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TAG Line May 22, 2023

Spc. Mark Chilson, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, helps a student operate the controller of an AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Air Defense System during the N.D. Army National Guard sponsored Discovery Career Fair at Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D., May 17, 2023. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

CONTENT

CST Training with Grand Forks

The N.D. National Guard's 81st Civil Support Team and the Grand Forks Fire Department's hazardous materials team (HAZMAT) conduct joint training in Grand Forks, N.D., May 16 to 18, 2023. (National Guard Story and photos by Capt. Jacob Sommerfeld, 81st Civil Support Team)

81st Civil Support Team members discuss decontamination steps necessary before entering any hazardous environment with fire fighters in Grand Forks N.D., May 18, 2023.

The purpose for this training event is to build relations and share techniques in preparation for potential emergencies throughout the region.

81st Civil Support Team members supervise the firefighters realistic training by incorporating casualty considerations in a hazardous environment, Grand Forks N.D., May 18, 2023.

Sgt. Domonic Delaney, 81st Civil Support Team, briefs the Grand Forks Fire Department HAZMAT Team on training mission requirements, Grand Forks N.D., May 18, 2023.

The 81st Civil Support Team trains side by side with first responders in Grand Forks, N.D., May 18, 2023.

Lignite Coast Exercise

Five members of the N.D. National Guard (NDNG) participated in the 2023 Lignite Coast Exercise in Kara, Togo. Kara is approximately 235 miles north of the Capital of Lome. This location was selected by the National Civil Protection Agency due to the likelihood of responding to the injects for the exercise from May 5 to 8, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, director, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program)

The exercise injects included preparing for and responding to flooding, pandemics, and inter-community conflict due to effects of climate change. N.D. National Guard participants included Lt. Col. Ann Willoughby, Joint Force Headquarters Domestic Response Operations; Maj. Louis Harness, 119th Medical Group, Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Webster, 426th Signal Company; Sgt. Sam Zezeus, N.D. Army National Guard Medical Detachment; along with the director, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program, Lt. Col. Mark McEvers. The training also included Capt. Jeremiah Colbert, 119th Wing, who is on a two-year tour with U.S. Africa Command, assigned as the bilateral affairs officer, he works for the U.S. Ambassador to Togo.

Capt. Jeremiah Colbert, Bilateral Affairs Officer (BAO), introduces himself to the participants of the exercise as Maj. Louisa Harness, 119th Medical Group, listens, May 7, 2023, Tome, Togo.

Capt. Jeremiah Colbert is the first Bilateral Affairs Officer (BAO) who works on Department of Defense projects and initiatives on behalf of U.S. Africa Command and the U.S. Ambassador to Togo, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons. Maj. Louisa Harness, 119th Medical Group, is supporting the exercise with her medical knowledge from overseas deployments, to include multiple trips to Ghana.

Lt. Col. Ann Willoughby, deputy director, Joint Force Headquarters Domestic Response Operations, conducts Incident Command System (ICS) facilitation with the first responders of Togo, May 7, 2023, Tome, Togo.

Lt. Col. Ann Willoughby, deputy director, Joint Force Headquarters Domestic Response Operations, discussed the functions of the Incident Commander, the roles and responsibilities of the sections within an incident command infrastructure, along with the different capabilities of Incident Command to respond to disasters. She has successfully conducted five exercises (flood, fire, blizzard, cyber attacks, and power failure) with the N.D. National Guard and N.D. Department of Emergency Services in the last 12 months.

Lt. Col Mark McEvers, director, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program for Ghana, Togo, and Benin conducts a press conference with the Togo media to provide information on the exercise and how the N.D. National Guard works with Togolese first responders, May 7, 2023, Tome, Togo.

McEvers said, “We've have a nine-year relationship with the Republic of Togo. and This is the second largest exercise we have conducted with Togo’s National Civil Protection Agency, the first was flood and pandemic exercise in 2019."
Mr. Steve Lundin, Sgt. 1st Class Tom Webster, Sgt. Sam Zezeus, and Lt. Col. Ann Willoughby visit with the Director General of the National Civil Protection Agency, Lt, Col. Yoma BAKA (Togo equivalent agency of FEMA) in the Kara region, a northern region within the Republic of Togo. They are discussing a water rescue by the National Fire Service, May 6, 2023.

