Community Leaders turn over dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Military Gallery expansion at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum’s outdoor Prairie Amphitheater in Bismarck, North Dakota, on July 10. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Contents
- Welcome Home Larson
- Military Gallery Groundbreaking
- Da Guards Podcast
- Aviation in Nebraska
- Remembering Sgt. Smette
- Professional Development
- ND 1000
- Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) June 2025
- "Wallin" Hero Workout
- North Dakota Air National Guard Static Display Park Tour & History Night
- 6th Annual 142nd Engineer Battalion Golf Tournament
- Educator Flight 2025
- Recognition
- 141st Engineer Combat Battalion Reunion
- How to Become a Millionaire in Uniform
- ESGR Lunch With The Boss
- 988 Lifeline / FirstLink
- 818th Engineer Company Casing of Colors
- Planning for the Future
Welcome Home Larson
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Larson is welcome home by Col. Christopher M. Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander, and others at the Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, July 5. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Military Gallery Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Military Gallery expansion took place at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum’s outdoor Prairie Amphitheater in Bismarck, North Dakota, July 10. (U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Shirley Olgeirson, North Dakota National Guard historian, opens the groundbreaking ceremony.
The 67,000-square-foot (20,000 encompassing the Military Gallery) addition to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum on the state Capitol grounds will be bursting with fascinating narratives to help us understand North Dakota's influence in the military and through the eyes of those who have served from the state.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The new addition will show the first Native American military societies, acts of bravery, secret missions, humanitarian aid, and pivotal moments in history.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The North Dakota Military Gallery will showcase the state’s military role globally, illustrating how those historical services continue to influence the present and future. Visitors will encounter stories that connect military life with civilian life, offering context for how past actions shape today’s world.
Right to left: North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, Bill Peterson, museum director, Brian Berg, principal architect, Zerr Berg Architects, Brad Hawk, executive director, North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, Dr. Monica Mayer, National Tribal councilwoman, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, and U.S. Army veteran Dusty Olson.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll
Kroll was the host of the Da Guards Podcast, but has taken a new position with the North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion. This episode will focus on the previous host and his movement into his new role.
Aviation in Nebraska
Members of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Assault Aviation Regiment, held a portion of their annual training at the Husker Drop Zone near Mead, Nebraska, on July 10-11. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Timothy Knudson, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Remembering Sgt. Smette
The North Dakota Heroes Foundation unveiled a Soldier's Cross in memory of Sgt. Keith L. Smette during a ceremony in the Makoti Park in Makoti, North Dakota, on July 13. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Timothy Knudson, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Approximately 300 people attended the event honoring the 25-year-old Fargo native, who died Jan. 24, 2004, when his convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device north of Fallujah, Iraq. Smette served with the 957th Engineer Company, 130th Engineer Brigade, North Dakota Army National Guard.
Professional Development
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, conducted this month's professional development, July 9, 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)
Alison Vetter, the strategic communications chief at North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, discusses emergency preparedness with federal and state employees, July 9, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota.
The North Dakota Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (EPR) is a division within the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to establish and maintain a state of readiness to protect the health of North Dakotans during catastrophic events, large-scale disasters, and emergencies.
The EPR achieves this by coordinating education, assessment, planning, response, and support services involving public health providers, private medical providers, public safety agencies, and government officials.
ND 1000
Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) June 2025
"Wallin" Hero Workout
Members of the 119th Wing participated in the "Wallin" Hero Workout at the North Dakota Air National base in Fargo, July 14. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The workout honors Fargo Police officer Jake Wallin who gave his life in the line of duty two years ago. The workout honors his strength, sacrifice and service, reminding us to never take a single day for granted.
North Dakota Air National Guard Static Display Park Tour & History Night
Saturday, August 9, 12:30pm – 5:30 PM at the Fargo Air Museum
This event is open to the public and hosted by the Fargo Air Museum and 119th Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard.
Join the Fargo Air Museum for an unprecedented tour of the North Dakota Air National Guard static display airpark.
With assistance from the 119th Public Affairs Office, historian staff from the Fargo Air Museum will lead guests on a tour of vintage aircraft, sharing insights into their roles and histories from 1947 to 2006. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore aviation history through the museum’s extensive collection.
