The capital on New Year's Eve, in the foreground is the only remaining tree on the capital grounds, believed to be a victory elm planted after the victory of World War 1 in Bismarck, Dec. 31. (National Guard photo by Shirley Olgeirson, North Dakota Guard Historian)
Contents
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
U.S. Army Maj. Chad Worrel
Let's meet the commander of our Officer Candidate School, U.S. Army Maj. Chad Worrel! Worrel first joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1998 and later deployed to Iraq. He had a short break in service and after returning to the National Guard, completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 2009 before branching into the Engineer Corps. He has served as a platoon leader, company executive officer, company commander, assistant operations officer, engineer plans officer, battalion officer in charge, and battalion executive officer. He is currently the company commander for the NDND OCS and he explains to us how the program works in North Dakota.
North Dakota National Guard Year in Review
ESGR Visits Fraine Barracks
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Employers surveyed Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, Jan 16. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Winter Weather Training
The 3662nd Support Maintenance Company held its winter weather training and critical maintenance operations drill weekend, Jan. 10 - 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Rhea Goulet, 3662nd Support Maintenance Company)
The Service and Recovery section played a key role, providing valuable hands-on recovery training that tested and refined technical skills while enhancing our ability to operate in unforgiving winter conditions.
The 3662nd Support Maintenance Company trains to enhance their mission readiness, no matter the weather.
Always Ready
Members of the National Guard Bureau and N.D. Guard leaders held a state emergency response operations exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 7 - 8. (National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Top Airmen 0f 2024
The Happy Hooligans proudly honored their top Airmen of 2024 at the Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet in Fargo, North Dakota. This annual event celebrated the exceptional service of our Airmen across the 119th Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy of the 119th Wing social media)
⭐ First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Lacey Bunkelman, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group ⭐ Outstanding Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Kolby Merkel, 119th Medical Group ⭐ Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Adam Kohls, 119th Mission Support Group ⭐ Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Paul Hubbard, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group ⭐ Outstanding Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Kyle Knutson, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group ⭐ Outstanding Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Kim Nelson, 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group
Soldiers Exceptional Actions
Four N.D. National Guard Soldiers from the 164th Regional Training Institute were recognized for their exceptional and selfless actions in response to an accident on Highway 20 just South of the turn into Camp Grafton proper. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena, 164th Regional Training Institute, commandant)
From left to right, Merkley, Hinkeldey, and Axelson were recently presented with the North Dakota National Guard’s Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award. Staff Sgt. Nieves was awarded the ND State Commendation Ribbon for his actions. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Merkley, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eric Hinkeldey, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Morgan Axelson provided lifesaving measures for multiple victims and rerouted and directed traffic away from the accident. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Nieves directed traffic away from the accident and controlled the scene until first responders arrived.
131st Military Police Battalion Training and Peacemaker Ride
The North Dakota Army National Guard’s 131st Military Police Battalion conducted training and a Peacemaker Ride throughout North Dakota during their inactive-duty training on March 7-8. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The Soldiers engaged with community members during breaks at fuel stations and local restaurants. They were available for conversation, to address questions, and to allow people to explore their vehicles. This provided a valuable opportunity for locals to learn more about their training and the North Dakota Army National Guard.
Grass Fires in McKenzie County
Two wildland fires started in McKenzie County near Watford City yesterday, March 27. Watford City Fire Department led incident command for the first fire, and Keene was primary on the second with mutual aid called from Arnegard, Alexander, and Dunn. (Story courtesy of North Dakota Emergency Services Cares)
With winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour and one in difficult terrain, the simultaneous fires overwhelmed local resources. Upon request and via continuous communication, officials within the State Emergency Operations Center dispatched state resources to join the fight, including engines and crews from North Dakota Forest Service and a Black Hawk aerial crew from the North Dakota National Guard.
The North Dakota National Guard launched a Black Hawk helicopter that dropped approximately 24,000 gallons of water on the fire over the span of three hours, aiding the ground crew in the steep and difficult terrain with aerial support.
2nd Place at Grizzly Gauntlet 2025
Happy Hooligan's weapons load crew placed second overall in the Grizzly Gauntlet 2025 Air National Guard weapons loading competition held at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., on March 25. (U.S. Air Force photos by 163rd Attack Squadron Public Affairs Office)
The North Dakota team won the GBU-12 wiring category and gained valuable experience competing and sharing information with weapons load crews from across the country.
The competition involved teams from various units, testing their proficiency, speed, safety, and teamwork in weapons loading scenarios, including a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) scenario.
81st Civil Support Team
The 81st Civil Support Team conducted two joint exercises with the Bismarck Fire Department.