Over 70 personnel attended the academics portion of the exercise on May 3 to 4, 2023. NDNG instructors conducted training on Incident Command Systems principles along with Emergency Operations Center best practices to local first responders. Mr. Steve Lundin, security specialist for Incident Command System Principles for the state of N.D., assisted in instruction.

Sgt. Sam Zezeus, N.D. Army National Guard Medical Detachment, applies moulage to a role player who supported the inter-community conflict exercise in Dankpen Prefecture, Togo, May 7, 2023. The head trainer of the National Fire Service (right with hat) awaits for the role players to be assigned injuries during the exercise.

The Togolese name of the exercise is “T'ILIBIGUILE 2023“ or translated to: Disaster Prevention in Komkomba. Below is an except from Wikipédia: Konkomba people - The 2010 census data indicates that Bikpakpaam in Ghana number 823,000 and applying the intercensal growth rate would give a population of more than one million now.

Sgt. 1st Class Tom Webster interacts with Togolese twins during a medical outreach engagement which occurred in the Dankpen Prefecture, near Kara, Togo, May 7, 2023.

CIA The World Fact Book reports that the demographics of Ghana that Konkomba people are the eighth largest ethnic group in Ghana representing 3.5% of the Total population of Ghana.

Sgt. Sam Zezeus, N.D. Amy National Guard Medical Detachment, observes as the first responders consisting of the international Red Cross/Red Crescent along with Togo's National Fire Service conduct first aid after inter-community conflict in the Dankpen Prefecture, May 7, 2023, in the Kara, Togo region.

Capt. Jeremiah Colbert, Bilateral Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy, Lome, Togo, poses with the mayor of the village of Karen in Dakpen Prefecture where intercommunity conflict occurred, May 7, 2023.

Afterwards, the mayor of the village of Karen in Dakpen Prefecture was provided mediation methods designed to help resolve community conflicts before they incite violence. The mayor remarked they've never received this type of training before and believes it will enable the community to be better prepared for dealing with inter-community conflicts.

Engineers Conduct Class III Operations

Soldiers from the Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion, conducted refueling operations during their Inactive Duty for Training weekend in Wishek, N.D., May 6, 2023. (National Guard Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Dustin Kelly, 142nd Engineer Company)

These operations are part of the Department of Defense supply Class III which includes petroleum, oil and lubricants. Successfully storing, transporting and dispensing these products is an extremely important component of logistical support to the force.

Soldiers from the Forward Support Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion, conducted refueling operations, during their drill in Wishek, N.D., May 6, 2023.

Aviation Safety Stand Down

On April 29, 2023, the U.S. Army ordered that all units conduct a Safety Stand Down in response to recent aviation accidents. Units could not resume flight operations until this safety training was completed. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Active duty Army aviation units had until May 5, 2023 to conduct this safety training whereas reserve component units had until the end of this month. N.D. Army National Guard aviation conducted their Safety Stand Down on May 13, 2023 at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, N.D. National Guard deputy adjutant general, addresses aviation Soldiers during Safety Stand Down at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. May 13, 2023.

Lt. Col. Mike Green, State Army Aviation Officer, provides instruction during the aviation Safety Stand Down at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. May 13, 2023.

N.D. National Guard aviation completed the training with 56 of 66 aircrew members present. These Soldiers will have to complete this safety training before they can fly again. Fifteen other Soldiers from related career fields attended this training although it wasn’t a requirement for their jobs.

N.D. Army National Guard aviation has an exceptional safety record with over 157,000 safe flight hours dating back to 1958.

Guard Supports Aviation Education Program

The N.D. Air and Army National Guard recruiters attended the West Fargo Sheyenne UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) club's spring picnic, May 12, 2023, West Fargo, N.D. (National Guard story by Master Sgt. Gregory S. Peterson, Recruiting Flight Chief, 119th Wing)

This aviation education program saw over 200 students attend the event where recruiters briefed them on the UAV aircraft and capabilities operated by the N.D. National Guard. This included the MQ-9 Reapers flown by the N.D. Air National Guard, and the RQ-11 Raven operated by the N.D. Army National Guard.

This event provided the students a chance to ask questions of N.D. National Guard personnel, and thus further strengthened the bond between West Fargo Sheyenne High School and the North Dakota National Guard.

