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TAG Line May 15, 2023

From The Field: A soldier from 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), sets a claymore anti-personnel mine during training at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., April 29, 2023. (National Guard photo by Sgt. Ben Snyder, 818th Engineer Company)

CONTENTS

N.D. Army Guard Welcomes New Commanders

The North Dakota Army National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) and 164th Regional Training Institute (164th RTI) welcomed new commanders in change of command ceremonies on May 5, 2023, at CGTC near Devils Lake, N.D. (National Guard story by 1st Lt. Bruce Shields, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard, Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, presided over both ceremonies. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The event is witnessed by members of the unit, as well as other military members, families and friends.

Camp Grafton Training Center

Col. Philip F. Baker Jr., outgoing commander, Camp Grafton Training Center and Lt. Col. Anna L. Wittrock, incoming commander.

In the first ceremony, Lt. Col. Anna L. Wittrock assumed duties as the commander of CGTC from Col. Philip F. Baker Jr. who has led the unit since April 1, 2022. An hour later, Baker assumed command of the 164th RTI from Col. Russ Wolf, who is scheduled to retire later this month.

Col. Phil Baker, right, outgoing commander, North Dakota Army National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center, passes the unit colors to Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, North Dakota Army National Guard during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Erickson presided over the ceremony. (National Guard photos by Jon Haugen, North Dakota National Guard Visual Information)

Col. Phil Baker, outgoing commander, North Dakota Army National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center, addresses the Soldiers of the unit for the last time as commander during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Lt. Anna Wittrock (not pictured) assumed command of the garrison.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, North Dakota Army National Guard passes the colors of the Camp Grafton Training Center to incoming commander Lt. Col. Anna Wittrock during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Erickson presided over the ceremony.

Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Reed holds the colors of North Dakota Army National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center, during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Col. Phil Baker, right, outgoing commander stands by with Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, left, commander, North Dakota Army National Guard, and incoming commander Lt. Col. Anna Wittrock. Erickson presided over the ceremony.

Lt. Col. Anna Wittrock, incoming commander of the North Dakota National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), returns the unit’s colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Reed, command sergeant major of the CGTC, during the unit’s change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, right, commander, North Dakota Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony.

Lt. Col. Anna Wittrock, incoming commander of the North Dakota National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), addresses the Soldiers of the unit for the first time during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, North Dakota Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony.

164th Regional Training Institute

Col. Russ Wolf, outgoing commander, 164th Regional Training Institute, and Col. Philip F. Baker Jr., incoming commander.
Soldiers, family and friends of the North Dakota National Guard’s 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND) stand by for a change of command ceremony to start, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Col. Russ Wolf relinquished command to Col. Phil Baker. (National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office/released)

Col. Russ Wolf, outgoing commander, 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND) hands the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Cory J. Everson, command sergeant major, 164th RTI-ND, during the change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Col. Phil Baker, right, incoming commander stands by with Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, N.D. Army National Guard, who presided over the ceremony.

Soldiers, family and friends of the North Dakota National Guard’s 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND) stand by for a change of command ceremony to start, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Col. Russ Wolf relinquished command to Col. Phil Baker.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, North Dakota Army National Guard, right, passes the unit colors of the 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND) to Col. Phil Baker, incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Col. Russ Wolf, outgoing commander, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Cory J. Everson, command sergeant major, stand by. Erickson presided over the ceremony.

Col. Phil Baker, incoming commander, 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND), right salutes Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, N.D. Army National Guard during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D.

Col. Phil Baker, incoming commander, prepares to pass the unit colors of the 164th Regional Training Institute to Command Sgt. Maj. Cory J. Everson, command sergeant major, during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake. Col. Russ Wolf, outgoing commander, left, and Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, N.D. Army National Guard stand by.

Col. Phil Baker, incoming commander, 164th Regional Training Institute, addresses the Soldiers of unit for the first time during a change of command ceremony, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D.

