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TAG Line November 27, 2023

From The Field - 119th Security Forces Squadron had an Observer/Controller for DEFENDER FLAG and SAGE EAGLE. 119th SFS had two participants for SAGE EAGLE. Both were held at Fort Bliss, TX. (National Guard photo by Maj. Kristopher Jacobs, 119th Security Forces Squadron)

  1. 119th Security Forces Return Home
  2. 188th Army Band with the Gold Star Marching Band
  3. Exercise Defender Flag and Sage Eagle
  4. Professional Development
  5. 188th Army Band Music in our Schools Tour
  6. Master Leaders Course
  7. N.D. Guard's Newest Lt. Col.
  8. The Army Commendation Medal
  9. ESGR Awards
  10. Recognition

119th Security Forces Return Home

Thirteen members of the 119th Security Forces Squadron returned home from a six-month deployment, providing base security at Air Base 201 in Niger, Africa. The Hooligan defenders deployed to Niger in support of Operation Enduring Sentinel, and provided base security, served as Quick Reaction Forces (QRF's) and assisted with vehicle searches and inspection at the bases gate. (National Guard story and photos by Staff. Sgt. Christa Anderson, 119th Wing Public Affairs)

The 119th Wing members served from April 21-November 20, 2023, as part of the wing's Reserve Component Period Six commitment. They returned to Fargo's Hector International Airport over the past week.

Group photo from Africa

188th Army Band with the Gold Star Marching Band

(Photos by Sgt. Taryn Stoen, 188th Army Band and KJ Photography)

The 188th Army Band performed at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football game on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. It’s a huge honor to perform for Veterans with the NDSU Gold Star Marching Band!

188th Army Band plays at NDSU Veterans Day half-time Show with Gold Star Marching Band.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Landman conducts “America the Beautiful,” arranged by Carmen Dragon and Jay Dawson. He was Drum Major of the Gold Star Marching Band from 2008 to 2010.
Spc. Elijah O’Sullivan sings “Songs of the Armed Forces” to honor Veterans from each military service.

Sgt. Avery Johnson plays the bass drum during the NDSU Bison football halftime show.

Spc. Natalie Helfrich plays trombone for the NDSU Bison football pre-game show.
Staff Sgt. Dave Hathaway plays snare drum during the NDSU Bison football game halftime show.
Staff Sgt. Zach Fischer renders salute for each service song during “Songs of the Armed Forces.”

Group Photo of 188th Army Band and leaders of the NDSU Gold Star Marching Band and the school's Mascot.

From The Field - Exercise Defender Flag and Sage Eagle

Three members of the 119th Wing's Security Forces Squadron traveled to Ft. Bliss, Tex. from Oct. 24-Nov. 7 to take part in Exercise Sage Eagle. (National Guard story and photos by Maj. Kristopher Jacobs, 119th Wing Security Forces Squadron)

The Happy Hooligan defenders trained with the active duty Army and Army National Guard in the joint exercises. The Airmen participated in training missions where they managed traffic control points (TCP's) and provided defense of villages, using Medium Tactical Vehicles (M-ATV's).

Tech. Sgt. Jarrod Guyer said, "This training gives individuals an idea of what they would experience when out on real-world missions when deployed."

In addition to sharpening their security skills, the exercise also provided the Airmen with the opportunity to build working relationships with joint force units from throughout the country

Professional Development

Julia Brown, director of Human Resources, Maj. Michael Champagne, State Safety Officer, and Mr. Delton Steele, ESGR Chair Emeritus, conducted this month's professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 8. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

In addition to an in-person audience, the professional development briefings were livestreamed state-wide to all N.D. National Guard full-time members.

Julia Brown, director of Human Resources, spoke to employees about the technician open season at month's professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D.

The 2023 Open Season is from Nov. 13th through Dec. 11th. This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental or vision insurance coverage for you and your family. It is also time to consider the money you can save on your out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses for the upcoming year.

Maj. Michael Champagne, State Safety Officer, gave a fall safety message during this month's professional development.
Delton Steele, ESGR Chair Emeritus, talked about the need for ESGR during this month's professional development.

188th Army Band Music in our Schools Tour

(National Guard photo by 188th Army Band, Story by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, N.D. Visual Information Office. )

Three Musical Performance Teams from the 188th Army Band hit the road last week for their annual “Music in Our Schools” tour. Collectively, the groups performed at 20 schools throughout North Dakota over the course of five days. Blues in Green, a pop/variety band, traveled to the northwest corner of the state. No Brass No Ammo Woodwind Ensemble played in south central North Dakota, and the Cover Down Brass Ensemble performed primarily in the southwest corner of the state.

The 188th Army Band uses inspiring messaging, a unique stage show, and recognizable music to enhance the musical experience of the audience. The Soldiers in these ensembles worked with students and teachers, performing for K-12 audiences and showcasing what the North Dakota Army National Guard has to offer. There was no shortage of smiling, dancing, laughing and patriotism during Halloween week, and the Soldier-Musicians of the 188th can’t wait to do it again next year!

Blues in Green

Cover Down Brass Ensemble

Cover Down Brass Ensemble playing at Richardton-Taylor Public School

Sgt. Amanda Fox and Spc. Natalie Helfrich playing in Richardton-Taylor Public School.

Sgt. Ben Helfrich, Sgt. Tommy Iken, Spc. Jaden Rohrich, and Spc Andrew Bergan performing in Hettinger Public School.

Members of the Cover Down Brass Ensemble play with the South Heart and Belfield High School's Pep Band.