A N.D. Army National Guard RQ-11 Raven is displayed at the West Fargo Sheyenne UAV Club, West Fargo, N.D. May 12, 2023.

N.D. Army Guard recruiter Sgt. Nathaniel Neece, discusses the RQ-11 Raven aircraft at the West Fargo Sheyenne UAV Club spring picnic, West Fargo, N.D., May 12, 2023.

119th Wing recruiters Staff Sgt. Madeline Wadeson and Tech Sgt. Matthew Fraase talk with students about the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft and other Air National Guard opportunities at the West Fargo Sheyenne UAV Club spring picnic, West Fargo, N.D., May 12, 2023.

Army Guard Hosts Discovery Career Fair

N.D. National Guard recruiters partnered with the Bismarck School District in hosting their spring Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy on the campus of Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023. (U.S. National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Sgt. Mia Brunelle, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), allows students to explore the Bridge Erection Boat during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

The event allowed high school students the opportunity to explore careers fields the N.D. Army National Guard offers. Soldiers who hold various MOSs (Military Occupation Specialty) were present to discuss their experiences.

Spc. Kayla Rath, left, and Sgt. Mia Brunelle, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), shows students bridging equipment during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.
Spc. Kayla Rath, left, and Sgt. Mia Brunelle, 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge), shows students bridging equipment during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Members of the 81st Civil Support Team allow students to try on protective gear during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Featured at the event were medical, military police, aviation, automotive mechanic, bridging engineering, communication and information and technology MOSs.

Members of the 81st Civil Support Team allow students to try on protective gear during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.
Capt. Thomas Hansen, nuclear medical science officer, shows a group of high school students the mobile lab during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Sgt. Chris Radke and Spc. James Ginther, 957th Engineer Company, discuss their job as vehicle mechanics during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Soldiers from the 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA) show their equipment to students during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023. College, May 16, 2023.

A student holds a replica FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable air defense system during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy on the campus of Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Capt. Krystle Hansen, and Sgt. 1st Class Billy Hanson, N.D. Army National Guard State Medical Detachment, discuss medical career options with local high school students during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Satrom, left, and Sgt. Logan Maier, Company C, 2nd Battalion 285th Aviation Regiment, explain the features of their flight equipment during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information, shows students photography and video equipment during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Cdt. Ella Svanes, left, and Spc. Alexis Golberg, 816th Military Police Company, talks with students during the Discovery Career Fair at the Bismarck Career Academy, Bismarck State College, May 16, 2023.

Northern Cass County Military Career Expo Day

Chaplain Quarterly Training

N.D. National Guard ministry teams conducted their quarterly training on April 24, 2023, National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D. The training focus was “Providing Ministry during Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) in a Multi-Domain Environment (MDO)” (National Guard story and photos by Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, N.D. National Guard state chaplain)

The training began with a world update on the Ukraine-Russia War. The briefing was followed with a recorded video by a Ukrainian chaplain discussing his ministry to military members during combat conditions.

Shirley Olgeirson, N.D. National Guard state historian, provided a presentation on the 164th Infantry Regiment's actions at the battle of Guadalcanal. She related the history of this N.D. National Guard unit to LSCO and the unique stories of our Soldiers serving at the time. The brief included information on Chaplain (Maj.) Thomas Tracy, for whom Tracy Chapel at Camp Grafton Training Center is named. The second half of the day was spent in breakout discussions and briefback with Religious Affairs Specialists and chaplains, respectively, to define LSCO and begin thinking how their actions will support the N.D. National Guard engaged in MDO/LSCO.

Sgt. 1st Class Laton Lohmann, religious affairs NCO, Joint Force Headquarters, discusses the current situation in Kosovo during a presentation on the political situations around the world, April 24, 2023, National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D.

Shirley Olgeirson, N.D. National Guard state historian, provides presentation on the 164th Infantry Regiment's history, April 24, 2023, National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D.

N.D. National Guard Religious Affairs Specialists conduct a breakout discussion during quarterly training, April 24, 2023, National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D.

Sgt. Stephanie Fuchs, religious affairs NCO, 68th Troop Command, leads the after action review at the conclusion of Chaplain Quarterly Training, April 24, 2023, National Guard Readiness Center, Fargo, N.D.

