March 25, 2019
Joint Leaders Conference
Command teams and senior leaders from across the North Dakota National Guard convened in Bismarck for the Joint Leaders Conference on March 22. The day-long event was organized as professional development for Soldiers and Airmen, and also served as an avenue to bring leaders from across the state together. "It's important in our profession of arms that we build the team during events like this," said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann. "We don't want a crisis to be the first time we meet or work together."
Guest Speakers included Gov. Doug Burgum; Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Mr. Craig Fugate, former director of FEMA; Col. Kenneth Lozano, Diversity Director for the Air National Guard, and a panel of North Dakota Military and civilian communication specialists. These guests gave their perspective on leadership in a complex environment, the theme of the event.
The inaugural North Dakota Governor's Military Ball was held Saturday, March 23 at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. The event showcased the military profession of arms while honoring military members and civilians for outstanding performance and support of the North Dakota National Guard. The theme of the night was gratitude as the Governor and Adjutant General thanked everyone for their service.
Awards were given out for Best Warrior, Outstanding Airmen of the Year, Company Grade and Field Grade Officer of the Year, Warrant Officer of the Year, Family of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Youth of the Year. We also thanked our partners and supporters, which included our Honorary Commanders. Two new awards were also presented this year. The Bridge Builder award recognizes organizations who partner with and support the National Guard and the Always Ready, Always There award honors individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of support to the military in North Dakota.
Sen. Kevin Cramer & Rep. Kelly Armstrong visit NDNG
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann recently engaged with Sen. Kevin Cramer & Rep. Kelly Armstrong on important readiness issues for the North Dakota National Guard. Dohrmann discussed subjects ranging from personnel benefits to military construction. Specific topics included the use of Federal Tuition Assistance with the G.I. Bill, the importance of protecting the National Guard during government shutdowns, and proposed legislation allowing federal technicians access to TRICARE as an option for health insurance. Cramer is the first senator from North Dakota to sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. John Hoeven (not pictured) is also working to address these issues.