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TAG Line September 18, 2023

N.D. Forest Service instructor briefs National Guard members during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Contents

119th Wing Receives Awards

The Happy Hooligans have done it again! Senior leaders of the North Dakota Air National Guard were on hand to receive the Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque, the Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy and the William W. Spruance Safety Award as well as individual awards at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) annual conference held Reno, Nevada, August 28, 2023. (National Guard Story & photos by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)

The Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque, awarded annually to the six highest-rated Air National Guard flying units. The award is based on overall combat readiness and the unit’s performance with respect to all other Air Guard units. Factors evaluated are flying safety, aircraft operational readiness, weapons firing, unit alerts, unit manning, skill level qualifications, retention, drill attendance, operational readiness inspections, outstanding accomplishments and special missions and exercises.

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, Air National Guard director, left, and Maj. Gen. Ondra L. Berry, National Guard Association of the United States Vice Chair – Air, right, present Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, center left, and Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing Deputy Commander, with awards at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) annual conference held Reno, Nevada, August 28, 2023.

The Hooligans also took home the Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy, presented annually to the top two flying units judged to have demonstrated the highest standards of flight safety.

The William W. Spruance Safety Award recognizes the unit that contributed most significantly to accident prevention during a given year.

In addition to the unit awards, 119th Communications Flight Commander, Maj. Daniel Sly received the Meritorious Service Certificate and 1st Lt. Cody Chick of the 219th Security Forces Squadron was honored with the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers.

These awards reflect to commitment and dedication of the North Dakota Air National Guard unit members and add further to the impressive legacy of excellence at the 119th Wing.

9/11 Remembrance

Approximately 30 people attended the Remembrance Ceremony observing the 21st Anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the nation held at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism outside of Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 11, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, gives remarks at the ceremony observing the 22st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Bismarck, N.D., September 11, 2023.

This year’s event was hosted by Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) with support from the N.D. National Guard. The event kicked off with a walk/ruck at that started at Pioneer Park and ended at the memorial.

Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota of Tammy Miller, renders remarks at the ceremony observing the 22st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Bismarck, N.D., September 11, 2023.

Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, and Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general; joined members of Team RWB, Gold Star Families, and the N.D. Patriot Guard for the 2-mile walk to the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism.

Following the ceremony was food and fellowship. Team RWB has partnered with the N.D. National Guard on this event since 2014.

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. deputy adjutant general, gives remarks at the ceremony observing the 22st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Bismarck, N.D., September 11, 2023.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) was declared the next day, and over 3.7 million Americans have served during the GWOT.

119th Wing Hosts the 15th Air Force

The Happy Hooligans welcomed leaders from throughout the 15th Air Force and the 558th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) to the 119th Wing to learn more about its missions and build relationships to further develop MQ-9 training opportunities for the total force in Fargo, N.D.. August 24, 2023. (National Guard Story & photos by SSgt Christa Anderson, 119th Wing Public Affairs)

119th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Jason Olheiser briefs representatives of the 15th Air Force and 558th Flying Training Squadron on the construction of the 119th Wing’s new Operations building during a tour of the Wing in Fargo, N.D.. August 24, 2023.

The 15th Air Force is responsible for organizing, training and equipping active duty MQ-9 units throughout the country. Their visit provides an opportunity to showcase how the Air National Guard and specifically the 119th Wing operates to achieve readiness.

Capt. Alyssa Hammer of the 558th Flying Training Squadron reviews an MQ-9 simulator at the 119th Wing in Fargo, N.D. August 24, 2023.

The 558th FTS is responsible for the undergraduate remotely piloted aircraft training programs and trains all pilot candidates who do not have manned aircraft flight experience in the Air Force. Visiting the 119th Wing allows the 558th valuable feedback on their recent graduates and provides insight on current operations to improve their training.

119th Wing members brief representatives of the 15th Air Force and 558th Flying Training Squadron on the 119th Wing’s simulators and Live Virtual Constructive Enabled training during a tour of the Wing in Fargo, N.D.. August 24, 2023.

119th Operations Group Commander Col. Kevin Dacy said “Having a relationship with both units is important so we can understand their perspective. A shared understanding is critical for generating solutions that not only benefit the Air National Guard but the entire MQ-9 enterprise.”

The North Dakota Air National Guard is a leader across the total force in providing MQ-9 continuation training and was named the General Atomics top Remotely Piloted Aircraft unit in the Air Force for 2023. This award marked the first time an Air National Guard unit earned this honor.

Wildland Fire Training

The North Dakota Forest Service and the N.D. Department of Emergency Services partnered with the N.D. National Guard in conducting wildland firefighter certification, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 7 to 10. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

National Guard members look over a fire suppression truck during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023.

The purpose of this training is to teach Guard members fire response tactics in the event the National Guard is asked to assist first responders on the ground fighting wildland fires. Twenty Soldiers volunteered for the training.

N.D. Forest Service instructor briefs National Guard members during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023.
N.D. Forest Service instructor teaches National Guard members how to look for fire hot spots during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023.

