Military Police work with Ghanaian Armed Forces
In June, 191st Military Police (MP) Company Soldiers, 1st Lt. Bradley McGinnis and Spc. Isaiah Jackson, worked with members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), our original state partner through the State Partnership Program, at Burma Camp near Accra, Ghana. The exercises included military police functions useful for peacekeeping operations such as mission planning, troop leading procedures, military operations in urban terrain, entry control points and vehicle searches. The exercises culminated with a night-time scenario which incorporated all lessons learned into a single continuous event. Top photo: Spc. Jackson demonstrates how U.S. Army forces clear rooms in an urban environment to a group of Ghanaian military members.
The GAF had 60 soldiers, sailors and airmen participating in these exercises making it a challenging and rewarding experience for the North Dakota Guardsmen who were in Africa for the first time. All of the participants enjoyed the well planned and progressive exercise experience which is useful in military peacekeeping. Ghana is one of the leading nations in Africa in providing professional peacekeepers to conflicted areas and have served as UN peacekeepers since the early 1960s. These types of engagements strengthen our partnership which in turn supports combatant commanders and Department of Defense goals.
Guard Soldiers Help Celebrate American Legion's Centennial in Grand Forks
The North Dakota National Guard helped celebrate the American Legion's 100th anniversary on June 29 by participating in a ceremony and parade near Williamson Park in Grand Forks. The event was a city-wide recognition of government, military, and civic organizations that provide support to our nation and community. The commander of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA), Lt. Col. Matthew Carman, rendered remarks during the opening ceremony. Soldiers from the 1-188 ADA and Detachment 1, 191st Military Police Company participated in the parade that showcased military and civilian service vehicles from the past and present. Teaming up with the Legion's Veterans to support a North Dakota community event was a great experience for the Soldiers.
Military Youth STEAM Camp
The North Dakota National Guard Child and Youth Program hosted their second annual military STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Camp, June 30 to July 2, on the North Dakota State University campus in Fargo. The course focused on STEAM skills with hands-on activities to reinforce the instruction. Forty military children led by four squad leaders and two North Dakota National Guard military youth coordinators spent the days participating in art classes, rock climbing, resiliency and team building activities along with traditional science, technology, engineering and math pursuits. The military kids stayed overnight in the university's dormitory which helped provide the campers a college experience. "This is a great camp for military kids that enjoy technology and the arts as well as spending only a short time away from home," said Mandy Malo, Military Youth Coordinator for the North Dakota National Guard."
Saber Guardian 2019 Equipment Recovery
Nearly 40 North Dakota National Guard Soldiers were in Romania recovering equipment and vehicles used in the multinational exercise Saber Guardian 2019 . Equipment is repaired and then cleaned to meet U.S. Customs and Border Patrol inspection standards before boarding ships bound for the United States. Saber Guardian is a bi-annual exercise co-led by the Romanian Joint Force Command and U.S. Army Europe. This year's exercise took place June 3-24 at various locations in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. This exercise helps improve the integration of multinational combat forces. Videos and photos of last month's Saber Guardian exercise.
Governor's Cabinet and Staff Visit Camp
The North Dakota National Guard hosted more than 30 members of Governor Doug Burgum's cabinet and staff during an offsite July 10 to 11 at Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) near Devils Lake. Taking advantage of CGTC's facilities, participants split up into three teams and took on the team challenge of the Leaders Reaction Course. This military obstacle course exercises teamwork and initiative and provided participants with a memorable experience.
Guard Soldiers Roll in Mandan's Independence Day Parade
Six North Dakota National Soldiers participated in the annual July 4th parade in Mandan celebrating the nation's birthday. The Guardsmen operated an armored HMMWV and a privately owned 1960s era U.S. Army Jeep 1/4 ton vehicle and trailer. The parade was broadcast live on a local television station and drew an estimated 6,000 fans lining Main Street in downtown Mandan. Our Soldiers were pleased by the opportunity to help celebrate American's Independence.
North Dakota National Guard Soldiers that participated in Mandan's Independence Day parade pose with Mandan police chief Jason Ziegler (center) at the city's Independence Day parade. From left: Sgt. Alex Johnson, Pfc. Mackenzie Nagel, Sgt. Sam Kroll, Ziegler, Pfc. Hannah Miller, Spc. Daniel Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Kyle Emmel.