The 119th Wing recently completed a readiness exercise “Agile Hooligan” to practice war-fighting skills in a contested environment. Members of the wing simulated deploying to an austere location and conducting MQ-9 Reaper operations while overcoming hostile actions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Contents
- Change of Responsibility
- Virtual Combat, Real-World Peace: State Partnership Program Preps Togo for UN Missions
- Wing Exercise “Agile Hooligan”
- 2026 Region VI Best Warrior Competition
- ND2000
- 1-112th Aviation BN Annual Training FY26
- Rohrer Becomes New Master Sgt.
- Stress Isn't the Problem
- Baptized During Annual Training
- 3Rs of UXO Safety
- USO Financial Wellness Program
- ESGR Boss Lift Camp Grafton
- ESGR Boss Lift Minot
- USO Pizza in the Park
- National Park Pass
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 June 12 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena hands the guidon to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, the North Dakota National Guard’s land component commander, during a State Command Sergeant Major change of responsibility ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory on June 12, Bismarck, North Dakota.
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. Kendall Struxness receives the guidon during a change of responsibility ceremony.
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.
Virtual Combat, Real-World Peace: State Partnership Program Preps Togo for UN Missions
The North Dakota National Guard conducted a specialized training event with the Togolese Armed Forces June 1-5, through the State Partnership Program, continuing efforts to strengthen international security cooperation. (U.S. Army National Guard story by Lt. Col. Jarrod R. Simek, director, State Partnership Program)
The five-day event focused on certifying Togolese personnel during an initial operator course for the Engagement Skills Trainer. The North Dakota National Guard training team was led by U.S. Army Master Sgt. Michael Groven and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Buchhop, both assigned to the Camp Grafton Training Center.
The Engagement Skills Trainer, a state-of-the-art virtual firearms simulator, was provided to Togo by U.S. Africa Command. The system delivers realistic weapons training that allows soldiers to refine marksmanship fundamentals, conduct shoot/no-shoot scenario exercises and improve tactical decision-making without the logistical demands and cost of live-fire training.
Groven and Buchhop instructed their Togolese counterparts on the setup, operation and maintenance of the Engagement Skills Trainer, ensuring the force can independently operate the system. The enhanced capability will help prepare Togolese personnel for upcoming United Nations peacekeeping missions. By developing a cadre of certified operators, Togo can provide realistic, cost-effective training to deploying units before they enter a mission area.
The successful completion of the course underscores the enduring value of the North Dakota-Togo State Partnership Program and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening operational capabilities and supporting global peacekeeping efforts.
Wing Exercise “Agile Hooligan”
The 119th Wing recently completed a readiness exercise “Agile Hooligan” to practice war-fighting skills in a contested environment. Members of the wing simulated deploying to an austere location and conducting MQ-9 Reaper operations while overcoming hostile actions. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
All these training activities were part of a combat readiness inspection (CRI) designed to assess the wing’s ability to accomplish its Mission Essential Tasks (METs) by demonstrating its homeland defense, Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and mission-ready Airmen capabilities within a contested, degraded and Operationally limited environment.
The deployed location also completed an ACE movement, deploying a force from the operational hub location to a spoke location (Bismarck) and generate MQ-9 missions from that location.
2026 Region VI Best Warrior Competition
ND2000
It’s more than a uniform—it’s about community. And now, it comes with a $2,000 thank-you! We believe the best new Soldiers come from recommendations within our own ranks. From Feb. 1 through June 30, 2026, we’re offering a $2,000 bonus for helping a friend, family member, or neighbor join the North Dakota Army National Guard.
1-112th Aviation BN Annual Training FY26
The 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, held its Annual Training at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, North Dakota on May 8-22. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Jarett Dinius, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment)
Soldiers from HHC 1-112th, Co A 1-112th and Det.1 Co. A 1-112th are going through Camp Grafton Confidence Course.
A detachment from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, based in Montana, joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Alpha Company for the training exercise. The Montana detachment brought 15 Soldiers, two UH-72 Lakota helicopters and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-112th Aviation Regiment, also operated a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Collectively, the three companies logged more than 116 flight hours during annual training. Soldiers also completed mission-essential tasks and aviation warrior tasks throughout the two-week training period.
The three-day situational training exercise focused on conducting search-and-rescue operations and air movement missions in a permissive environment.
During the situational training exercise, the battalion incorporated a boat provided by the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company to support training scenarios. The vessel was operated by Sgt. 1st Class Russell Schmidt, the battalion logistics noncommissioned officer, and Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Schmaltz, Alpha Company motor sergeant.
In the scenario, pilots and crew chiefs were tasked with locating the participants.
Rohrer Becomes New Master Sgt.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Rohrer, Joint Force Headquarters, was promoted to the rank of first sergeant during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck on June 18. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Jonathan Haugen, Visual Information)
Stress Isn't the Problem
It's your perception of stress that's the problem.
