Snow lays all around the North Dakota Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism after a 3-day spring blizzard, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, April 15, 2022. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
N.D. Guard Soldiers Serving at Southwest Border Rescue Migrants
Two N.D. Army National Guardsmen, assigned to the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), rescued migrants from drowning while crossing the Rio Grande, March 22, 2022. (National Guard story by N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office staff)
Specialists Luis Alvarado and Gracin Clem, assigned to Joint Task Force North, Task Force Legion in Del Rio, Texas, were conducting Mobile Surveillance Camera (MSC) site operations for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in support of the federal southwest border mission when the Soldiers observed five migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande River.
“YOU HOPE THAT IN THE MOMENT, YOU REACT THE RIGHT WAY AND CAN DO YOUR JOB THE WAY YOU WERE TRAINED TO DO IT,” ALVARADO SAID.
The migrants were halfway across the river but struggled to stay above water due to strong currents and high winds. Alvarado, fluent in Spanish, attempted to shout instructions to the migrants on how to cross the river safely. Realizing they were unsuccessful in communicating, the two soldiers immediately reached for the nylon rope lifelines they had received from Border Patrol Agents that morning. Two of the migrants went underwater, and the remaining three were struggling.
Spc. Luis Alvarado.
“THERE WASN’T TIME TO BE SCARED; IT WASN’T AN OPTION," SAID CLEM.
The Soldiers tied the two lifelines together to send to the drowning individuals, but the currents proved too swift. Clem then swam a lifeline to two migrants, rescuing them separately while the other three migrants managed to get across the water successfully. The migrants reported to CBP agents, who rendered aid and transported them for further treatment/processing.
Spc. Gracin Clem.
“These heroic actions demonstrate the unyielding commitment of our Guard members to preserve lives while in the service of our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general. “Our entire chain of command is extremely proud of the actions of all our Soldiers.”
The 957th Engineer Company was mobilized for duty at the southwest border��last summer. Read the entire release at NDGuard.nd.gov.
119th Launch and Recovery Element Gets New Iron
The 119th Launch and Recover Element (LRE) at the N.D. Air National Guard is taking a big step in modernization by upgrading from the MQ-9 Block 1 (MQ-9B-1) to the MQ-9 Block 5 (MQ-9B-5) version of the Reaper aircraft. (National Guard story and photos by David H. Lipp, N.D. Air National Guard)
The second Block 5 aircraft and the supporting equipment, like the mobile dual cockpit, block 30 ground control station (GCS) arrived this week, and are going through a thorough inspection prior to making them operational.
Some of the equipment is on loan from the Air Combat Command (ACC), while being maintained and operated at the 119th LRE.
119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members use a crane to unload a mobile dual cockpit, block 30 ground control station (GCS) as it arrives at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, April 12, 2022.
“The equipment that arrived this week is a direct reflection of the ongoing Total Force Integration partnership with Air Combat Command,” said Lt. Col. Eric Mattson, the 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.
Happy Hooligans have been maintaining and operating MQ-9B-1 ACC-loaned aircraft and equipment for more than a year, serving as a key enabler for ACC aircrew continuation training by launching the aircraft in Fargo and turning them over to the ACC crews in flight.
An MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 aircraft is in the foreground with several MQ-9 Block 1 version of the aircraft in this hangar photo at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, April 14, 2022.
Efforts are now being shifted toward equipment modernization through the Hooligan partnership with ACC by upgrading to the MQ-9B-5 aircraft. One of the improvements in the MQ-9B-5 is automatic takeoff and landing capability (ATLC).
“with this new equipment, Hooligans are now maintaining and operating the most modern MQ-9 equipment available, preparing us for contingency tasking while cultivating excellence in our younger airmen,” said Mattson.
The 119th Operations Group has demonstrated its capability for dynamic force employment (DFE) by deploying equipment and personnel and operating at various geographical locations throughout the United States.
119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ground control station (GCS) maintainers inspect the mobile dual cockpit, Block 30 GCS as it arrives at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, April 12, 2022.
“ATLC profoundly changes the manner in which the MQ-9 is employed, significantly reducing the deployed manpower and equipment posture, and the enhanced capabilities will allow the Hooligans to remain on the leading edge of MQ-9 operations and dynamic force employment,” added Mattson.