N.D. Chaplain Honored

The U.S. Army chief of chaplains, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Thomas L. Solhjem, presented Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, N.D. National Guard state chaplain, the Ancient Order of Martin of Tours award, May 10, 2023, Camp Robinson, Arkansas. (National Guard story by 1st Lt. Bruce Shields, Jr., N.D. National Guard Public Affairs)

This is one of several U.S. Army Chaplain Corps regimental awards. According to a memorandum from that office, there are two levels of “Order of Martin of Tours" awards, named in honor of a pious soldier in the Roman army.

Johnson along with about 100 chaplaincy representatives of the 50 states and four territories, were attending the 2023 Senior Army National Guard Chaplain Section Training at Camp Robinson, May 9 to 11, 2023, when the chief of chaplains awarded several of these awards.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Thomas L. Solhjem, U.S. Army chief of chaplains presented Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson, N.D. National Guard state chaplain, the Ancient Order of Martin of Tours award, May 10, 2023, Camp Robinson, Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Timothy F. Johnsey, visual information specialist, Camp Robinson, Arkansas)

The Ancient Order of Martin of Tours is reserved for Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists who achieve long-term, exceptional service to the Army Chaplaincy, surpassing even Honorable Order of Martin of Tours recipients. Such exceptional service must include extraordinary achievements and recognized service of Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists who promote the objectives and purposes of the Chaplain Corps. The Ancient Order of Martin of Tours may be conferred upon any currently serving or retired Chaplain or Religious Affairs Specialist from all components who meet these standards in the past 10 years who have demonstrated exceptional religious support leadership.

Welcoming New Hooligans

Tech Sgt. Matthew Fraase, N.D. Air National Guard production recruiter, was invited to speak at Wyndmere High School's award banquet specifically to honor new Hooligans Jack Manstrom and Tarah Heley at Wyndmere High School, Wyndmere, N.D., May 11, 2023. (U.S. National Guard story by Tech Sgt. Matthew Fraase, N.D. Air Guard Production Recruiter)

Tech Sgt. Matthew Fraase, N.D. Air National Guard, speaks to students during an awards ceremony at Wyndmere High School, Wyndmere, N.D., May 11, 2023.

These newest members of the Happy Hooligans were recognized with enlistment coins.

Left to right, Tarah Heley, Tech Sgt. Matthew Fraase, N.D. Air National Guard production recruiter, and Jack Manstrom, after an awards ceremony at Wyndmere High School, Wyndmere, N.D., May 11, 2023.

Tech Sgt. Matthew Fraase, N.D. Air National Guard production recruiter, speaks to students during an awards ceremony at Wyndmere High School, Wyndmere, N.D., May 11, 2023.

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

The 2023 Memorial Day ceremony at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery will be conducted on May 29 beginning at noon. Approximately 30 minutes after the ceremony concludes, there will a ground breaking for the cemetery's columbarium. The columbarium is scheduled to be completed October 2023. The main ceremony will be livestreamed at www.NDGuard.ND.Gov.

The annual Memorial Day ceremony will begin at noon, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on May 29, 2023.

From the Field Campaign Photos

The N.D. National Guard's Task Force Cajetan first marketing campaign, "From the Field", has produced a perspective unlike any other. The efforts have been primarily focused on the Soldier and Airmen point of view in attempts to provide a glimpse of everyday life as a military member. To submit photos and videos to From The Field campaign, click: https://bit.ly/NDNG-FTF. (National Guard story by 1Lt. Bruce Shields Jr., National Guard Public Affairs Office)

164th Regional Training Institue Regiment, conducted a 12H, Construction Engineer Supervisor course, this past week. Class 006-23 helped with a concrete pour for a new picnic shelter at Camp Grafton South, May 17, 2023. (Photo by, Sgt. 1st Class Chad Bakken, 164th Regional Training Center)

Horizontal Construction Engineer (MOS 12N) students trained with bucket loaders and dump trucks at the Horizontal Training Area, 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI), Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., May 18, 2023 (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chad Bakken, 164th Regional Training Institute Regiment)

Check back next week for more images from our Soldiers and Airmen.

To submit photos and videos to From The Field campaign, click: https://bit.ly/NDNG-FTF.

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Created By
Charles Highland
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