Guard members learn how to create a fireline (firebreak) which cuts off the fire from its fuel supply, during wildland fire training in Bismarck, North Dakota, Sept. 7. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Contents
- Happy Hooligans awarded 24th Air and Space Force Outstanding Unit Award
- Change of Responsibility
- 68th Troop Command Change of Responsibility
- New Commander
- Wildland Fire Training
- Da Guards Podcast
- Aviation Change
- Professional Development
- Create a Safety Plan
- Welcome Home
- ND1000
- Building Bonds & Resilience: Two Leaders’ Perspective on Unit Cohesion
- 9/11 Remembrance
- Upcoming Open Houses
- Altenburg Retires
- Rhone Retires
- ESGR Lunch with the Boss
- ND Cares and ESGR Statement of Support
- Military Father-Daughter Ball
- Veterans Cemetery Update
- Veterans Stand Down
- USO Coffee Connection
- Roughrider Golf Tournament
- Upcoming Halloween Events
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.
“Congratulations to all our Airmen, past and present. This award reflects how this team in 2023 excelled in demanding operations, innovated beyond expectations, and supported our communities at home and abroad, all while adapting to constant change with unwavering resolve,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota adjutant general, placed the streamer representing the award on the 119th Wing’s colors and commended the Happy Hooligans for their exceptional service and mission accomplishment.
I’m incredibly proud of the 119th Wing Airmen who have earned their 24th Outstanding Unit Award, recognizing their commitment to mission accomplishment, professionalism, and excellence,” said Johnson
The Hooligans previously earned this award in 1971,1973, 1979, 1992 - 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006 - 2008, 2010 and 2012 - 2020.
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.
Outgoing State Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock receives the guidon from 1st Sgt. Dustin Kirschenmann of Joint Force Headquarters during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
A change of responsibility ceremony is a military tradition that marks the transfer of leadership and authority from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.
Incoming State Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena receives the guidon during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
The passing of the unit's guidon represents its history, lineage and authority, which are transferred from the outgoing command sergeant major to the incoming.
68th Troop Command Change of Responsibility
U.S. Army Col. Cody Volk, 68th Troop Command, commander, hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 13 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
Incoming State Command Sgt. Maj. Russ Garrett receives the guidon during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
New Commander
The 119th Operations Support Squadron welcomed its new commander as Lt. Col. Nick Hanson assumed command during a ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base in Fargo on Sept. 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
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)
North Dakota Forest Service member teaches Guard members how to operate a pump truck in Bismarck.
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.
North Dakota Forest Service teach Guard members how to operate a mobile water pump in Bismarck.
Seventy-nine service members took part in the whole course, and 19 others took part in a shorter recertification course.
Guardsmen learn how to create a fire line (firebreak), which cuts off the fire from its fuel supply, during wildland fire training in Bismarck.
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.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kiley Kuntz
Kuntz is the command chief warrant officer for the North Dakota Army National Guard and is also the senior property book officer for the NDARNG. She began her career as a bridge crewmember with the 957th Engineer Company, based out of Bismarck, before joining the Warrant Officer Corps. Over the course of her career, she has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. During her deployment to Afghanistan, she managed the largest warehouse in the Army, facilitating the delivery of up to 5,000 items per day.
Aviation Change
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, held a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck on Sept. 14. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Hill, 1st Battalion 112th Aviation Regiment)
U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Lucas Greff, 68th Troop Command, did a presentation on the lethal means safety in suicide prevention.
Heather Call, director of psychological health, discussed the importance of connection in suicide prevention and addressed common misconceptions about seeking help during a military career.
Create a Safety Plan
From the U.S. Army Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness
Welcome Home
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex Borah, 119th Security Forces Squadron, was welcomed by his family and unit members at Hector International Airport after returning from a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia, where he met his 2-day-old son. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Borah is among the first North Dakota Air National Guard members to return from scheduled Deployment Reserve Component Period 6, with more than 125 unit members expected to return in the coming months.
