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TAG Line June 20, 2023

From left, N.D. National Guard members Sgt. 1st Class Matthew McKinney, Staff Sgt. Marty Mosbrucker, and Master Sgt. Levi Jensen unveil three of the six plaques honoring Bismarck area Servicemembers killed in action during the Global War on Terrorism, at the Heroes Park dedication, Bismarck, N.D., June 10, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Bill Prokopyk)

CONTENTS

Heroes Park Dedication

On June 10, 2023, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, N.D. National Guard senior enlisted leader, led a contingent of N.D. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to the Heroes Park dedication ceremony in Bismarck, N.D. The park, located at 5609 Smette Bend, is owned and operated by the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. (Story and photos courtesy of Bill Prokopyk, U.S. Army retired)

The park dedication ceremony featured the unveiling of a monument wall to the fourteen N.D. National Guard Soldiers killed in action during the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Also included during the ceremony was an unveiling of a Battlefield Cross (also called a Fallen Soldier Battlefield Cross) and plaques honoring six Bismarck-area fallen heroes. Of these six, four are N.D. National Guardsmen. These items were donated by the North Dakota Heroes Foundation with support by the North Dakota Patriot Guard. This was the seventh Battlefield Cross and sixteenth memorial plaque donated state-wide in an effort to honor all North Dakota Servicemembers lost during GWOT.

This monument that honors the fourteen N.D. National Guard Soldiers killed in action during the Global War on Terrorism was dedicated on June 10, 2023, Heroes Park, Bismarck, N.D.

The dedicated plaques honored N.D. National Guard Soldiers Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson; Sgt. Travis A. Van Zoest; Cpl. Curtis R. Mehrer; and Spc. Tyler J. Orgaard. Members of the U.S. Army honored were Sgt. Thomas J. Sweet II and Spc. Anthony W.H. Monroe.

Matt and Kelly Geiger donated the land for the 3.89-acre park to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. A ceremony on Aug. 28, 2020, dedicated the 14 streets named in honor of the N.D. National Guard Soldiers killed in action during GWOT in the housing area surrounding Heroes Park.

Arlen Halverson, left, leads a group of motorcyclists of the N.D. Patriot Guard to the dedication ceremony of Heroes Park, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

Soldiers Battle Cross and six plaques honoring Bismarck-area Soldiers lost in the Global War on Terrorism wait to be unveiled during the Heroes Park dedication ceremony , June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

The Bismarck Amvets Post #9 color guard rehearses for Heroes Park dedication, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

N.D. State House Rep. Jeremy L. Olson welcomes Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard, to the Heroes Park dedication ceremony, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District employees hand out information about the dedication of Heroes Park, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

U.S. Navy retired Capt. Duane Sand, director, North Dakota Heroes Foundation (NDHF), renders welcoming remarks at the Heroes Park dedication, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D. The Battlefield Cross and individual plaques were donated by the NDHF.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ryan Sarenpa, N.D. National Guard, renders opening prayer during the Heroes Park dedication, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

Colleen Reinhardt performs the National Anthem followed by God Bless America at the Heroes Park dedication ceremony, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

The Bismarck Amvets Post #9 presents the colors during the performance of the National Anthem at the Heroes Park dedication ceremony, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

From left, Michael Gilbertson, president, Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners, Matt Geiger, and Kelly Geiger cut the ribbon officially dedicating Heroes Park, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D. The Geigers donated the land for the 3.89 acre park, which is located in the Clear Sky housing area addition in southeast Bismarck.

Michael Gilbertson, left and Matt Geiger unveil the remembrance wall honoring the 14 N.D. National Guard Soldiers killed in action during the Global War on Terrorism, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. adjutant general, renders remarks at the Heroes Park dedication ceremony, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

Doug Webber, Bismarck Amvets Post #9, performs TAPs during the dedication ceremony of Heroes Park, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

1st Sgt. Shannon L. Kliniske, N.D. National Guard, unveils the Battlefield Cross during the Heroes Park dedication ceremony, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

N.D. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen stand at parade rest during the Heroes Park dedication ceremony, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

The six plaques unveiled during the Heroes Park dedication, June 10, 2023, Bismarck, N.D.

More photos of the dedication at Flickr album Heroes Park Dedication.

