Photo: Gov. Doug Burgum, center, talks with Happy Hooligan leaders during an update and familiarity tour at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, Sept. 14, 2022. From left, Col. Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing commander; Burgum, and Col. Ryan Ayers, 119th Operations Group commander. (National Guard photo by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs Office)
TAG Line Contents: (Click to jump to story)
- Governor Doug Burgum Tours 119th Wing
- Military Police Company Sendoff Ceremony
- Soldiers Receive Keeble Award
- Retiree Appreciation Days
- 9/11 Remembrance
- Employer Support Freedom Award
- Military Appreciation
- United Tribes Powwow
- Safetember Celebration
- New Retirees
- Happy 75th Birthday!
Governor Doug Burgum Tours 119th Wing
Gov. Doug Burgum, commander and chief of the N.D. National Guard, spent several hours touring the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, with Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, and 119th Wing leadership, Sept. 14, 2022. (National Guard story by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs Office)
Col. Ryan Ayers, 119th Operations Group commander, points out features of the MQ-9 Reaper live-virtual training environment computer simulation capabilities for Gov. Doug Burgum during a N.D. Air National Guard Base update and familiarity tour, Sept. 14, 2022.
Burgum got the chance to re-familiarize himself with unit capabilities, interact with Airmen and gain insight into potential 119th Wing domestic operation contributions during emergency response to natural disasters, such as those routinely done for California wildfires.
Col. Ryan Ayers, 119th Operations Group commander, points out features of the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft live-virtual training environment computer simulation capabilities for Gov. Doug Burgum during a N.D. Air National Guard Base update and familiarity tour, Sept. 14, 2022.
During the tour he was able to participate in a training demonstration that included live unit member personnel melded into virtual computer-based capabilities to demonstrate how MQ-9 Reaper aircraft can be utilized in potentially life-saving measures during disaster response operations.
Staff Sgt. Christopher Cornette, 119th Medical Group, applies medical attention to a simulated accident victim during a training demonstration as Gov. Doug Burgum looks on during an update and familiarity tour at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo, Sept. 14, 2022.
The live-virtual training environment capabilities provide a cost-effective way of training for various scenarios to be ready whenever real situations might occur.
Military Police Company Sendoff Ceremony
About 155 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fargo-based 191st Military Police (MP) Company were honored at a sendoff ceremony at the Fargo Civic Center, Sept. 14, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, addresses the Soldiers of the 191st Military Police Company and their families at a sendoff ceremony in the unit’s honor, Fargo, N.D., Sept. 14, 2022.
Alerted for possible mobilization last March, the Soldiers are deploying overseas for a yearlong mission in support of U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Operation Spartan Shield. The unit is led by Capt. Nathan Johnson and 1st Sgt. Jeremy Gowan.
Soldiers in the unit hail from more than 35 communities across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann addressed the Soldiers and their Families.
Gov. Doug Burgum presents a North Dakota state flag to the 191st Military Police (MP) Company to carry on their overseas mission at a sendoff ceremony in the unit’s honor, Fargo, N.D., Sept. 14, 2022. From left, Burgum; Capt. Nathan Johnson, commander, 191st MP Company; Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson; 1st Sgt. Jeremy Gowan, senior enlisted Soldier, 191st MP Company; and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general.
The unit is headquartered in Fargo with a detachment in Grand Forks. In 2012, about 30 Soldiers served at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for nine months and about 180 Soldiers served in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. In January 2021, about 60 Soldiers from the unit served with the 816th Military Police Company in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Soldiers receive Keeble Award
N.D. National Guard Soldiers Col. Todd Schaffer, Col. Brian Keller, Maj. Annie Gerhardt, and Maj. Waylon Tomac were recognized for their exceptional and selfless actions in response to a medical emergency. They were recently presented with the N.D. National Guard’s The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award. (National Guard story and photos by Spc. Donald Bond, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, presents The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award to Col. Brian Keller at an awards presentation at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Sept. 11, 2022. From left, Col. Todd Schaffer, and Keller.
The four Soldiers took immediate action when Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, collapsed due to sudden cardiac arrest during a military ceremony at Bismarck’s Raymond J. Bohn armory on April 9, 2022. Their lifesaving measures, which included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), were critical in Erickson’s survival and subsequent full recovery.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, presents The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award to Col. Todd Schaffer at an awards presentation at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Sept. 11, 2022. From left, Maj. Annie Gerhard, Schaffer, and Col. Brian Keller.
Over a decade ago, the N.D. Army National Guard’s State Surgeon’s Office equipped all major armories in the state with AEDs and ensured personnel were trained on the device. The organization is planning refresher CPR and AED training at all major armories.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, presents The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award to Maj. Annie Gerhardt at an awards presentation at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Sept. 11, 2022. From left, Gerhardt, Col. Todd Schaffer, and Col. Brian Keller.