News release:  Camp Grafton and 164th RTI Welcome New Commander

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, N.D. Army National Guard, presents Col. Russ Wolf The Legion of Merit in recognition of his retirement after 35 years of military service in the Army National Guard, U.S. Army, and U.S. Army Reserve, May 5, 2023, Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D. Wolf was honored after a change of command ceremony where he relinquished command of the 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND) to Col. Phil Baker (not pictured). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office/released)

Combat Lifesaver Course

The 319th Reconnaissance Wing hosted approximately 30 personnel including Grand Forks Air Force Base personnel from the 319th Medical Group and 319th Security Forces Squadron; Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent participated in a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course at Grand Forks Air Force Base, April 14 to 18, 2023. (Story by Technical Sergeant BreeAnn Sachs and Airman First Class Raisa Christie, Grand Forks Air Force Base)

Sgt. Raymond Ruschel, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, center, demonstrates a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) route during a combat life saver course exercise using model cars on a map of Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., April 17, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie, Grand Forks Air Force Base)

The CLS course is the second tier of the Department of Defense’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training, which has now fully replaced the legacy Self Aid Buddy Care training. This training has four levels of qualification: All Service members (tier 1), Combat Lifesaver (tier 2), Combat Medic (tier 3) and Combat Paramedic (tier 4).

Students of a Combat Lifesaver training course enter the 319th Security Forces training facility during a training exercise at Grand Forks Air Force Base, April 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie)

This is the first iteration of a locally ran CLS course and showcases the air base's 319th Reconnaissance Wing’s ability to offer this training for neighboring agencies and military bases. The CLS course reinforces Ready Airman Training concepts and integrating sister services and civilian agencies ensures Airmen are lethal, resilient and equipped with the skills needed to support the Joint Force and Air Force Generation model deployment concepts.

Staff Sergeant Louis Felix, 319th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) patrolman, enters the squadron's training facility in a ready position during a Combat Lifesaver course on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., April 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie)
“Training together is an opportunity to combine different combat perspectives and experiences from each unit,” said Lt. Col. John Anthony Camacho Ayala, chief nurse, 319th Medical Group and CLS trainer. “If a real emergency occurred, it’s important each unit is familiar with what the other can bring to the fight.”

A Soldier assigned to the N.D. Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, assesses a medical mannequin during a Combat Lifesaver course on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., April 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie)

Throughout the five-day course students were taught how to stabilize patients with battlefield injuries as they await further treatment; they learned how to minimize or prevent complications from hemorrhage, airway obstruction and shock. Students were expected to execute the medical training while also mediating simulated expeditionary scenarios including care under-fire, tactical field care and tactical evacuation which orient them to situations they may have not experienced before.

A U.S. Service member inserts a nasopharyngeal airway into a medical mannequin during a Combat Lifesaver course at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., April 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie)
“As a non-clinical medic, this training was enlightening, showing us what our fellow clinical medics do on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Gillian Taylor-Dorsett, commander, 319th Healthcare Operations Squadron. “There is a personal satisfaction of knowing that I’m able to give back a little more in terms of service before self. It also builds team confidence, so our unit is prepared for whatever emergency scenario arises.”

Airmen and Soldiers carry a medical mannequin on a stretcher during a Combat Lifesaver course, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., April 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie)

Combat ready Airmen not only benefit Joint Force and expeditionary commanders, but many of the Ready Airmen Training concepts like TCCC translate to domestic incidents that can arise at any moment.

Service members assigned to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing; 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection participate in a Combat Lifesaver course at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., April 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raisa Christie)
“It gives you the skills to help people who have had catastrophic trauma-inducing injuries that don’t only happen on the battlefield,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Needham, center section sergeant, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. “Disasters can happen on the interstate or your place of work. We all work around electricity or machinery to some degree.”

The 319th Reconnaissance Wing plans to continue hosting CLS courses, not only to prepare Airmen to deploy under the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, but also to push the importance of the Air Force’s multi-capable Airmen concept. The CLS course introduces the concept of what it means to be multi-capable and provides Airmen outside of the medical career field the skills needed to assist medics on the battlefield.

Demolition Certification Training

(From the Field Submission)

Soldiers from the 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), conducted demolition training at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., April 28 to 29, 2023. (National Guard Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Wing, 818th Engineer Company)

The purpose of the demolition range was to expose and familiarize Soldiers from various units to the plethora of explosive ordnances used by the military. The engineers trained on the safe preparation and deployment of C-4, Bangalore torpedoes, cratering charges and claymore anti-personnel mines. This training enables engineer Soldiers to receive their yearly certification.

