From left: Gov. Doug Burgum, retired Brig. Gen. Jerald Engelman, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock stand for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Governor's Military Ball, March 19, 2022, in Fargo. Engelman is being recognized with the "Always Ready, Always There Award", which recognizes a lifetime of dedicated, selfless service and exemplary support to the military in North Dakota.
North Dakota guardsmen Win marksmanship Championship
The N.D. National Guard Marksmanship Team won first place in the overall U.S. Army Small Arms Team Championship, the U.S. Army Pistol Team Championship, and the U.S. Army Rifle Team Championship in the 2022 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships March 13 to 19, 2022, Fort Benning, Georgia. (National Guard story by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office; photos courtesy of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit)
The N.D. team was comprised of Staff Sgt. Evan Messer, 815th Engineer Company; Sgt. Tyler Goldade, Joint Force Headquarters; Staff Sgt. Joshua Renville and Staff Sgt. Gavin Rook, both of the 119th Wing. The competition hosted more than 250 Soldiers and Airmen from across all components of the U.S. Army and Air Force. During the event, Servicemembers competed in separate classes consisting of cadet, novice, open, and professional based on previous competition experience. Competitors engaged targets from 25 to 500 yards, in either the standing, kneeling, or prone positions. This annual event, hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, tests marksmanship skills through competition improving their readiness and lethality.
Staff Sgt. Gavin Rook, 119th Wing, participates in the Pistol Excellence-in-Competition Match at the 2022 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships, Fort Benning, Georgia, March 17, 2022.
The Pistol Excellence-in-Competition Match is comprised of four stages. Competitors fire a total of 40 rounds from 5-round magazines. Stage One is a standing, unsupported position with a slow rate of fire at 30 yards. Competitors shoot 10 rounds from two 5-round magazines within 60 seconds. Stage Two was done at the 25-yard line. Competitors shot 5 rounds in the kneeling firing position, then transitioned to prone firing before shooting five more rounds from a new magazine. They had 45 seconds to fire all ten rounds. Stage Three was done from the standing, unsupported firing position at the 20-yard line. Competitors fired 10 rounds from two 5-round magazines within 20 seconds. Stage Four was done in the standing firing position. Competitors shot 10 rounds two 5-round magazines from the 15-yard line within 15 seconds.
Staff Sgt. Evan Messer, 815th Engineer Company, fires a rifle during the Multi-Gun Match at the 2022 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships, Fort Benning, Georgia, March 19, 2022.
The Multi-gun Match puts Servicemembers' marksmanship skills to the ultimate test in four multi-gun stages. The stages included both rifle and pistol and required the Soldiers to transition from one weapon to another, as well as changing magazines.
Staff Sgt. Gavin Rook, 119th Wing, scores a fellow competitor during a rifle match at the 2022 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships, Fort Benning, Georgia, March 16, 2022.
This match consisted of five stages in combat equipment. Stage One was a precision slow fire from 500 yards. Competitors fired ten single-loaded shots from the prone position within 12 minutes. Stage Two begins with competitors advancing to the 400-yard line. They then engage the target from the prone position with ten single-fed rounds. All of this must be accomplished within 90 seconds. Stage Three begins with an advancement to the 300-yard line. Competitors then engage targets with ten single-fed rounds from the prone firing position, with a time of 90 seconds. Competitors then moved to Stage Four where they advance to the 200-yard line and engage their targets with ten single-fed rounds in the kneeling or squatting position within 90 seconds. In the final stage, Stage 5, competitors advance to the 100-yard line, engage targets with ten single-fed rounds in the kneeling position within 90 seconds.
Governor's Military Ball
The North Dakota National Guard formally recognized several Soldiers, Airmen, and community members during a ceremony at the Governor’s Military Ball, West Fargo, N.D., March 19, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Noncommissioned Officer and Officer Awards
Gov. Doug Burgum shakes hands and congratulates Sgt. Zachary Fischer as the winner of the 2021 N.D. Army National Guard Best Warrior (noncommissioned officer category) during the Governor’s Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
Gov. Doug Burgum shakes hands and congratulates retired Maj. Robbie Hertz as the winner of the National Guard Association of N.D. Army Company Field Grade Officer of the Year for 2019 during an awards ceremony at the Governor’s Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
From left: Gov. Doug Burgum, Maj. Lucas Klettke, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock stand for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Governor's Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022. Klettke was selected as the 2021 National Guard Association of N.D. Army Field Grade Officer of the Year.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann congratulates Warrant Officer 1 Richard Blumler for being selected as the 2021 Warrant Officer of the Year during an awards ceremony at the Governor’s Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
The Woodrow W. Keeble, “Je Suis Pret” (I Am Ready) AWARD
Gov. Doug Burgum presents the Woodrow W. Keeble, ‘Je Suis Pret’ Award to Master Sgt. Mason Krebsbach, 119th Wing, at the Governor’s Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
The Woodrow W. Keeble, ‘Je Suis Pret’ Award, is given to Soldiers and Airmen in recognition of their courage, fortitude, and determination to protect or defend life, limb, or property.