Schaffer, Keller, and Gerhardt were presented their awards by Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, the N.D. adjutant general, during a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022. Tomac, unable to attend the earlier ceremony, was presented his award by Erickson on Sept. 13, 2022. Their actions reflect great credit upon themselves, the N.D. National Guard, and the State of North Dakota.
Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, presents The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award to Maj. Waylon Tomac, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Sept. 13, 2022.
This state-level award is named in honor of Master Sgt. Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Keeble, 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 not limited to, providing lifesaving measures, performing evacuation efforts (i.e. fire), assisting with a vehicle accident, etc.
Retiree Appreciation Days
Over 90 N.D. National Guard Retirees and their spouses attended Retiree Appreciation Days, formerly known as Retirees Reunion Weekend, at Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), Sept. 9 to 11, 2022. (National Guard story by Janette Fetch, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
This annual event brings together retired service members and their families for fellowship and information. Several senior leaders from the N.D. National Guard joined the retirees for the weekend and provided updates from the organization and new programs that could affect them.
This year included a briefing for Gray Area Retirees. Retirees also received ID card support, updates about the Veteran Cemetery, Retiree benefits and changes, TRICARE updates, and more. Other activities included a burger and brats social followed by karaoke at the CGTC Military Service Club, as well as a memorial service at Tracy Chapel on Saturday in remembrance of the Retirees that passed away during the year. The weekend concluded with a tour of Camp Grafton's facilities.
Soldiers with a combined 182 years of service pose for a photo after the Memorial Service at Tracy Chapel during the Retiree Appreciation Days held at Camp Grafton Training Center, Sept. 11, 2022. From left, retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Shelly J. Sizer (1978-2018), Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army; retired Lt. Col. Shirley J. Olgeirson (1977-2002), N.D. National Guard Historian; retired Lt. Col. Sharon A. Laxdal (1977-2013), a registered nurse working in public health; Ms. M.J. Newton, long-time manager of the Fraine Barracks PX; retired Col. Virginia Kraushaar (1989-2011), a retired registered nurse; retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Connie K. Peterson (1977-2011), U.S. Army Women’s Army Corps, 1974-1976; retired Sgt. 1st Class Janette K. Fetch (1985-2005), support technician, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). (Photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
A Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) mini-reunion at the Retiree Appreciation Days, Sept. 9, 2022, at Camp Grafton Training Center. From left, Maj Gen Al Dohrmann, retired Maj. Gen. Murray Sagsveen, retired Col. Gerry Galloway, retired Brig. Gen. Gerald Engelman, retired Col. Dave Hogue, retired Brig. Gen. Bob Udland, retired Col. Dave Thiele, and retired Maj. Jim Britton. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
The Retiree Advisory Board continually seeks ideas and opportunities for increasing attendance at this annual event. Please contact Shirley with your thoughts at 701-333-2016 or ndguardhistory@outlook.com.
9/11 Remembrance
Approximately 75 people attended the Remembrance Ceremony observing the 21st Anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the nation held at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism outside of Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 11, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 68th Troop Command)
This year’s event was hosted by Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) with support from the N.D. National Guard. The event kicked off with a walk/ruck at that started at Pioneer Park and ended at the memorial. Gov. Doug Burgum, commander-in-chief of the N.D. National Guard; Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general of the N.D. National Guard; Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general; Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader; and Command Sgt. Maj. Derek Heck, state command sergeant major, joined members of Team RWB, Gold Star Families, and the N.D. Patriot Guard for the 2-mile walk.
Members of the N.D. National Guard, Team Red, White, and Blue, and the community line up at Pioneer Park before beginning the 2-mile walk to the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 11, 2022.
The walk was followed by a brief ceremony at the memorial. Rendering remarks were Burgum, Sen. John Hoeven, Rep. Kelly Armstrong, Dohrmann, Chaplain (Capt.) Phil Nelson, 119 Wing, and Thea Jorgensen, Team RWB.
Following the ceremony was food and fellowship. Team RWB has partnered with the N.D. National Guard on this event since 2014, this year taking over hosting responsibilities for the first time. Jorgensen said she is grateful for leaderships' support each year.
Members of the organization Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB) who set up for the event, helped serve meals during the event, walked alongside the community in the 2-mile Remembrance walk, and enjoyed conversations with the families, outside of Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 11, 2022. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ashley Johlfs, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs)
“As a member of the N.D. National Guard, I full-heartedly believe our leadership means it every time they say, ‘we must never forget,'" said Jorgensen. "And the families of the fallen, fellow soldiers, and community members show us time after time that they mean it as well. They have rallied around its community, to make it a better place more times than we can count. What’s most impressive is they continue to do so with tremendous passion and love regardless of their loss and their grief.”
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) was declared the next day, and over 3.7 million Americans have served during the GWOT.