Sgt. Ben Helfrich, Sgt. Tommy Iken, Spc. Jaden Rohrich, and Spc Andrew Bergan performing in Hettinger Public School.
Spc. Natalie Helfrich, Sgt Tommy Iken, and Spc Jaden Rohrich playing in Belfield High School.

No Brass No Ammo

No Brass No Ammo of the 188th Army Band Helps Jump-start New Band Students in Edgeley, North Dakota

On Nov. 2, the Musical Performance Team (MPT), No Brass No Ammo, of the 188th Army Band, had the opportunity to serve students in Edgeley, North Dakota. The six-member ensemble spent the day collaborating with music teacher, Ms. Tyra Steinwand, in a unique effort to assist fifth and sixth grade students in selecting their band instruments.

Due to limited resources, last year's fifth graders, now sixth graders, faced challenges initiating their musical journey. No Brass No Ammo, in partnership with Eckroth Music, stepped in to bridge this gap and provide assistance with both fifth and sixth graders. Tyra Steinwand, a first-year music teacher, hailing from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota, expressed her gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the 188th Army Band. Erin Schaaf of Eckroth Music remarked, "This was definitely a unique event." She went on to extend her heartfelt thanks to all members of the ensemble for their service to the country and their dedication to this important mission.

Photos and Story by Sgt. Taryn Stoen and Spc. Darcy Brandenburg, 188th Army Band

Master Leaders Course

Four N.D. Guard soldiers graduated from their Master Leadership Course held at the Utah National Guard Training Center in Camp Williams Utah, Nov. 16. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Rachelle Barendt Klein,)

Right to Left, Sgt. 1st Class Gage Nelson, S6 non-commissioned officer in charge, Sgt. 1st Class Rachelle Barendt Klein, S6 non-commissioned officer in charge, HHC 142nd Engineer Battalion, Sgt. 1st Class Amy Bohl, N.D. Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, and Sgt. 1st Class Sean Knodel, Company Delta 1-112th Aviation Battalion.

Sgt. 1st Class Sean Knodel, Company Delta 1-112th Aviation Battalion. was awarded Distinguished Honor Graduate for his class.

N.D. Guard's Newest Lt. Col.

Maj. Thaddaeus Solhjem, Joint Force Headquarters, is promoted to the rank of Colonel during a ceremony at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 14. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Maj. Thaddaeus Solhjem, Joint Force Headquarters, is being pinned by his wife during a ceremony at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., Nov, 14.

The Army Commendation Medal

1st Lt. Chelsy Adams, Joint Force Headquarters, was recognized after the professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, pins The Army Commendation Medal on 1st Lt. Chelsy Adams, Joint Force Headquarters, after the professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Adams received the award for her work serving as the Executive Officer for the Army Command from October 2021 to September 2023.

ESGR Awards

Delton Steele, ESGR Chair Emeritus, gave out ESGR awards after the professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Seven Seals Award

The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and is presented at the discretion of the State Chair or by ESGR senior leadership. The Seven Seals Award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission, to include the efforts of the more than 2,300 volunteers who carry out ESGR’s mission across the Nation on a daily basis.

Col. Mitchell Johnson, 119th Wing Commander, and Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing Deputy Commander, excepted via the internet the Seven Seals Award on behalf of the 119th Wing for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Service members wishing to have their employer or other deserving individuals considered for the Seven Seals Award should email their ESGR State Committee via our State Pages link. The email should include:

Service members wishing to have their employer or other deserving individuals considered for the Seven Seals Award should email their ESGR State Committee via our State Pages link. The email should include:

"Seven Seals Award Nomination" in the email subject line

The nominee's name, organizational address, phone, e-mail, and point of contact

A detailed summary of how the nominee has significantly advanced the ESGR mission

Nominator's contact information to allow for potential follow-up

Lt. Col. Lucas Klettke, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade commander, received the Seven Seals Award for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Lt. Col. Derek Kuntz, 164th Engineer Battalion commander, received the Seven Seals Award for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Lt. Col. Jay Sheldon, strategy and policy officer, received the Seven Seals Award for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, excepted via the internet the Seven Seals Award for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

North Dakota State Chair Award of Excellence

The State Chair is an official Department of Defense volunteer position with a three-year term of service. The North Dakota’s State Chair provides leadership and vision for a team of dedicated volunteers throughout the state to carry out the ESGR mission.

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, was awarded the North Dakota State Chair Award of Excellence for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Col. Mitchell Johnson, 119th Wing commander, was awarded the North Dakota State Chair Award of Excellence for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing deputy commander, was awarded the North Dakota State Chair Award of Excellence for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Lt. Col. Jay Sheldon, strategy and policy officer, was awarded the North Dakota State Chair Award of Excellence for the support to the ESGR's mission at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8.

Recognition

Russell Zuraff, Joint Force Headquarters, data processing manager, was recognized after the professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov 8. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general, right, presents Russell Zuraff, Joint Force Headquarters civilian, a recognition coin after professional development, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 8.

Zuraff, received a deputy adjutant general coin for receiving many compliments for being very accommodating and easy to work with from many Raymond J. Bohn armory, staff members. he also created a survey to establish the best times for his custodial staff to clean the gym.

Attention Army, Air and Retirees!

ND1000 Leads to Enlistment Program is an assistance program encouraging current and former members of the NDNG to actively assist in enlisting and accessing new Soldiers and Airmen into the N.D. Guard.

If you have an Air Guard recruit call - Tech Sgt. Adam Cohls at 701-818-5265

If you have an Army Guard recruit - download the ND Guard app and enter the lead under "ND1000." After your submission, a ND1000 assistant agreement will be generated and when that lead enlists/accesses, you will receive $1,000 in lump sum.

Let's work together to ensure the positive growth and development of our organization!

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