To register, please call the Fargo Air Museum before Monday, August 5th. (701) 293-8043
Provide your full legal first and last name and date of birth. You must bring a VALID FORM OF ID at the door.
6th Annual 142nd Engineer Battalion Golf Tournament
The 6th Annual 142nd Engineer Battalion Golf Tournament will be held at Bjornson Park Public Golf Course in Valley City, North Dakota, Aug. 6. (Information provided courtesy of Cody Brekken)
The tournament will be played in a scramble format with 2-person teams. Each team will be paired with another team to play alongside.
In a golf scramble, each player on a team tees off on each hole, and the team selects the best shot. All players then play their subsequent shots from that chosen spot, continuing this process until the ball is holed.
Registration must be done by July 24!
To register, please get in touch with Cody Brekken at 701-845-6721 or email cody.a.brekken.mil@army.mil
Educator Flight 2025
Recognition
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, presented rookie recruiter, Sgt. Ram Dahal, with an Adjutant General Coin at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota, on July 15. (U.S. Army National Guard photos from North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention social media)
Dahal was honored for his work in revolutionizing the process of helping recruits attain citizenship through the North Dakota Army National Guard.
His efforts not only change lives but also reinforce the North Dakota Army National Guard’s mission by ensuring that every Soldier has the opportunity to reach their full potential as a U.S. citizen.
141st Engineer Combat Battalion Reunion
How to Become a Millionaire in Uniform
Whether single or married, new or mid-career, every Guard member can build lasting wealth. Think of each dollar you earn as a Soldier who will defend your financial future. The journey to becoming a millionaire begins in your mind. (Information from Ron Murray, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”
The Power of Compound Interest in TSP/401k’s/IRA’s
- A 22-year-old investing $200/month in an S&P 500 fund (like the TSP C Fund) can retire with over $1 million by age 65 (assuming 9% return).
- 91% of that growth comes from compound interest. That’s $995,802 earned while you sleep over 43 years.
- In a Roth TSP or IRA, that growth is tax-free when you withdraw.
Why it Matters
Saving $200/month in a regular bank account (.2% gain) for 43 years could yield $106,588, worth just $29,292 in today’s dollars due to inflation. Had you invested (9% gain), you would have $1.37M, which will have today’s purchase power of $574,280 ~$396,000 (depending on a 2%-3% inflation rate). Prices double every 24 years on average.
Start Early, Earn More
- Starting at age 30? Investing $300/month can still get you to $1M by age 65.
- Want to retire early? Save 17% of your income, instead of the recommended 15%.
- Every dollar you spend in your 20s = $88 lost in future value.
- Time in the market beats timing the market.
To reach $1M by 65:
- If you start at age 40: invest $1,000/month
- If you start at age 50: invest $3,155/month
Even if you’re behind, it’s not too late, but the earlier you start, the less you need to contribute. Albert Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it… he who doesn’t, pays it.”
Resources
ESGR Lunch With The Boss
Business leaders joined service members at the Grand Forks Armory on July 16 for an Employer Recognition luncheon, hosted by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Volunteers and the Grand Forks Military Affairs Committee. (ESGR article by Kristy Wangler, North Dakota ESGR Public Affairs)
ESGR's John Oncken highlighted the crucial role of employer support, while 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery executive officer Maj. Eric Edwardson shared insights into the ADA’s mission and the units that reside in the National Guard Armory.
Almost one-half of the US Armed Forces are comprised of members from the National Guard and Reserve Component. The Department of Defense shares these service members with their civilian employers, many of whom provide significant support to their employees who are proudly serving in the Guard and Reserve. This type of event brings awareness to employers so they can provide outstanding support for their National Guard and Reserve employees.
A few of the employers who attended: University of North Dakota Center for Innovation, Michael R. Brown M.D., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Gov Com Solutions, Berkshire Hathaway Family Realty, Job Service North Dakota, Greenberg Realty, Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, University of North Dakota, The Chamber Grand Forks - East Grand Forks.
988 Lifeline / FirstLink
North Dakota Behavioral Health Division
818th Engineer Company Casing of Colors
Planning for the Future
Join Fargo Veterans Affairs social workers to learn more about the types of Senior Housing available, how to identify when more assistance is needed and how to prepare for these changes.
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