From the Field - Sgt. First Class Greg Paintner, Camp Grafton Training Center / Utilities Section, removes a concrete slab at Camp Grafton using an Atlas during drill, Devils Lake, N.D. Feb. 10. (National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kristina Stivers, Camp Grafton Training Center / Utilities Section)
Contents
- Legion of Merit
- State Legion of Merit
- State Schools
- Supply Excellence Award
- Professional Development
- Welcome Home Lt. Col. Wanzek
- From the Field Campaign
- OXYGEN Seminar
- Promotions
- Senior Enlisted Leader Coin
- Recognition
- National Park Pass
- Property Tax Information
Legion of Merit
U.S. Army Col. Todd Schaffer, N.D. National Guard State Surgeon was presented The Legion of Merit award at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, Feb. 4. (National Guard story and photos by Maj. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. Guard Visual Information)
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, shakes the hand of Col. Todd Schaffer, N.D. Guard State Surgeon after presenting The Legion of Merit award at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck, Feb. 4.
The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments.
State Legion of Merit
Two retired N.D. Guard members were awarded The North Dakota Legion of Merit during the month of Feb. in Bismarck. (National Guard story and photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. Guard Visual Information)
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, presenting The North Dakota Legion of Merit award to Col. Brad Bekkedahl (retired), Senator of District 1, at the state capitol building in Bismarck, Feb. 1.
Colonel Brad D. Bekkedahl is recognized for exceptionally meritorious service from 12 September 2002 through 30 November 2022 tulminating as the State Dental Officer while assigned to the Medical Readiness Detachment. He has distinguished himself as a State Dental Officer, Deputy Commander and Commander, each position reinforcing his tenure in the organization including his selfless service in a three - month deployment to Iraq as a dentist in 2004. Colonel Bekkedahl's significant contributions were responsible for the North Dakota Army National Guard's continued success in achieving the highest medical and dental readiness in the nation. His commitment can only be matched by his dedication to the Soldiers he served within the state and abroad. Colonel Bekkedahl's efforts and selfless service bring credit upon himself, the Medical Readiness Detachment, the North Dakota Army National Guard, and the State of North Dakota.
U.S. Army Maj. Stanley Brown, N.D. Guard Medical Detachment Deputy Commander, presenting The North Dakota Legion of Merit award to Col. Robert Lundgren (retired), in Bismarck, Feb. 1.
Colonel Robert F. Lundgren is recognized for exceptional meritorious service from 11 October 2002 to 30 April 2022 culminating as the Preventive Medicine Officer in the Medical Readiness Detachment. His significant contributions raised North Dakota's medical readiness to 93%, consistently exceeding the national average. Colonel Lundgren's knowledge and expertise has been at the forefront of developing many of the preventative medicine policies and procedures used throughout the State. The extraordinary accomplishments and outstanding leadership of Colonel Lundgren culminate a long distinguished career and reflect great credit upon himself, the State Medical Readiness Detachment, the North Dakota Army National Guard, and the State of North Dakota.
State Schools
The North Dakota National Guard hosted more than 250 Soldiers from across the state to participate in a series of training courses at Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota, Feb. 9-11. (National Guard Story and photos by Pfc. Anna Welche, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)
The State School courses aim to enhance the skills and readiness of participants, offering opportunities to learn new techniques and refine existing ones.
North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) Soldiers participate in the Unit Leader Prevention (UPL) course at NDNG State Schools at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, Feb. 9.
The North Dakota National Guard State School courses provide a platform for Soldiers to expand their knowledge base, with an emphasis on both acquiring fresh skills and refining those already possessed. Over the weekend, attendees had access to a diverse array of 14 classes. The topics ranged from field tactics, such as Unit Marksmanship and Cold Weather Training, to healthcare-oriented courses, like the Combat Lifesaver and Unit Prevention Leader programs.
North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) Soldiers participate in Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course activity at NDNG state schools at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, Feb. 9.
“The State Schools weekend offers an invaluable opportunity to acquire new skills and attain essential certifications,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment. “By ensuring more personnel are certified to perform these vital tasks, we not only alleviate the burden on our full-time staff but also elevate the readiness and effectiveness of the North Dakota National Guard as a whole.”
North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) Soldiers participate in Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course activity during state schools at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, Feb. 9.
The North Dakota National Guard remains committed to providing high-quality training opportunities through its State Schools, reinforcing its dedication to supporting the development and preparedness of its service members.
Supply Excellence Award
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kacey Hawkins, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was presented a coin on behalf of the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) Commander. (National Guard story and photo by Lt. Col. Raymond Ripplinger, G4 - Director of Logistics)
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason Hite, Senior Logistical Advisor for the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), presented Staff Sgt. Kacey Hawkins, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade with a coin on behalf of the CASCOM Commander, signifying her exceptional performance at the Fargo Milkitary Readiness Center, Feb.7.