The Happy Hooligans have maintained a robust training exercise schedule over the last three years, by participating in exercises like Southern Strike, Gulfport, Miss., and a recent joint exercise at the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. They have plans to continue to evolve and are expanding their exercise schedule into overseas locations in the very near future.
Meet the Incoming U.S. Ambassador to Ghana
The N.D. adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, conducted a virtual engagement with the incoming U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, the honorable Virginia Palmer, April 14, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program director)
Discussions included the N.D. National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) with Ghana. They discussed the engagements with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), specifically non-commissioned officer empowerment, and the recent heavy horizontal engineer engagement with the GAF Engineer Training School. Other discussions included past and future engagements in support of the disaster preparedness program and the Office of the Adjutant General's role in leading the Department of Emergency Services.
Palmer is scheduled to arrive the week of April 26 for a three-year tour as ambassador. Her experience includes duties as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Energy Resources from 2019 to 2022. Other assignments include U.S. Ambassador to Malawi from 2015 to 2019, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission to both South Africa from 2008 to 2011 and Vietnam from 2005 to 2008.
Palmer is grateful to have an established SPP and is looking forward to meeting the North Dakota team when we conduct an earthquake exercise with Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the equivalent of FEMA this summer. Other stakeholders for SPP training, exercise and engagement include the Ghana's National Police, fire and ambulance services.
Senator Visits Air Defenders
U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer visited the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA) on mission in the National Capital Region at their training area and motor pool on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, April 7, 2022. (National Guard story by 1st Lt. Jacob Kipp 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)
The unit presented a operations brief to Cramer on the mission, purpose, history, and capabilities of the Minimum Deployment Package (MDP).
Cramer capped off his visit by participating in the promotion ceremony of Micheal Iverson to the rank of staff sergeant. During the promotion he addressed more than 40 Soldiers, thanking them for what they do to keep our nation safe.
Sen. Kevin Cramer promotes Micheal Iverson, 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, to the rank of staff sergeant at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, April 7, 2022. (National Guard photos by Spc. Josh Legg, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)
Sgt. Andrew Mark, 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, briefs Sen. Kevin Cramer on maintenance operations at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, April 7.
Spc. Kevin Brooks, 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, discusses his duties with Sen. Kevin Cramer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, April 7, 2022.
Preparing for the Best
The 164th Regional Training Institute (164th RTI) hosted an annual Best Warrior Regional Competition Train-up at Camp Grafton Training Center, from April 9 to 10, 2022. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Elliot Larman, 164th Regional Training Institute)
Staff Sgt. Zachary Fischer, 188th Army Band, spent two days brushing up on his basic Soldier skills in preparation for the upcoming 2022 Regional Best Warrior competition.
The train-up included:
- Loading a fill into the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) using the AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL); the basics of radio operations.
- First aid training that included Combat Life Saver (CLS) skills, triage, patient packaging and evacuation, and completion of a DD Form 1380 Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) card.
- The basics of disassembly, reassembly, functions checks, and troubleshooting for a variety of weapon systems, including the M2 and M249 machine guns, M4 carbine, MK19 grenade launcher, M9 pistol, and the M26 Shotgun.
Sgt. Mitchell Almen, 164th Regional Training Institute, left, trains Staff Sgt. Zachary Fischer, 188th Army Band, on the basics of radio operations at Camp Grafton Training Center, April 9, 2022.
Sgt. 1st Class Corey Donaldson, 164th Regional Training Institute, left, and Sgt. Adelard Hoffarth, right, instruct Staff Sgt. Zachary Fischer, 188th Army Band, on the basics of disassembly, reassembly, functions checks, and troubleshooting for a variety of weapon systems at Camp Grafton Training Center, April 10, 2022.
The Woodrow W. Keeble Award
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, awarded The Woodrow Wilson Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award to Staff Sgt. Sean Lennick, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, at the N.D. National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, April 8, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Lennick was recognized for his response to a Bismarck house fire on the evening of April 28, 2021. Noticing the flames, he called 911, and immediately sprung into action to help extinguish the fire and ensure all of the family and their pets were evacuated.
The Bismarck Rural Fire Department Chief attested that Lennick's actions saved the house from being a total loss.
