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TAG Line August 21, 2023

Women’s Leadership Summit brings communities together for growth & connection

Story by Staff Sgt. Christa Anderson, 119th Wing, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

Members of the North Dakota National Guard joined together with the Fargo-Moorhead community for a Women’s leadership Summit on August 3rd to learn from speakers and create connections with each other.

“The Summit was a day packed with inspirational speakers and a chance to get to know others outside of the day-to-day work environment,” said 1st Lt. Chloe Nelson, 119th Wing Human Resources officer. “It was also an opportunity to learn about what it means to be an authentic leader.”

Among the leaders speaking at the summit was United States Ambassador to Togo, the honorable Elizabeth Fitzsimmons. During her speech, Fitzsimmons shared what she sees as crucial elements of being a successful leader.

“I was captivated by Ambassador Elizabeth Fitzsimmons during her speech, when she outlined what she believes are the key components to being a successful leader. One of those components was to find your hype squad. You need to have a team of people in your life that support you and are your cheerleaders, and in turn you are their cheerleader too,” said Nelson.

The summit was held to give members an opportunity to learn from leaders and make new connections. Everyone has something they can share to relate to someone else’s experiences.

“Throughout the event, there were purposeful breaks for conversation starters,” said Capt. Kristen Frovarp, 119th Wing, Personnel Management officer. “The exercises gave everyone an opportunity to get to know and understand someone else in the room that they may not already know. And throughout the exercises learn that many other people have shared experiences that others can relate to.”

“It reminds me of the quote, ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,’” said Nelson. “You never know what kind of connections can be made at an event like this that could generate the next big thing in your life.”

The Women’s Leadership Summit brought men and women together for an opportunity to learn, grow and connect with each other. Having events like the summit enabled individuals to foster better relationships with each other that better prepares them for the future.

“We hope that men and women of all ranks encourage each other to participate in events like the Women’s Leadership Summit,” said Frovarp.

(Top photo) Panel Participants answer questions on their views of leadership in some situations. (Lower left) Attendees listen to a speaker. (Middle) Participants meet and greet each other during an activity to meet people. (Lower right) Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann welcomes the crowd to the 2nd Annual Womens Leadership Summit. (Submitted photos)

Togo Ambassador Visits North Dakota

Ambassador E.B. Fitzsimmons, U.S. Ambassador to Togo, speaks at the 2nd Annual Womens Leadership Summit.

Ambassador E.B. Fitzsimmons, U.S. Ambassador to Togo, conducted an engagement in Fargo, North Dakota during the week of July 31st. This is the Ambassador’s first visit to ND. She met with various businesses, places of collaboration, and also witnessed the 81st Civil Support Team (CST) conduct an engagement with the Fargo area firefighters.

(Top) Lt. Col. Josh Schochenmaier shows Ambassador E.B. Fitzsimmons how to fly a drone simulator while she visited the 119th Wing. (Left) Sgt. Deyton Slama, 817th Engineer Company (Sapper), conducted a brief-back on Counter IED-awareness capabilities from 2022 to his last engagement - July 2023 in Togo. (Right) Capt. Jacob Sommerfeld discusses capabilities of the 81st Civil Support Team (CST) mobile equipment for responding to various CBRNE events with Capt Jeremiah Colbert, AMB E.B. Fitzsimmons, and Mr. Robert Dedzi, Col. Avoumado. (Togo Armed Forces Commander). (Photos by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, State Partnership Program manager, N.D. National Guard.)

119th Participates in Northern Strike

The 119th OG participated in Northern Strike 2023, deploying to Alpena Michigan during the week of July 31, 2023. The exercise allowed joint integration with the 12th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) of Air Force Special Ops Command (AFSOC) and 110th Wing (MI ANG) generating training opportunities for the ANG and AFSOC units. Advancing readiness, the 119th completed an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from Alpena to Battle Creek Michigan, home of the 110th Wing, on 3-7 August 2023. Utilizing the MQ-9’s Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) in conjunction with Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR), the 119th OG landed a MQ-9 at Battle Creek Michigan for the first time ever.

(Top) The flight line at Alpena, Mich. staged for the exercise. (Left) The tail of a MQ9 Reaper at the exercise. (Top Right) An Airman prepares a Reaper for flight. (Bottom Right) Airmen get ready to fly in a CH-47 Chinook.

The 119th Operations Group (OG) participated in Northern Strike 2023, deploying to Alpena, Michigan during August 2023.

The exercise allowed joint integration with the 12th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and 110th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard.

During the exercise 119th OG completed an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from Alpena to Battle Creek, Michigan. A first of its kind the ACE movement, included the ability to transfer inert munitions from the A-10 to rearm the MQ-9 while at contingency locations.

Utilizing the MQ-9’s Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) in conjunction with Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR), the 119th OG landed a MQ-9 at Battle Creek Michigan for the first time ever.

“Exercise Northern Strike 2023 is a premier Air National Guard and Reserve component training event that integrates both US and partner nation readiness training to build interoperability and strengthen partnerships in an all-domain environment.” (Rizor, Forging history with hot engines, 2023)

Emergency Exercise brings units together

The 119th Emergency Management Squadron teamed up with the 81st Civil Support Team (CST) of the North Dakota Army National Guard and Cass County Emergency Management in a training exercise to prepare for a chemical attack scenario at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds.

(Top) 81st Civil Support Team (CST) members brief for the mission at the exercise. (Bottom Left) A CST member scans a suspicious package. (Bottom Right) CST members unload equipment from a UH-60M Blackhawk.