818th Engineer Company (Sapper) Soldiers conduct demolition training using a myriad selection of explosives at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., April 28 to 29, 2023.

Protocol Course

Members of the N.D. National Guard recently participated in a Protocol Fundamentals Class, May 2 to 4, 2023, Flowood, Mississippi. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The three-day course was hosted Mississippi National Guard and is designed to introduce and develop a standardized foundation and literacy to train action officers, non-commissioned officers, political staffs, and civilian partners in protocol procedures.

From left, 1st Lt. Erin Demoe, commander, 116th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment; Maj. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information; Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, adjutant general, Mississippi National Guard; 1st Lt. Chelsy Adams, executive officer, N.D. Army National Guard Command; Capt. Kristen Frovarp, A-1 military personnel management officer, 119th Wing; and Maj. Dawn Erdmann, executive officer, 119th Wing.

Please consult with any of these officers for any protocol issues.

119th Wing Dining Facility Remodel

The 119th Wing has begun remodeling their dining facility to improve safety and functionality of the kitchen. Planning for the update started in 2018 while actual remodeling began in November 2022. The facility has not seen any major updates in over a decade and was due for some improvements. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Airman Christa Anderson, 119th Wing Public Affairs)

“There’s a lot of safety concerns that are being addressed with the remodel", said Tech Sgt. William Case, Base Services Specialist, 119th Wing. “The main point of this remodel is ensure everything is up to code in the dining facility, making it much more functional.”

Photo of the building being gutted in preparation of a new kitchen.

These safety concerns came from the natural aging of the facility. The remodel will also provide Service members a larger space to prepare food while allowing them to work in a more accommodating space.

“The remodel will give our Food Operations team more space to safely operate in,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Samantha Kolness, Services Flight Chief, 119th Wing. “The former set up was very crowded, and left a lot of room for slipping hazards, tripping hazards and workflow was lacking. The remodel will enhance a more functional workspace thus mitigating safety hazards.”

The service members are looking forward to having an improved workspace for everyone. The remodel is expected to be finished in October of 2023.

“We will have a larger area, a safer area, for our folks to prep for meals,” said Kolness. “Our Food Operations folks are looking forward to our remodeled kitchen.”

Army Engineer Honored

Maj. Ryan Kaufman, battle captain, J3, N.D. National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, was presented the bronze order of the de Fleury Medal at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, May 6, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Lucas Klettke, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)

Kaufman was awarded this U.S. Army Engineer Regiment medal in recognition of more than 24 years of dedicated service as a Soldier and leader to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His service included participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the 957th Engineer Company from 2003 to 2004. During this deployment, he worked on construction projects and executed supply route clearance (Trail Blazing) missions in support of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, commander, commander, N.D. Army National Guard, right, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, state command sergeant major, N.D. Army National Guard, present Maj. Ryan Kaufman, battle captain, J3, N.D. National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, the bronze order of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment's de Fleury Medal at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, May 6, 2023.

The de Fleury Medal is the highest award for professional excellence in the Engineer Regiment. There are four orders of the medal — Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Steel. This medal is awarded to select individuals based on input and recommendations from commanders and senior non-commissioned officers.

Range Fire Training

(From the Field Submission)

Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard, conducted range fire (weapons training) weekend at Camp Grafton Training Center, May 5 to 6, 2023. After firing, unit members cleaned their weapons at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office) (National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office and Maj. Mike Champagne, N.D. Army National Guard state safety officer)

Members of Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), N.D. National Guard, conducted range fire weekend at Camp Grafton Training Center, and Raymond J. Bohn armory, May 5 to 6, 2023. Top row: JFHQ

Professional Development

This month's professional development consisted of active shooter training, mental health awareness and the new privately owned weapons (POW) policy, May 10, 2023, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Sgt. Benjamin Kennelly, N.D. Highway Patrol, gives a briefing on active shooter training at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., May 10, 2023.