State Partnership

Members of the Office of Security Cooperation (OSC) – Benin, and the Pol/Econ section met with the Benin Parliament Committee for External Relations, Development Cooperation, Defense and Security on May 31, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Director)

The purpose of the meeting was introductions and to inform the Committee of the many Security Cooperation activities being undertaken between the Department of State, Department of Defense, and the Benin Military (FAB). Members of the Committee expressed appreciation for the meeting and for U.S. Government support of the FAB particularly with the security situation in the north. Both parties agreed to continued open dialogue. In addition to support from, and communication with, the administration, support and communication with parliament is helpful in building relationships in support of the embassy’s Integrated Country Strategy.

Active Shooter Exercise

Representatives from multiple local and state agencies, including the North Dakota National Guard and Bismarck Police Department, participated in an active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023. (National Guard story by Eric Jensen , North Dakota Strategic Communications Chief) (National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Sam Kroll, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)

Acting injured Soldier being carried to ambulance during a active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.

The purpose of the exercise was for public safety agencies to refine their response actions during an active shooter scenario and to identify measures for improved security at Raymond J. Bohn Armory.

Local first responders stage equipment and vehicles prior to active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.

Bismarck police officers assess injuries on a acting victim during a active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.

Additional participants included the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, Bismarck Fire Department, Metro Area Ambulance Service, Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department, Central Dakota Communications Center and the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Bismarck police officer detains and transports acting perpetrator during a active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.

Bismarck police's bomb squad utilized their robots during a active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.

Officers from Bismarck Police Department arrive on scene during a active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.
Bismarck SWAT officer detains and transports suspect during a active shooter exercise at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 8, 2023.

Task Force MIND

The Task Force for Military Issues in North Dakota (TF MIND) Summit was held at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D., June 6, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard Strategy and Policy Officer)

This was the 6th summit event since 2018. The Summit brings together military leaders from across North Dakota, government agencies, and civilian supporters of the military. Participants are informed on topics impacting military members, their families, and Veterans in North Dakota and provides an opportunity to discuss possible solutions to issues and concerns.

This year’s Summit had 35 in-person and virtual participants which included Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, senior leaders of the North Dakota Army and Air National Guard, Commanders and Command Chiefs or representatives from the Minot and Grand Forks Air Force Bases, various state agency representatives, and numerous civilian supporters of the military from across the state. During the summit participants received presentations from staff of Sanford Military and Veteran Affairs, North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, North Dakota National Guard Strategy and Policy-Legislative Initiatives, North Dakota CARES, and the North Dakota National Guard Human Relations Counselor. A continued focus of the summit was the lack of available mental and behavioral health care providers in North Dakota that are eligible to provide care to military members, retirees, Veterans, or their families. From this meeting numerous initiatives will be developed in preparation for the 69th State Legislative Session.

Front Row L-R: Col David Castor – 319th MSG Commander, Grand Forks AFB, CMSgt MJ Filloon – 119th Wing, Lea Greene – Grand Forks AFB, Mark Jantzer – Minot Civic Leader, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller – Chair of TF MIND, Shyla Wesson – NDNG Family Services, Brekka Kramer – Minot Chamber Pres./CEO & TF MIND, Shirley Olgierson – NDNG Historian, Dani Hopkins – ND Governor Policy Advisor, CSM Jason Magnuson – NDNG Senior Enlisted Leader Back Row L-R: Stephen Blazek – 119th Wing Honorary Commander, Keith Lund – Grand Forks Region Economic Development Pres./CEO & TF MIND, MG Alan Dohrmann – NDNG Adjutant General & TF MIND, Delton Steele – ESGR State Chair & TAG Honorary Commander, Pete Hankla – McGee, Hankla, Backes, P.C. & TF MIND, Col Mitch Johnson – 119th Wing Commander, MAJ Jay Sheldon – NDNG Strategy and Policy Officer.

818th Medical Battalion Desert Storm Reunion

Twenty-five of the 39 members of the 818th Medical Battalion assembled in Bismarck for a much-needed post war reunion in Bismarck on June, 9-10, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Shirley Olgeirson, N.D. National Guard historian)

The last reunion was held 5 years after Desert Shield / Desert Storm and the guest book showed it was attended by adjutants general, National Guard leadership, Gov. Ed Schafer, friends and family. This reunion was not as grandiose, but very meaningful as memories flowed, stories were told, and memorabilia was shared and swapped.