From Rancher to Soldier Recruiting Video

Dickinson REadiness Center GroundBreaking

A rendering of the new armory for the 816th Military Police Company in Dickinson is displayed for the groundbreaking.

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Dickinson Army National Guard readiness center at the current armory on August 11, 2023, due to a rainy day. The readiness center will be home to the Dickinson-based 816th Military Police Company. The new 40,188 square foot readiness center gives the Dickinson Soldiers needed training space and room for equipment storage. The $27 million project is expected to be complete by June 2025.

(Top) Dignitaries shovel dirt on a tarp signifying the ground breaking. The groundbreaking was held indoors due to a rainy day. (Bottom Left) Dignitaries pose for a photo with the flag. (Bottom Right) Military Police Soldiers pose with a citizen at the groundbreaking.

The new Dickinson readiness center will replace the current facility, which is more than 50 years old. The new facility will meet U.S. Army space requirement to house, support and train the unit’s more than 80 Soldiers. Additionally, it will accommodate the 816th Military Police Company’s military vehicles and trailers and authorized MTOE (Modified Table of Organization and Equipment).

188th Army Band Completes Performance Tour

Story by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll and Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling, 188th Army Band

The 188th Army Band hit the road for their July performance tour. They started in Minot, leading the North Dakota State Fair Parade. This is the longest parade route in the state, measuring approximately 2.5 miles!

From there, the unit traveled to Medora where five Musical Performance Teams played for people from all over the world. They played at the Medora Musical, on the Town Square Patio Stage, and the Andrist Stage. They even marched a parade with a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator following closely behind! Performing groups included the Marching Band, Saxophone Quartet, Cover Down (brass ensemble), No Brass No Ammo (woodwind ensemble), and Blues in Green (variety band).

(Top Left) Tuba section marches in the North Dakota State Fair parade in Minot, ND. on July 22, 2023. (Photo by Sgt. Taryn Stoen, 188th Army Band) (Top Right) Drum Major, Staff. Sgt. Zachary Fischer, leads the marching band through the streets of Medora on July 23, 2023. (Photo by Sgt. Taryn Stoen, 188th Army Band) (Center Left) The Saxophone Quartet plays for Medora Musical attendees before showtime outside the musical’s welcome center. Pictured left to right: Staff Sgt. Brian Lydeen, Sgt. 1st Class Josh Peterson, Staff Sgt. Zach Fischer, Sgt. 1st Class DeAnn Fylling. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll 188th Army Band) (Center Right) Sgt. Jordan Housel plays solo on When the Saints Go Marching In. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, 188th Army Band) (Bottom Left) Spc. Elijah O’Sullivan sings Can’t Stop the Feeling with Blues in Green. (Photo by Jonathan Haugen, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs) (Bottom Right) No Brass, No Ammo performs at the the Burning Hills Ampitheater Welcome Center plays for Medora Musical attendees before showtime outside the musical’s welcome center. Pictured left to right: Sgt. Molly Johnson, Spc. Tori Stephan, Staff Sgt. Kelsy Johnson, Sgt. Devon Tucker, and Spc. Darcy Brandenburg (Photo by Sgt. Taryn Stoen, 188th Army Band)
(Center) Sgt. Gus Tandberg, Spc. Natalie Helfrich, and Sgt. Tommy Iken play Home on the Range with the Cover Down Brass Ensemble. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, 188th Army Band)

With just one day of preparation, the Soldiers were able to complete ten missions in three days, performing for more than 20,000 people. What a week – and they can’t wait to do it again next year! This week, the unit will hit the road again. This time, they’ll be heading to Camp Grafton for the annual Army Combat Fitness Test and Individual Weapons Qualification.

Rememberance Weekend takes place

Story and photos by Spc. Thea Jorgensen, 68th Troop Command

The N.D. National Guard's Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) hosted its 7th Annual Remembrance Retreat over the weekend of August 4 to August 6, 2023, Bismarck, N.D. The retreat allows Families of the Fallen service members to spend time together and honor their deceased loved ones.

Families representing 19 fallen service members gathered for the 7th Annual Remembrance Retreat Weekend in Bismarck, N.D. The families spent three days together honoring and remembering their loved ones.

SOS has organized and hosted the event for seven years, with support from the N.D. National Guard. This official Army Survivor Outreach Support program is designed to provide long-term support to surviving Families of Fallen Soldiers.

(Top) Family members and members of the N.D. National Guard pose for a group photo at the Remembrance Retreat in Bismarck, N.D. on August 5th, 2023. (Bottom Left) Gail Wanner, Bismarck, works on creating a vision board. The vision board was a part of the hands-on exercise that guest speaker Mariah Prussia had the family members do as part of her Define the Fight Presentation. (Bottom Center) Maj. Chad Worrel, N.D. National Guard stands for the National Anthem with family members (Bottom Right) Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, Kristi Fetsch, Mariah Prussia, Sara Blazek, Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber all pose in front of this year’s banner honoring 19 fallen service members.

Families from all branches of services are welcome to participate regardless of how their loved one died. It is a weekend full of tears, laughter, love, honor, and remembrance. This year a big focus was on the connection that our families feel being a part of this event. The connection to each other, to the military, and to their service member who has passed.

They are joined by members of the N.D. National Guard, the N.D. Patriot Guard, and a guest speaker is brought in. This year the guest speaker was Mariah Prussia of Fargo, who helped the family members Define the Fight.

“We say it every time we are together, this is a family no one wants to be a part of, but once you are you are so grateful for it’s members,” said Brenda Deckard, who lost her son Christopher in 2012.

Events like this, is one small way that the N.D. National Guard lives up to its promise of “We Will Never Forget.”

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