Have you ever had a day like “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst. If you haven’t, I think you could glean from the title that things don’t go well for this character, but where do we go from there. What can we do to support ourselves in stressful situations or at times when it looks like everything is going wrong? (Written by Markelle Dockter, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
First, let me tell you what made me just STOP and recognize that I am in control of myself no matter how difficult or how much stress a situation or point in time is causing me. I woke up this morning, and it started like most days. I got ready, went down to have coffee with my spouse, and we were having our normal conversations about what the day was going to look like. These routine or “normal” days are easy to handle and walk through. I didn’t even know it, but my morning was about to reflect the book referenced above. Stressor number 1: I went to go grab something downstairs and noticed that my dog had a large accident in the basement last night. So, I said to myself, “Ok I got this” and went about cleaning up the mess. Stressor numbers 2, 3, 4 & 5: It ended up taking longer than I expected, I still didn’t have the kids’ lunches packed or my own, my daughter was still asleep, and they still needed breakfast. Stressor numbers 6 and 7: Then, it was “where are your library books”, and they forgot they could bring a special drink with the school to watch a movie so that added on top of the chaos as well. I felt myself increasingly taking in stress and not dealing with it at all. Then it happened. My top boiled over and I yelled at my kids to get out the door. Stressor number 8: We were already late and my daughter was so startled she dropped her water bottle and water went everywhere. I realized at that moment my stress was affecting them, and it wasn’t their job to regulate me. I froze, looked at this lovely little human with tears welling up in her eyes begging me to help. Thank goodness I was able to stop and take a deep breath before dropping to my knees. I held her for a while and during that time we breathed intentionally together. Stress started to fall off. A simple intentional breathing exercise was helping melt all the above stressors thrown at me in the last few minutes.
As humans we seem to run past life and focus on the negative or what went wrong throughout our day or in that moment. It’s not your fault, we are wired this way and it’s our natural human response to see the negative first. When we are in this state of mind we live in our Amygdala, which is our fight, flight, freeze response. This is helpful in dangerous situations, but it isn’t helpful all the time and that is why we need to make intentional choices to refocus our energy and bring it back to the frontal lobe of our brain which processes information. We can do something about it though, don’t just accept it. After I sat with my daughter and breathed deeply for at least 30 seconds to a minute (not a long time) I was able to think more clearly and take myself out of the fight, flight, and freeze mode. Make the choice for you and those around you. We can only control ourselves and our own actions. Think about that. We can’t actually control anyone else, so why don’t we invest in checking in on ourselves to see what we need, so stress doesn’t keep compiling.
If you, your unit, team, or someone you know needs support, education, or strategies please reach out to your IPPW team. Your prevention team has your back and can support you. You are in charge. Take that wheel and drive it out of the fight, flight, and freeze response with strategies like intentional breathing.
If you need any other immediate support, please contact 988. This is a 100% confidential crisis hotline that is always there 24/7.
Baptized During Annual Training
Annual training typically puts Soldiers in the field to sharpen their skills, but for one North Dakota Army National Guard Soldier, it also became a moment of personal faith. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Nathan Rivard, North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office)
U.S. Army Spc. Ron Bingham, an air defense battle management system operator with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, had the chance to be baptized during annual training. The air defender has served for two years and has been thinking about baptism for a while.
“I wanted to strengthen my spiritual belief while serving, plus I’ve always thought it would be cool to get baptized in a river,” said Bingham. “The Mississippi was calling to me.”
On June 4, surrounded by his teammates and Soldiers throughout the ADA battalion, Bingham was baptized following a day of training at the Camp Ripley Training Center in Minnesota.
“Although I didn’t have my glasses on, I could see that it wasn’t only guys from my battery, but from other batteries, and noncommissioned officers and officers that I haven’t even met,” said Bingham. “It made me feel accepted and supported that leadership came to support me. It really made it even more memorable.”
U.S. Army Capt. Micah Johnson, the battalion chaplain, baptized Bingham.
“Military service often causes people to reflect on life's purpose, values, and their relationship with God,” said Johnson. “Annual Training brings Soldiers together for a concentrated period of shared experience, challenge, and growth. Being baptized during that time allowed the Soldier to take this step surrounded by a supportive military community.”
Bingham said his decision to join the National Guard was influenced by his father.
“Honestly, one day my father told me that the National Guard would be an awesome thing for me and I listened and it’s been one of the best decisions that I’ve made in my life”, said Bingham
He added that the people and mission keep him motivated.
“I love the Air Defense community because of its people, its sense of purpose, and the critical mission it performs. It's a community that values teamwork, discipline, and professional excellence.”
3Rs of UXO Safety
USO Financial Wellness Program
ESGR Boss Lift Camp Grafton
Volunteers with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, in partnership with the North Dakota Army National Guard, hosted an ESGR Bosslift on June 6 at Camp Grafton Training Center for business and community leaders from Wahpeton, Carrington, Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck and the Devils Lake area. (ESGR Story and photos by Kristy Wangler, North Dakota ESGR Public Affairs) Participants received a firsthand look at the training, equipment and capabilities of North Dakota National Guard Soldiers and experienced a flight aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
U.S. Army Capt. Nash Bettenhausen and Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Miller, 188th Engineer Company, briefed employers on unit projects and obstacle course training before showcasing military equipment and operations, including a demonstration of loading a Forward Repair System onto a Palletized Load System vehicle.