Staff Sgt. Sean Lennick, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, salutes Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, after receiving The Woodrow Wilson Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award at the N.D. National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility, April 8, 2022.
Recognition
Four Soldiers from Joint Force Headquarters received recognition awards during the unit's inactive duty training, April 10, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, Joint Force Headquarters, left, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Maj. Mike Champagne, Joint Force Headquarters commander, April 10, 2022. The award recognizes McEvers’s outstanding achievements while providing contingency planning as a member of the N.D. National Guard's COVID-19 Operational Plan and Ground Fire Suppression Team.
Lt. Col. Raymond Ripplinger, Joint Force Headquarters, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Maj. Mike Champagne, Joint Force Headquarters commander, April 10, 2022. The award recognizes Ripplinger’s outstanding achievements between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2021, as the deputy commander of the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute (RTI). His efforts contributed to the RTI's 99.5% accreditation rating and helped develop a plan to be the first U.S. Army school to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard Rhone receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Maj. Mike Champagne, Joint Force Headquarters commander, April 10, 2022. The award recognizes Rhone’s outstanding achievements as the senior automotive maintenance Warrant Officer for the 68th Troop Command. His efforts resulted in the units maintaining an average of 97.2% during evaluations, exceeding an acceptable score.
Maj. Ryan Kaufman, Joint Force Headquarters, receives the Army Commendation Medal from Maj. Mike Champagne, Joint Force Headquarters commander, April 10, 2022. The award recognizes Kaufman’s outstanding achievements between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, as the assistant operations officer for the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Kaufman distinguished himself by using his engineering knowledge to conduct evaluations on two engineer battalions and three companies increasing their proficiency and readiness in combat and construction efforts.
Training for a Marathon
Staff Sgt. Austin Bonn, 119th Security Forces Squadron, is training to run the half-marathon (13.1 miles) with a 50-pound ruck during the Fargo Marathon scheduled for May 21, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by David H. Lipp, N.D. Air National Guard)
Bonn is completing a 10-mile distance alternating between walking and running on the treadmill in preparation for running the 13.1-mile distance with the ruck pack. He is encouraging other National Guard members to run with him and is dedicating his efforts by fundraising for a Veterans organization in North Dakota.
Staff Sgt. Austin Bonn, 119th Security Forces Squadron, trains on a treadmill at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, April 14, 2022.
Purple Up Day!
The entire month of April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, and April 15 is National Purple Up Day! A day to wear purple to show support to and thank military children for their strength and sacrifice. (National Guard story by Mandy Malo, N.D. National Guard Youth lead coordinator)
This year, North Dakota will celebrate Purple Up Day on April 21. Gov. Doug Burgum, commander-in-chief of the N.D. National Guard, is scheduled to sign a proclamation in recognition of the Month of the Military Child at the state capitol at 11:30 a.m. on that date. Follow the North Dakota National Guard Youth's Facebook page for more events for military children!
Military Child Horse Camp
Approximately 21 N.D. National Guard (NDNG) children, ages 8-12, participated in the Month of the Military Child Horse Camp at Harmony Stables, Bismarck, April 9, 2022. (National Guard story and photos Staff Sgt. Brandi Schmidt, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The NDNG Child and Youth Program (CYP) partnered with Harmony Stables to offer North Dakota Military youth a learning opportunity with horses.
The event taught them the basics of horse care, how to approach and handle horses and to identify different equestrian breeds and sizes. The children were also introduced to the types of tack and their use, the different gaits of horses, how to issue commands while riding, as well as some different riding styles.
A child of an N.D. National Guard Soldier rides a horse, at Harmony Stables, Bismarck, April 9.
The children also participated in a barnyard scavenger hunt, decorated the horses and made horse crafts, which helped them get more comfortable around horses. The NDNG CYP had a recognition ceremony and discussed why it's important to celebrate April, the month of the military child.
Each participant was recognized with a True Patriot Award, signed by the NDNG adjutant general, in recognition of their service as military youth. The Demoe family were given medals as they are in active-duty status because their military mother has been away in training since January. Daughter Harper, as well as brothers Liam and Everett, were all recognized.
This is event was part of the Month of the Military Child, a time when the children of servicemembers are celebrated for their sacrifices and the challenges that they overcome.
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