N.D. Forest Service instructor briefs National Guard members on their newest fire suppression truck during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023.

N.D. Forest Service instructor briefs fire hose management to National Guard members during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023.

Guardsmen learn how to create a fireline (firebreak) which cuts off the fire from its fuel supply, during wildland fire training in Bismarck, N.D., September 10, 2023.

Brats With The Brave

The Military Affairs Committee of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC hosted their annual "Brats with the Brave" at the Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck, Sept. 6, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Members of the N.D. National Guard , Veterans and first responders line up for chow at the Brats with the Brave event, Bismarck, Sept. 6, 2023.

This event, sponsored by local businesses, salutes the service and sacrifice of military members and first responders.

N.D. National Guard members enjoy lunch during Brats with the Brave in Bismarck, Sept. 6, 2023.

Professional Development

Mr. James Knopik LAC, Addiction (Substance Use Disorder) Counselor, and Sgt. Nathan Griffin, 191st Military Police Company, conducted this month's professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., September 13, 2032. The briefing was livestreamed state-wide to all N.D. National Guard full-time members. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Mr. James Knopik LAC, Addiction (Substance Use Disorder) Counselor, speaks about the states suicide prevention program during professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., September 13, 2032.

This month's professional development featured the connection and lethal means safety as a lived experience, and training on the 988 Line.

Sgt. Nathan Griffin, 191st Military Police Company, talks about his battle with depression during professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., September 13, 2023.

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees 988 as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America.

Saving a Life

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, presented awards to a pair of life savers after professional development at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Sept. 13, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, presents The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award to retired Col. Brian Keller at an awards presentation at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Sept. 13, 2023.

Col. Brian Keller, former Medical Det. Commander, attended bus trip to Deadwood, S.D. on 21-23 April 2023. As he loaded the bus to return to Bismarck on April 23, 2023, there were calls from the front of the bus that medical attention was required for the bus driver who was in medical distress. Col. Keller and another individual quickly assessed the need for CPR and saved the drivers life.

For an individual to be eligible for The Woodrow W. Keeble “Je Suis Pret” (I am Ready) Award, the act performed must have been one displaying personal courage, fortitude, and determination to protect/defend life, limb or property. This may include, but not limited to, providing lifesaving measures, performing evacuation efforts (i.e. fire), assisting with a vehicle accident, etc.

Mr. Kevin Buck, State Surgeon's Office was recognized for providing life-saving and life-supporting efforts on his bus drive home from Deadwood, SD on April 23, 2023.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, presents the State Commendation Ribbon to Mr. Kevin Buck, State Surgeon's Office at an awards presentation at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Sept. 13, 2023.

Kevin Buck's knowledge of advanced medical first aid led him to immediately respond to the bus driver in medical crisis and help save his life. Mr. Buck heard the calls for medical assistance from the back of the bus and ran forward to find the bus driver slumped over the steering wheel unconscious. He directed those around him to remove the individual from the bus and assessed the need to intervene with CPR. Buck could not detect a pulse and therefore directed bystanders to call 911, get the AED, and help initiate CPR.

U Mary's Welcome Career Day

N.D. Guard Airmen and Soldier recruiters attended a Welcome to the Community Career Day event for the students at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., September 7, 2023. (National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

N.D. Guard Soldiers and Airmen recruiters spoke with students during a Welcome to the Community Career Day event at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., September 7, 2023.

N.D. Guard's Newest Colonel

Lt. Col. Cody J. Volk, Director of Facilities and Engineering, is promoted to the rank of Colonel during a ceremony at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., September 14, 2023. (National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Col. Cody J. Volk, Director of Facilities and Engineering pictured with his wife and children at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, N.D., September 14, 2023.

Now with his promotion, Volk will move to 68th Troop Command as the Commanding Officer sometime next year.

Appreciation

After this month's professional development, Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock State Command Sergeant Major in Fargo, N.D. award three non-commissioned officers with coins at Raymond J. Bohn armory, September 13, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, left, presents Staff Sgt. Billy Hanson, State Medical Detachment, a recognition coin, at Raymond J. Bohn armory, September 13, 2023.

Staff Sgt. Billy Hanson, State Medical Detachment, was recognized for his outstanding performance in administratively facilitating the completion of 27 individual awards for Medical Readiness Detachment soldiers.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, left, presents Staff Sgt. Jessica Peterson, State Medical Detachment, a recognition coin, at Raymond J. Bohn armory, September 13, 2023.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Peterson, State Medical Detachment, was recognized for his outstanding performance in administratively facilitating the completion of 27 individual awards for Medical Readiness Detachment soldiers.

Master Sgt. Lexi Hernandez, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was recognized for his outstanding performance in completing 114 National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service forms ensuring soldiers records were completed.

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson, N.D. Army Component commander, right, watches Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock State Command Sergeant Major in Fargo present Master Sgt. Lexi Hernandez, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, a recognition coin, at Raymond J. Bohn armory, September 13, 2023.
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