Employer Support Freedom Award
Representatives of the N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award to Gate City Bank, Sept. 14, 2022, at the Swiontek Center, Fargo, N.D. (National Guard story and photos by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs Office)
The award was presented by Delton Steele and Dave Johnston, the state and vice Chair respectively for the North Dakota ESGR. Gov. Doug Burgum and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general rendered remarks on the importance of employer support to National Guard and reserve component military members.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, awarded to Gate City Bank in Fargo, Sept. 14, 2022.
From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader; Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general; Delton Steel, N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) state chair; Kevin Hanson, Gate City Bank president and CEO; Sgt. Bleau Hoge, a former member of the North Dakota Army National Guard; Steve Swiontek, Gate City Bank chair; and Dave Johnston, N.D. ESGR vice chair, at the Swiontek Center, Fargo, N.D., Sept. 14, 2022.
The Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense to employers for their exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve members. The Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional employer support, with only 310 honorees to date. Gate City Bank is one of only 15 recipients of this award out of 2,777 nominations this year. Basin Electric, in 2012, is the only other North Dakota business to have earned this recognition.
Bleau Hoge and his wife, Pheonix, both formerly Soldiers in the N.D. National Guard, with their daughter at the Swiontek Center, Fargo, N.D., Sept. 14, 2022.
The bank was nominated for this award by Sgt. Bleau Hoge, a former member of the North Dakota Army National Guard. Hoge is employed at a Gate City Bank branch in Bismarck, N.D.
Dave Johnston, vice chair, N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve took this opportunity to also present Gate City Bank the ESGR Pro Patria award, which was not presented due to the pandemic. This award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory in recognition of their support to the military.
For more information:
- Freedom Award, visit FreedomAward.mil.
- ESGR outreach programs and volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit ESGR.mil.
Military Appreciation
Kramer Chevrolet held its 16th Annual Customer & Military Appreciation Event & Car Show in Mandan, Sept. 10, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
N.D. Guard Soldiers presenting the U.S. Flag during the National Anthem, Mandan, N.D., Sept. 10, 2022.
United Tribes PowWow
The United Tribes Technical College International Powwow is held every second weekend in September. Among the many activities, the Powwow formally recognizes and honors current military members and Veterans. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Members of the N.D. Army National Guard State Medical Detachment and the 81st Civil Support Team at the United Tribes Technical College International Powwow, Bismarck, Sept. 10, 2022.
This year's Powwow featured a tribute to healthcare workers. Members of the N.D. Army National Guard State Medical Detachment and the 81st Civil Support Team were asked to participate in honor their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Safetember Celebration
The N.D. Guard was invited to participate in the first North Dakota Safety Council's (NDSC) Safetember Celebration at the NDSC Safety Campus, Bismarck State College, Sept. 13, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The event celebrated the 5-year anniversary of the safety training campus and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the state safety conference.
Spc. Chris Sagers and Spc. Jacob Ruff, 816th Military Police Company, talk with visitors about the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) on display at the N.D. Safety Council's (NDSC) Safetember Celebration, NDSC Safety Campus, Bismarck State College, Sept. 13, 2022.
The purpose is to demonstrate to the community how all first responders, private companies, and education providers work together to make our communities safe.
Spc. Jacob Ruff, 816th Military Police Company, watches as a parent snaps a photo of their child in the back of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) at the North Dakota Safety Council's (NDSC) Safetember Celebration, NDSC Safety Campus, Bismarck State College, Sept. 13, 2022.
Cpt. Tom Hansen, 81st Civil Support Team, shows a parent and her child a mobile lab used by the team at the North Dakota Safety Council's (NDSC) Safetember Celebration, NDSC Safety Campus, Bismarck State College, Sept. 13, 2022.
New Retirees
During inactive duty training, Maj. Cory Schumacher was recognized at a retirement ceremony, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, Sept. 18, 2022. Schumacher served in the National Guard for over 22 years. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Lt. Col. Ray Ripplinger, left, presents Maj. Cory Schumacher the N.D. National Guard State Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 18, 2022. Both officers are members of Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard.
While assigned as plans and policy officer for Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), Schumacher demonstrated extraordinary leadership, technical, and advisory skills, enhancing the readiness of the N.D. domestic operations group.
N.D. National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, recognized Master Sgt. Stephanie Kuehn at a retirement ceremony, at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, Sept. 17, 2022. Kuehn has served in the National Guard for over 20 years.
Master Sgt. Stephanie Kuehn, Joint Force Headquarters, holds her N.D. National Guard State Meritorious Service Medal after her retirement ceremony, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 17, 2022.
Master Sgt. Kuehn's career took her on multiple deployments that included Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, as well as multiple state active duty missions that helped conserve critical infrastructure and lives during flood operations.
Happy 75th Birthday! - Sept. 18, 2022
Please include contact information if a response is requested.
Click to receive an email whenever a new TAG Line is published.