Employers stepped outside their comfort zones by rappelling from the Camp Grafton rappel tower under the guidance of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Feilen, 815th Engineer Company, and Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Wendland, Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
The event featured representatives from the following businesses: North Dakota State College of Science, Heartland Ready Mix, Glass Doctor Auto, Scheels, Rogue Plumbing and Heating, Wilkens Brothers LLC, Randy’s Electric, Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce, Lake Region State College, Lake Region Human Services Center, Jerome Wholesale, and Lake Region Vet Clinic.
ESGR’s Bosslift Program provides employers with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by National Guard and Reserve service members. Through experiences like these, employers gain valuable insight into the leadership, skills, and commitment their Guard and Reserve employees bring to the workplace, as well as the demands of military training and deployments. This awareness helps foster stronger support and flexibility, making it easier for service members to balance their civilian careers with their military responsibilities.
ESGR Boss Lift Minot
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) volunteers, in partnership with the North Dakota Army and Air National Guard, hosted 22 civilian employers on an ESGR Bosslift on June 9 at Minot Air Force Base. (ESGR Story and photos by Rob Keller, North Dakota ESGR Vice-Chair)
Eleven employers from the Grand Forks area traveled to Minot, where they joined 11 employers from the Minot region for a firsthand look at one of the nation's most critical defense missions. Hosted by the North Dakota Air National Guard's 219th Security Forces Squadron, the event highlighted the unit's role in supporting the security of the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile force. Members of the squadron work alongside active-duty Air Force personnel to help protect America's nuclear deterrence mission.
The event also gave employers a rare opportunity to better understand the scale and complexity of the missile field mission, including the around-the-clock alert operations maintained by missile combat crews in underground launch control centers across thousands of square miles of North Dakota.
Weather and wind conditions required changes to the flight plan, preventing employers from the Grand Forks area from continuing to the Missile Alert Facility. The adjustment prioritized flight safety and allowed the UH-60 Black Hawk crew to safely return passengers to Grand Forks and Fargo.
The 219th Security Forces Squadron quickly adapted to the change in plans and provided the Grand Forks group with a briefing on the unit’s history, mission, and the weapons and equipment used to secure the missile field. The adjustment demonstrated the squadron’s flexibility and professionalism in responding to changing mission requirements.
Meanwhile, the Minot-area employers continued to the Missile Alert Facility, where they toured the site from top to bottom.
The experience gave employers a deeper appreciation for the training, responsibility and commitment required of their National Guard and Reserve employees, who balance civilian careers with military service in support of national defense.
Boss Lifts give employers a firsthand understanding of the military duties performed by their National Guard and Reserve employees and highlight the essential role employers play in sustaining military readiness. The mission of the National Guard and Reserve cannot be accomplished without strong employer support and partnership.
North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve extends its appreciation to the North Dakota Army National Guard, the 219th Security Forces Squadron, Minot Air Force Base and participating employers for making the event possible. Together, they demonstrated that national defense is a team effort supported not only by service members, but also by the employers and communities behind them.
Minot Employers: Dustin Mayer: Integrity Outdoor Living Courtney Marshall: Heart of America Medical Center Maria Mollenhauer: Vets For Vets Jarid Lundeen: Trusted Tire Pamela Hopkins: Trinity Health Brady Wheeler: Wheeler Construction, Inc. Coltin Gleave: Borsheim Crane Ellen Knutson: Gate City Bank Jamie Williams: Ward County Sheriff’s Dept. Rachelle Schlieve: Heart of America Medical Center Keli Rosselli-Sullivan: Minot Area Chamber EDC Grand Forks Employers: Brandon Boespflug: ND ESGR Richard Hinkle: Insurance Design Network LLC Kimberly Strom: The Chamber GF/EGF Brett Johnson: Grand Forks PD Robert Everson: Grand Forks County Sheriff Charles Marcott: Grand Forks Fire Dept. Christopher Wolf: Lunseth Plumbing & Heating Adam Nelson: Nelson Auto Holly Benjamin: Altru Health System Harold Narlock, Minnkota Power Cooperative Jared Gowan: Gowan Construction Inc.
ESGR supports our nation’s Guard and Reserve by advocating for supportive employment policies and connecting employers with vital resources. This ensures service members can successfully balance their military obligations with their civilian careers.
USO Pizza in the Park
Join the USO for Pizza in the Park to celebrate Month of the Military Child- reschedule date! Light dinner will be provided for the whole family. Kids will get to enjoy inflatable bouncy houses and the beautiful park. Open to all military families. June 30, 5:30, Bismarck.
National Park Pass
Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families.
The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks. The free Military Pass is a way to thank current U.S. military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and U.S. military veterans for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters. A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. A free annual Military Pass is available for current US military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. To find a location to get your pass go to the website: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm
Note: This information in the TAG Line includes elements of AI-generated content that were reviewed and edited by relevant DoD personnel to verify appropriateness and compliance with DoD policies and guidance.