Top photo: Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, N.D. National Guard state command sergeant major, presents a coin to Staff Sgt. Nathan Johnson, 188th Army Band, for receiving a score of 94% on the Command Maintenance Discipline Program as the supply and readiness noncommissioned officer, Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 27, 2023.
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Logistics conference 2023
The N.D. Army National Guard's G4 office hosted a Logistics Workshop at Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 23 to 27, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Spc. Kaitlynn Morrell, G4 Logistics)
The conference covered inspection trends, new applications, processes, and provided in-depth training on the Global Combat Support System-Army (GCSS-A). The workshop's goal was for all logisticians to increase awareness, propagate cross-command dialogue, and optimize sustainment synchronicity.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Galen Roness, G4 technical operations branch, discusses responsibilities of the Surface Maintenance Manager Office at the N.D. Army National Guard Logistics Workshop, Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 26, 2023.
Employee Development Training
Mr. Robert Roehrich, N.D. National Guard equal opportunity manager, and Maj. Rachael Berg, N.D. National Guard employee labor relations, presented an engaging and informative presentation on "Don't be Afraid of the Circus", Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., Jan. 30, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The presentation was based on a professional read called “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven. One point that the retired Navy Seal outlined was the “circus,” a term used within the Seal Training for additional workouts or retraining to hold Seals accountable for failures. The employee development training outlined the metaphor statement of life being like a circus, a series of follies and fumbles. But all the mistakes can be remedied if we aren’t afraid of going to the metaphorical circus to retrain and become better. The red noses, worn by participants, specifically represented the failures that we all have in our life, but the fact that these failures only make us better.
The class was office in multiple locations across the state, and featured handouts, interaction, and lots of great discussion relevant to all employees who support the N.D. National Guard's state mission.
Promotions
Chelsy Adams
Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, N.D. Army Component Command, presided over the promotion of Chelsy Adams, executive officer, to first lieutenant at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 1, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Erin Demoe
Capt. Vanessa Lennick, commander, N.D. Army National Guard Medical Detachment, presided over the promotion of Erin Demoe, commander, 116th Public Affairs Detachment, to first lieutenant, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Feb. 1, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Lennick and Demoe grew up together, enlisted at the same time and deployed to Iraq with the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge) in 2003.
Recognition
At the recent N.D. Army National Guard Logistics Workshop, senior N.D. Army Guard leaders recognized Soldiers for outstanding performance with coins at Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 27, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Spc. Kaitlynn Morrell, G4 Logistics)
Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, left, commander, N.D. National Guard Army Component Command, presents a coin to Staff Sgt. Kacey Hawkins, 142nd Engineer Battalion, for receiving a 100% and scoring the highest on the Command Maintenance Discipline Program as the supply NCO at Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 27, 2023.
Col. Debra Lien, right, chief of staff, N.D. National Guard Army Component Command, presents a coin to Master Sgt. Amanda Phillips, 68th Troop Command, S4 non-commissioned officer in charge, for successfully operating without the normally assigned program analyst and S4 officer, Camp Grafton Training Center, Jan. 27, 2023.
ESGR Patriot Award
Bethany Kovash of Steffes was awarded the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Patriot Award, Dickinson, N.D., Feb. 1, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Rob Keller, ESGR public affairs director for North Dakota)
Spc. Lucas Kubik, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), nominated Kovash because of her support to him while performing National Guard duties. Specifically cited was her flexibility in accommodating his training dates. Additional, the company also provides ten paid days during annual training.
Left to right: Paul Steffes, retired founder Steffes; Stepheny Reger, Dickinson ESGR volunteer; Bethany Kovash, Steffes award recipient; Rich Brauhn, ESGR District Chair; Spc. Lucas Kubik, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), Kim Heidt, Vice President for People and Culture (Steffes) and Todd Mayer, CEO of Steffes.
Bethany Kovash, Steffes award recipient, said I am very honored by this award and thankful to have Lucas part of my team. A lot of the military skills that he learns, he uses in his everyday work at Steffes and it helps make him successful and makes the Steffes team successful.
Todd Mayer, CEO of Steffes said, thank you Lucas for working here at Steffes and your service to the military. It is easy to get into the rhythm of business, and it is impactful when we have events like this, it causes you to think there is a bigger purpose here and we are part of a great country. to be able to support the U.S. military is great.
These awards are presented to employers and supervisors who support members of the reserve component. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors for the support provided directly to the nominating Service Member and his or her family. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (701) 333-2057 or visit ESGR.mil/ND.
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