
Soldiers from the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade have vehicle, chemical gear, and communication checks before convoy operations at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, Feb. 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
Crucial Training
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tilly Nyugen, Joint Force Headquarters, demonstrated her combat lifesaving skills by applying a tourniquet to Spc. Katilyn Morell, 68th Troop Command, at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, Feb. 22. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pvt. Joel Norris, 816th Military Police Company)
This crucial training was part of the N.D. state schools' combat lifesaver re-certification course.
Promotions
Maj. Edwardson
U.S. Army Capt. Eric Edwardson, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, was promoted to Major during a ceremony at the North Dakota Army National Guard Armory, Grand Forks, Feb 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery social media)
Maj. Johnson
U.S. Army Capt. Nate Johnson, Headquarters Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was promoted to Major during a ceremony at the Fargo Military Readiness Center, Fargo, Feb 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photo courtesy of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade social media)
Resilience Training Assistants
North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support welcomes their new class of Resilience Training Assistants. Special thanks to our excellent instructors, Sgt. 1st Class Grant Semchenko and Mr. Charles Votava, and assistance from Sgt. 1st Class Sean Vannett and Staff Sgt. Tara Hiller. (Story and photo courtesy of North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support social media)
Chili Cook-Off Bismarck
The North Dakota National Guard Service Member & Family Support held a Chili Cook-Off at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, on Feb 20. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Chili Judges: U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, ND National Guard deputy adjutant general, Col. Pat Flanagan, chief of staff – Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, state command sergeant major.
Chili Contestants
- Cpt. Jacob Sommerfeld – 131st Military Police Battalion
- 1st Sgt. Kristopher Anderson - 68th Troop Command
- Russell Larson – State Historian Office
- Tanya Dietz – Installation Maintenance
- 2nd Lt. Tom Schmidt - 164th Engineer Battalion
- Nate Rivard - Public Affairs Office
- Staff Sgt. Dan Kusler – 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
- 1st Lt. Dustin Kelly - 142nd Engineer Battalion
- Markelle Dockter – State Family Programs Office
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, ND National Guard deputy adjutant general, Col. Pat Flanagan, chief of staff – Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, state command sergeant major, awarded 1st Place to 1st Lt. Dustin Kelly, 142nd Engineer Battalion.
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