Master Sgt. Mason Krebsbach received the award for rendering aid to a collapsed civilian he encountered while shopping at a local business, May 21, 2021. After determining there was no pulse, he began Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), providing life-saving measures until emergency first responders arrived on the scene. He is one of only three N.D. Air National Guard members to earn this award.
Gov. Doug Burgum presents the Woodrow W. Keeble, ‘Je Suis Pret’ Award to Master Sgt. Joseph Fluge, 119th Wing, during the Governor’s Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
Master Sgt. Joseph Fluge received this award for rendering aid to the driver of an overturned semi-truck on Interstate-94, Jan. 14, 2021. He is one of only three North Dakota Air National Guard members to earn this award.
Family Awards
From left: Gov. Doug Burgum, Maj. Josh Yri and family, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock stand for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Governor's Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022. The Yri family was recognized as the N.D. Army National Guard Family of the Year for 2021.
Community Awards
From left: Gov. Doug Burgum, retired Master Sgt. Chuck Kasin, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock stand for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Governor's Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022. Kasin was recognized with the National Guard Association of N.D. Roughrider Award. The Roughrider Award recognizes those who have contributed greatly to their state National Guard Association and National Guard Enlisted Association, and have contributed significant volunteer time and effort to improve both organizations, thereby impacting the lives of both officers and enlisted Guard members.
From left: Gov. Doug Burgum, Jordyn Ewine, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock stand for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Governor's Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022. Ewine was recognized with the National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. Youth Roughrider Award.
From left: Gov. Doug Burgum; Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann; Delton Steele, N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) state chair; Shawn Dobberstein, Hector International Airport executive director; Brian Shawn; Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs committee chair; Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken; and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock stand for a photo during an awards ceremony at the Governor's Military Ball, West Fargo, March 19, 2022. Steele, Dobberstein, Shawn, and Bakken were recognized as N.D. National Guard honorary commanders.
MEB conducts Command Post Exercise
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) conducted a Command Post Exercise (CPX) March 11 to 13 at the Fargo Readiness Center in preparation for their brigade-all annual training at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, June 2022. (National Guard story by Cadet Morgan Hovde, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
The purpose of the exercise was to establish and validate communications utilizing Mission Command Systems to include: Command Post of the Future (CPOF), Air Missile Defense Work Stations, Tactical Air Integration System, Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System with subordinate battalions including the 142nd Engineer Battalion (EN BN), the 164th EN BN, and the 131st Military Police Battalion (MP BN). The 142nd EN BN moved their Tactical Command Post from Valley City to the Fargo Readiness Center, while the 131st MP BN operated their command post in Bismarck, and the 164th EN BN operated in Minot.
Capt. Corey Cavett, center, and 1st. Lt. Travis White conduct drills on the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) during the Command Post Exercise 1 (CPX 1), March 12, 2022 (National Guard photos by Cadet Morgan Hovde, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
The 141st MEB dedicated March 11 to complete command post setup and battle drill proficiency. On March 12 and 13, the MEB conducted shift change briefings, published fragmentary orders (FRAGORD), and refined practices and procedures. The Current Operations Integration Cell (COIC) rehearsed battle drills to prepare for future operations. This exercise tested and exemplified the readiness of the MEB and subordinating units’ capabilities, enhanced battle drill familiarization, and refined SOPs.
Sgt. 1st Class Travis Tennacour conducts Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS), March 12, 2022. (National Guard photos by Cadet Morgan Hovde, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
ESGR's Lunch With the Boss
The N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized three businesses with the Patriot Award and two businesses with the Above and Beyond Award during a ‘Lunch with the Boss’ event at the N.D. National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by David H. Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors of those who serve in the National Guard or Reserve who have made notable efforts to support a Service member and their family. The employer support is critical to the service member’s ability to serve and thereby critical to National Defense.
The Above and Beyond Award recognizes employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional non-mandated benefits.
Dave Johnston, the vice-chairman of the North Dakota ESGR, right, presents the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to Joe Storbakken, of Titan Machinery, Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022. Storbakken was nominated by Spc. Crystal Boyd, 426th Signal Company.
Dave Johnston, the vice-chairman of the N.D. ESGR, presented certificates to the award recipients with the assistance of the military members that nominated them.
The ESGR will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 22, 2022.