In January 2023, Staff Sgt. Kacey Hawkins transitioned to the Headquarters Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, where she has made remarkable strides over the past year. Through her exceptional leadership and innovative approach, Staff Sgt. Hawkins has successfully restructured and improved the supply discipline program for the company. Her dedication, relentless perseverance, and positive attitude have significantly bolstered the company's operational effectiveness and mission readiness which led to her nomination for the Supply Excellence Award.
Professional Development
Caren Stewart, N.D. National Guard state integrated primary prevention officer, conducted this month's professional development, Feb. 8, 2023, at the Raymond J. Bohn Professional Development armory, Bismarck, N.D. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
In addition to an in-person audience, his briefing was livestreamed state-wide to all N.D. National Guard full time members.
This month's professional development featured the training topic "The upside of stress". The class explained why some stress is good for you and how to be good at handling it in a work environment.
Welcome Home Lt. Col. Wanzek
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Phil Wanzek, State Medical Readiness Detachment, has returned from his deployment to Forward Operating Site Powidz in support of the Louisiana National Guard’s 756th Area Support Medical Company as part of the European “Assure and Deter” initiative. (National Guard story and photo by Lt. Col. Raymond Ripplinger, G4 - Director of Logistics)
Lt. Col. Phil Wanzek, is greeted by members of his unit Capt. Ciciley Littlewolf; right and 1st Lt. Nicolle Trenda, State Medical Readiness Detachment, at the airport in Fargo, Feb. 11.
Lt. Col. Wanzek supported sick-call missions, mass casualty exercises and Joint Planning efforts. Wanzek deployed for his 90-day rotation in Sept. 2023 through the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center at Ft Bliss.
From the Field Campaign
Camp Grafton Training Center / Utilities Section
(N.D. Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kristina Stivers, Camp Grafton Training Center / Utilities Section)
Sgt. First Class Greg Paintner, Camp Grafton Training Center / Utilities Section, removes a concrete slab at Camp Grafton using an Atlas during drill, Devils Lake, N.D. Feb. 10.
Air Defense
Aviation
Three UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters from Company C, 2nd Battalion 285th Assault Aviation Regiment, prepare for flight at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, Feb. 4. (N.D. Guard photo by Spc. Joseph Seibold, Company C, 2nd Battalion 285th Assault Aviation Regiment)
Cold Weather Rucking
Coming Soon OXYGEN Seminar!
Soldiers in the North Dakota National Guard and their spouses are invited to join the Office of the Chaplain for a fun and insightful Oxygen seminar to develop skills that enable relationship resilience and readiness. Oxygen training discusses proven strategies to enhance communication, build empathy, and resolve conflict. You’ll gain a better understanding how your personalities impact your partnership, and how to better relate to the one you love.
Promotions
Lt. Col. Leo Storms
U.S. Army Col. Todd Schaffer, N.D. National Guard State Surgeon, presided over a promotion ceremony for Abe Storms, N.D. Guard Medical Detachment, Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 11. (National Guard story and photos by Maj. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. Guard Visual Information)
Maj. Peterson
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Russ Sundby, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment commander, presided over a promotion ceremony for Catherine Peterson, 112th Aviation Regiment at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 4. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. Michaela Granger, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Senior Enlisted Leader Coin
U.S. Army Sgt. Samual Zezeus, N.D. National Guard Medical Detachment was presented a Senior Enlisted Leader Coin at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. Jan. 11. (National Guard story and photos by Maj. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. Guard Visual Information)
Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, N.D. National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, presents a coin to Sgt. Samual Zezeus, N.D. National Guard Medical Detachment at Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. Jan. 11.
Sgt. Zezeus recieved the coin for his work on drill weekends to learn each position within the clinic so that he can step in whenever assistance is needed. Because of his knowledge of the entire Physical Health Assessment process, he is consistently called upon to act as Mission NCOIC to be in charge of approximately 20 Medical Staff while conducting up to 250 PHA's.
Recognition
Brig. Gen. Jonathan Erickson, Land Component Commander, recognized two N.D. National Guard Soldiers and one civilian after a recent professional development class at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. Feb. 14. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Brig. Gen. Jonathan Erickson, Land Component Commander, claps at the screen as he virtually recognized Spc. Yusuf Mustapha, naturalization specialist, after a recent professional development class at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. Feb. 14.
Spc. Yusuf Mustapha, naturalization specialist, was awarded a certificate of appreciation his efforts in assisting soldiers in the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence in the United States. His efforts lead to 42 naturalized citizen soldiers and is currently another 57 soldiers.
Sgt. First Class Cassandra Mosbrucker, aviation operations sergeant, was also awarded a certificate of appreciation as a member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion working group, the program was recognized as the 2022 National Guard Bureau Excellence in Diversity Award.
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 US military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and US 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 US 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
Property Tax Information
Please check out the website: https://www.tax.nd.gov/prc
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