ND1000
Building Bonds & Resilience: Two Leaders’ Perspective on Unit Cohesion
Effective unit cohesion and resilience are critical for mission success. Recent experiences from Capt. Kipp and 1st Sgt. Bender of Alpha Battery highlight practical leadership approaches to cultivating these elements. Their success stems from intentional communication, adaptability, and prioritizing Soldier well-being, emphasizing a collaborative “team effort.” (Information from Markelle Dockter, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
When Capt. Kipp assumed command, he quickly identified a disconnect between expectations and the mission-focused environment. Briefings from senior leadership revealed gaps in how Soldiers were being cared for and how the unit’s vision for success was being communicated. Recognizing the need for change, Capt. Kipp relied on, and worked in tandem with 1st Sgt. Bender, who was instrumental in bridging these gaps. Together, they supported each other during this transition, with 1st Sgt. Bender playing a key role in mentoring first-line leaders and ensuring Soldier care remained a priority.
This collaborative effort empowered leaders to establish a shared vision for success, aligning with ADP 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession of Arms, which emphasizes the leader’s responsibility for building trust and fostering a positive command climate. This initial assessment set the stage for a leadership strategy rooted in intentional communication and adaptability, two key elements that would prove instrumental in transforming the unit’s cohesion and resilience.
Key strategies included:
Open Communication: Implementing an “open door” policy and actively listening to Soldiers built trust and addressed concerns.
Innovative Training: A “super drill” schedule balanced readiness with Soldier needs, fostering mentorship and work-life balance.
Adaptability & Accountability: Leaders adjusted plans based on feedback and upheld standards to maintain a positive climate.
Team Building: The Top Team/Squad Competition fostered trust and a shared purpose.
Key Leader Takeaways:
- Be present and show genuine care.
- Prioritize active listening.
- Embrace adaptability.
- Maintain accountability.
- Communicate constantly.
Their collaborative leadership highlights the importance of prioritizing people, communication, and flexibility to build high-performing, resilient teams.
9/11 Remembrance
Approximately 30 people attended the Remembrance Ceremony observing the 24th 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. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, speaking at the event.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. More than 3 million Americans have served during the Global War on Terrorism.
Upcoming Open Houses
Altenburg Retires
U.S. Army Col. Nathan Dicks, Joint Force Headquarters, presided over a retirement ceremony for Lt. Col. Karl Altenburg Sept. 14, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Rhone Retires
U.S. Army Col. Dan Murphy, Joint Force Headquarters, director, presided over a retirement ceremony for Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rick Rhone Sept. 14, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
ESGR Lunch with the Boss
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Volunteers, in collaboration with the North Dakota Air National Guard and the Minot Area Chamber EDC, arranged for a gathering of about 50 business leaders from the Minot area to participate in an ESGR Lunch with the Boss held on Sept. 4. (ESGR article by Rob Keller, North Dakota ESGR Vice-Chair)
At the event, employers not only learned more about that commitment, but many also signed a “Statement of Support,” symbolizing their pledge to stand behind their employees in uniform. That’s more than a signature — it’s a promise that strengthens families, builds stronger communities, and ensures our nation’s readiness in times of crisis.
ND Cares and ESGR Statement of Support
ND Cares was proud to welcome Altru Health Systems as its newest Business Partner in a presentation held on Sept. 8 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. (National Guard story and photos by Michelle Gauvin-Panos & Kristy Wangler)
Altru provides medical and mental health services to residents of northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, including a behavioral health clinic offering treatments for depression, PTSD, relationship issues, life transitions and loss.
ND Cares business partners pledge to address the social, emotional physical, and spiritual health needs of our service members, veterans, their families, and survivors, within their business practices. Altru is an in-network TRICARE provider.
ND Cares will offer military culture training to Altru staff, so they are better equipped to interact effectively with the military community, enhancing the services they already provide.
Altru’s Chief Financial Officer Derek Goebel also signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support, which publicly declares his commitment to continue supporting employees in the Guard and Reserve.
The Statement of Support Program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s effort to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve. The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employees to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve units.
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Military Father-Daughter Ball
The North Dakota National Guard Child and Youth Program held their annual Military Father-Daughter Ball event at the Heritage Museum in Bismarck on Sept. 6. The third and final event will take place at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo on Sept. 20. (Photos by North Dakota National Guard Child and Youth Program)
Veterans Cemetery Update
The road repair project at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery is complete. The much-needed improvements were made possible through the generosity of donors, whose support helps ensure the cemetery remains a respectful and accessible resting place for veterans and their families.