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U.S. Army Col. Angie Allmer and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Laura Hanneman of the North Dakota National Guard joined military medical professionals from across Europe, Africa, and the United States for the European-African Military Nursing Exchange (EAMNE) from May 19-22. Hosted by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, the conference, themed "Excellence in Care, Advancing Readiness through Innovation," served as a crucial platform for forging international partnerships and defining the future of military medical readiness. The event took place at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.   For the North Dakota National Guard, participation in EAMNE directly supports the broader strategic objectives of the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP). Highlighting this enduring relationship, Col. Allmer and Tech. Sgt. Hanneman worked alongside Col. Patience Owusu-Aidoo, a representative from the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service. Because Ghana is one of North Dakota’s partner nations under the SPP, this face-to-face collaboration was particularly impactful, helping to build and sustain the long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that are the core of the SPP mission.   Throughout the four-day exchange, attendees shared groundbreaking strategies and addressed complex operational challenges. Key discussion topics included enhancing interoperability between partner nations, managing patient evacuation in austere environments, and leveraging new technologies like virtual and augmented reality for training.   The conference provided a valuable opportunity for leaders and medical personnel to collaborate, share knowledge, and strengthen the bonds between allied nations. By leveraging the framework of the State Partnership Program alongside multinational exchanges like EAMNE, the NDNG and partners like the Ghana Armed Forces continue to enhance global patient care, interoperability, and operational effectiveness in military medicine.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented Dr. Yeong Rhee, department head and university distinguished professor at North Dakota State University, a Patriot Award on May 8, Fargo, North Dakota. This prestigious award recognizes Rhee’s dedication to employees who are serving in the Guard and Reserve.   U.S. Army Col. Nathan Dicks, commander, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, North Dakota Army National Guard, nominated Rhee for her consistent and proactive support of his military service.   In his narrative, Col. Dicks shared, “From my first semester of employment, Dr. Rhee supported my military obligations by helping me balance nearly three weeks of annual training with my academic responsibilities. She also regularly checked on my progress and well-being during my two years in the U.S. Army War College and even attended my promotion ceremony last summer, a meaningful gesture of support.”   He further noted, “In our professional development and tenure track meetings, she consistently asks about my Guard service and ensures it is considered in my faculty development plan. As the only Guard Reserve member in our department, she has made it possible for me to continue serving without feeling isolated or professionally disadvantaged, and her support reflects a genuine appreciation for those who serve.”   Rhee was surprised and humbled to learn she had been selected for the Patriot Award. The recognition reflects her longstanding commitment to supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve and ensuring they feel valued both professionally and personally.   Furthering her advocacy for military members, Rhee signed a Statement of Support. This public declaration pledges North Dakota State University’s ongoing promise to provide the flexibility and resources necessary for employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.