Dave Johnston, the vice-chairman of the North Dakota ESGR, right, presents the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to Matt Powlish, of Titan Machinery, Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022. Storbakken was nominated by Spc. Crystal Boyd, 426th Signal Company.
The ESGR is a DoD organization whose mission is to foster a culture where all employers support and value the employment and military service of National Guard and Reserve members. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD.
Dave Johnston, the vice-chairman of the North Dakota ESGR, right, presents the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to Randy Cinco, of High Points Networks, West Fargo, N.D., at the N.D.National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022. Capt. Kristofer Schiele, center, 119th Wing, assists with the presentation.
Dave Johnston, the vice-chairman of the North Dakota ESGR, right, presents the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to Gerrit Allen, of Sunbelt Rentals, Fargo, N.D., at the N.D. National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022. Award nominator Staff Sgt. Benjamin Kimm, center, 114th Transportation Company, Minnesota Army National Guard, assists with the presentation.
From left: Martin Purdy and Ryan Lewis, both of Caterpillar, West Fargo, N.D.; Dave Johnston, vice chairman of the North Dakota ESGR; Chief Petty Officer Mark Bonagofsky; and Lt. Commander Stevie Greenway, of the Fargo Navy Reserve Center, hold the Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award. Johnston presented the award at the N.D. National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022.
From left: Dane Braun, of Bushel Inc., Fargo, N.D., Dave Johnston, the vice-chairman of the North Dakota ESGR; Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Muhs; and Lt. Commander Stevie Greenway, of the Fargo Navy Reserve Center, hold the Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award. Johnston presented the award at the N.D. National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17.
For more information about Military member re-employment rights, ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
Attendees of the North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) ‘Lunch with the Boss’ event gather for a group photo at the N.D. National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D., March 17, 2022.
MEB Awards & Promotions
During their Inactive Duty Training, the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) held a award and promotion ceremony, March 12, 2022, at the Readiness Center in Fargo. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Ashley Johlfs, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
Capt. Tyler Morrow, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, presents Maj. Michelle Thomsen Army Commendation Medal for her service as the Command Judge Advocate, March 12, 2022, at the Readiness Center in Fargo.
Thomsen was instrumental in instructing the Commander/First Sergeant course, state schools, 15-6 Investigator course, and providing internal mentorship and training for the N.D. Army National Guard State Judge Advocates.
Capt. Tyler Morrow, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, presents Sgt. 1st Class Rithy Yem the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding leadership during Master Leader Course (MLC), March 12, 2022, at the Readiness Center in Fargo.
Yem earned the medal for outstanding performance while attending the Master Leader Course (MLC) in Camp Williams, Utah. He distinguished himself by finishing third out of 29 students and achieving the distinction of Commandant's List.
Seven Seals Award
The N.D. Veterans' Cemetery was presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's (ESGR) Seven Seals Award Seven Seals Award, Mandan, N.D., March 23, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Officer Candidate Michaela C.P. Granger, N.D. Public Affairs Office)
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, addresses the staff of the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, N.D., March 23, 2022.
N.D. Roughrider Conference
The N.D. National Guard formally recognized several community members during a ceremony at the 2022 Roughrider conference of the National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D., West Fargo, N.D., March 19, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
The N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized three local businesses, Scheels, Valor Contracting, and Gate City Bank, with the Above and Beyond Award that is presented by ESGR state committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional non-mandated benefits.
The National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D presented scholarship awards to three students and recognized seven local businesses for their support.
N.D. ESGR
Dave Johnston, N.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) vice-chair, right, presents the Above and Beyond Award to Aaron Fjerstad, Scheels assistant marketing leader, during a ceremony at the National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. Roughrider Conference, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
N.D. ROUGHRIDER
Capt. Brett Nelson, N.D. Air National Guard, right, presents a National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. recognition plaque to Kalep Perez, LiteFighter Systems, LLC., at the National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. Roughrider Conference, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
Capt. Brett Nelson, N.D. Air National Guard, right, presents a National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. recognition plaque to Randy Foss, of Bobcat Company, at the National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. Roughrider Conference, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
Capt. Brett Nelson, N.D. Air National Guard, right, presents a National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. scholarship certificate to Landon Schatz, at the National Guard Association of N.D. and the National Guard Enlisted Association of N.D. Roughrider Conference, West Fargo, March 19, 2022.
Overdue Retirement ceremony
Staff Sgt. Doug Sailer and his family were honored during a retirement ceremony, Fargo Readiness Center, March 12, 2022. Sailer retired from the N.D. Army National Guard on June 28, 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, was unable to have a formal retirement ceremony. During the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade's drill weekend, the unit was finally able to honor Sailer's 26 years of service. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Ashley Johlfs, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)
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