Ms. Christina Bond, director of Psychological Health for the N.D. Army National Guard, discusses mental health awareness month at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., May 10, 2023.
Master Sgt. Jerry Dodds, N.D. Army National Guard's coordinator for force protection, anti-terrorism and operational security (OPSEC), discusses the Guard's privately owned weapons policy during professional development, Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., May 10, 2023.

Northern Cass County Military Career Expo Day

(From the Field Submission)

N.D. Army National Guard recruiters hosted Northern Cass County Military Career Expo Day at Northern Cass School, Hunter, N.D., May 2, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by 2nd Lt. Lexi Kleespies, recruiting and retention marketing specialist)

This event showcased key Army National Guard job skills including air defense artillery, information technology, engineering, vehicle maintenance, and military police. The event also included Veterans appreciation and recognition. Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, N.D. Army National Guard state command sergeant major, welcomed groups of students as they began their experience.

Students experiencing the N.D. Army National Guard's Military Career Expo Day at Northern Cass School, Hunter, N.D., May 2, 2023.

Bismarck Aero Center Annual Aviation Career Day

The N.D. Army National Guard provided a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter static display in support of Bismarck Aero Center's Annual Aviation Career Day, May 10, 2023, Bismarck Municipal Airport. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The objective is to introduce and inspire young students about careers in aviation. Thanks to the Black Hawk static display, over 800 local 5th graders learned about military aviation in addition to the many other civilian airplanes and aviation equipment displayed.

Pfc. Joseph Seibold, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, speaks with students during Bismarck Aero Center's Annual Aviation Career Day, May 10, 2023, Bismarck Municipal Airport.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shane Leingang, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, tells elementary students what it is like to be a pilot during Bismarck Aero Center's Annual Aviation Career Day, May 10, 2023, Bismarck Municipal Airport.

Pfc. Joseph Seibold, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, asks students a question during Bismarck Aero Center's Annual Aviation Career Day, May 10, 2023, Bismarck Municipal Airport.

Pfc. Joseph Seibold, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, talks with students at Bismarck Aero Center's Annual Aviation Career Day, May 10, 2023, Bismarck Municipal Airport.

On April 29, 2023, the U.S. Army grounded all rotary wing aircraft until units complete a safety stand-down day. The N.D. Army National Guard performed their day-long safety training on May 13. This aircraft on static display was towed into place from the Army Aviation Support Facility located at the south end of the Bismarck Airport.

Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, guides students around the interior of a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at Bismarck Aero Center's Annual Aviation Career Day, May 10, 2023, Bismarck Municipal Airport.

NCO Promotions

Maj. Jacob Danduran, 68th Troop Command training officer, presided over a promotion ceremony for Kristopher Anderson, senior supply sergeant, 68th Troop Command, at Raymond J. Bohn, Bismarck, N.D., May 1, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The family of newly promoted Sgt. Master Kristopher Anderson, senior supply sergeant, place his new rank on his uniform during a promotion ceremony at the Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., May 1, 2023.

Manish Dahal, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), was promoted to sergeant at Raymond J. Bohn Armory Bismarck, ND. April 21, 2023.

Manish Dahal was promoted to sergeant with the assistance of his wife, Rejina, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. April 21, 2023. Rejina is wearing a ceremonial Nepalese dress in honor of the occasion. (Photo by Spc. Amber Hunsaker, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge))

Honoring Retiring Guard Members

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiley Kuntz, property book officer, presided over a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Amanda Phillips, supply non-commissioned officer, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, April 28, 2023. Phillips retires after faithfully serving her country and the National Guard for over 24 years.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiley Kuntz, presents the North Dakota Legion of Merit to Master Sgt. Amanda Phillips, supply non-commissioned officer, during her retirement ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, April 28, 2023.

Col. Paul Helten, director, N.D. National Guard Human Resources, presided over a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Danita Sperle, AGR staffing non-commissioned, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, May 12, 2023. Sperle retires after faithfully serving her country and the National Guard for over 25 years. Sgt. 1st Class Sperle also received the Meritorious Service Medal.

Col. Paul Helten, director, N.D. National Guard Human Resources, presents a certificate of retirement to Sgt. 1st Class Danita Sperle, AGR staffing non-commissioned officer, during her retirement ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, May 12, 2023.

Created By
Charles Highland
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