Cottonwood Park
The day one exercise began with a scenario where the fire department received information on a drug lab in a local building within city limits on April 8. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Bismarck Fire Station 4
The fire department responded to a local garage for a chemical spill during the day two scenario. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Bridge Training
The 957th Engineer Company, Bridge, practiced bridging and slip operations during its drill weekend at Kimball Bottoms, North Dakota on April 12. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
131st Military Police Battalion
The 131st Military Police Battalion hosted its annual training at Camp Davis, near Valley City, and Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. (U.S. Army National Guard photos courtesy of the 131st Military Police Battalion)
New State Command Chief
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Dorneman relinquished responsibility as the state command chief warrant officer to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiley Kuntz during a ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center on May 17. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Anna Welchel, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander, Land Component Command, hands the colors to the incoming state command chief warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiley Kuntz.
Kuntz said, "Serving as a Warrant Officer is one of the smartest decisions I’ve made in my life. Being the technical expert in your field, mentoring and training Soldiers, and watching them succeed is a source of tremendous pride. Becoming a Warrant Officer is a path for Soldiers in technical fields who love their MOS and want to deepen their skills and increase their influence through expertise."
African Lion 2025
Members of the North Dakota Air National Guard took part in African Lion 2025 (AL25), the largest annual military exercise in Africa, that brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. William China, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa)
Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.
Aviation Annual Training
MEDEVAC task during the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment Best Warrior Competition at annual training at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on May 17. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Brittany Hill, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment)
119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron
Debris Removal
Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron took part in a base-wide disaster response exercise, practicing debris removal to help ensure clear access for people and vehicles during emergencies at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The exercise simulated the aftermath of a natural disaster, challenging the team to respond quickly and effectively under realistic conditions.
Rapid Runway Repair Operations
Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron recently took part in a training exercise at a regional training site, honing their skills in rapid runway repair operations at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, June 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The Fargo-based Regional Training Site is one of four Air National Guard civil engineer career field training sites providing the rapid damage repair portion of Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery training. It is the first Air National Guard training site to fully utilize this system for training.
Norwegian Ruck March
The North Dakota National Guard held a Norwegian Ruck March at the Camp Grafton Training, Devils Lake, North Dakota on June 6. (U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Capt. Nathan Rivard, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The Adjutant General's Match
Soldiers and Airmen gathered for the annual TAG (The Adjutant General) Match, a spirited five-day competition at Camp Grafton Training Center South, from June 27 to July 1. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
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)
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.
818th Engineer Company (Sapper) Casing of Colors
The 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, 141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, cased the unit colors during a casing ceremony, Aug. 1, Minot, North Dakota. (Lineage and honors provided by U.S. Army Maj. Justin Johnson, 164th Engineer Battalion)
North Dakota Air National Guard Supports Texas Following Floods
Seven members of the Happy Hooligans assisted the Texas Air National Guard in mid-July by providing MQ-9 support in the search for victims following the devastating flash flooding in central Texas. The 119th Wing was tasked with providing aerial support and intelligence for first responders searching on the ground. Governor Kelly Armstrong authorized the Hooligans to assist in response from a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
2026 Best Warrior Competition
Twenty-one Soldiers from across the North Dakota Army National Guard endured an intense four-day test of skill, strength, and resilience at the annual Best Warrior Competition (BWC), held Aug. 14–17, 2025, Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, North Dakota.
The Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion FTX
The Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, conducted a field training exercise at LTA Lisbon, honing critical skills essential for rapid deployment and sustained operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by 1st Lt. Dustin Kelly, Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion, executive officer)
The field training exercise focused on establishing a secure command post, reinforcing tactical communications proficiency through extensive training on loading and operating Joint Battle Command-Platform radios, and conducting sling load operations with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment.
Happy Hooligans awarded 24th Air and Space Force Outstanding Unit Award
The 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” formally received the Air and Space Force Outstanding Unit Award (ASFOUA) at a ceremony Sept. 7. This marks the 24th time the Happy Hooligans have earned this honor. (National Guard Story & photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The Air and Space Force Outstanding Unit Award is presented by the secretary of the Air Force to numbered units of the active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard that have distinguished themselves through exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement. The award includes recognition for successful involvement in combat operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing force.
Change of Responsibility
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, the North Dakota National Guard’s land component commander, hosted a State Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 13 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
Wildland Fire Training
The North Dakota Forest Service and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services partnered with the North Dakota National Guard in conducting wildland firefighter certification and re-certification, Bismarck, North Dakota, Sept. 4 to 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The purpose of the training is to teach Guard members fire response tactics in case the National Guard is called to assist first responders in fighting wildland fires.
Seventy-nine service members took part in the whole course, and 19 others took part in a shorter recertification course.
The service members learned to create a fire line, a temporary barrier created during a fire, to remove fuel to prevent or control a wildfire from spreading.
New Dickinson Readiness Center
State, local, military leaders, and contractors cut a piece of ribbon during the Dickinson Readiness Center ribbon cutting ceremony, Sept. 24, 2025, Dickinson, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Nathan Rivard)