Left to right, Kneeling: Patrick Richards, Karlene Brodehl Wyman, Bonnie Glatt Lahr, Jackie Meier Darr, Tammi Burtts Winbauer, Shauna Krebs Greff, Joann Boardman Czerwinski, Pam Foerster Kaufman. Standing: George Schmaltz, Bill Thompson, Shirley Olgeirson, Jan Carter, Larry Knoke, Ken McLain, Bob Arso, Dick Cole, Norm Deschene, Craig Nelson, Mark Landis, Dan Bauer, Rick Martin, Dennis Adams, 818th Medical Battalion “Desert Storm Reunion” Picnic, June 10, 2023. Attending but not pictured: Jeff Scherr

The 818th Medical Battalion was alerted for duty Nov. 12, 1990; placed active federal service on Nov. 17, 1990; moved to mobilization station (Fort Carson, Colorado) the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 1990; and arrived in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 1, 1990 when Operation Desert Sheild was still in effect.

Back row from left: Joe Hall, Rick Martin, Dan Bauer, Dick Cole, Willy Thompson, George Schmaltz, Craig Nelson, Jeff Scherr Middle Row: Jan Carter, Mark Landis, Larry Knoke, Pam Foerster Kaufman, Joann Boardman Czerwinski, COL Ernie Reinert, CSM Bob Arso, Shirley Olgeirson Seated: Bonnie Glatt Lahr, Norm Deschene, Shauna Krebs Greff, Tammi Burtts Winbauer, Karlene Brodehl Wyman, Jackie Meier Darr, Jay Ostboe, Ken McLean

Originally slated to support XVIII Airborne Corps, the mission changed to the VII Corps, which had not yet arrived in country. After a few days in miserable conditions at “The Port” assembly area, the 818th convoyed to Log Base Alpha, then into a secluded location endearingly dubbed “Dead Camel Camp” for the only landmark in the barren desert. Santa managed to find the unit on Christmas Eve, bringing Twinkies and Toothpaste for all.

The 818th moved to a sand-bermed location along Tapline Road about 7 miles south of the Iraqi border, co-located with the 312 Evac Hospital, 332 Medical Brigade, and subordinate units that supported sick calls, vaccinations, and provided air & ground evacuation assets for the duration of the war.

For its performance during Desert Storm, the 818th was commended Secretary of the Army; Chief, National Guard Bureau; and Commanders of VII Corps, 2nd Corps Support Command, and 332 Medical Brigade.

Orders for the unit

The 818th had been organized in 1982; its flag was retired in 1996.

New Chief Warrant Officer 5

Lt. Col. Grant Larson, Joint Force Headquarters, presided over a promotion ceremony for Rick Rhone, Joint Forces Headquarters, at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., June 11, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The family of newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rick Rhone, Joint Force Headquarters, place his new rank on his uniform during a promotion ceremony at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., June 11, 2023.

Rhone joined the Army on the Delayed Entry Program in 1986 and became a Warrant Officer in 1995. Rhone stays active in the Guard and the community as a small business owner of Capital City Restaurant Supply in Bismarck.

Recognition

Master Sgt. Dale Fanchuk, Joint Force Headquarters, was recognized at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 11, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, left, presents Master Sgt. Dale Fanchuk, Joint Force Headquarters, The Air and Space Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D., June 11, 2023.

Franchuk, received the award for his superior technical and communications skills accelerated collaboration with the National Guard Bureau's Joint Continuity Communications section during a Department of Defense Strategic Communications team high frequency radio exercise. Master Sgt. Franchuk was the initial North Dakota communications team that established continuity requirements to meet Presidential Policy Directive 40 for the fifty-four States and Territories across the country. Franchuk also developed a three day Joint Rapid Alerting for Survivability and Endurability exercise in April of 2021.

Public Affairs ESGR Volunteer of the Year

Rob Keller, the Public Affairs director for the North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), was recognized as the 2022 Public Affairs ESGR Volunteer of the Year (VOTY). Keller was selected in one of only five VOTY categories for the entire nation in Bismarck, N.D., June 14, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by David Lipp, N.D. ESGR public affairs deputy)

"ESGR is blessed to have thousands of patriotic volunteers, but annually five rise to the top by their selection in one of five separate categories as ESGR Volunteer of the Year. Rob Keller is one of our great volunteers chosen this year, selected in the Public Affairs category,” said Ronald E. Bogle, National Chair, of the ESGR.. “In short, Rob's distinguished service to the nation is long-standing and in the highest traditions of ESGR. His service serves as an inspiration to all who are prepared to step forward to assume volunteer responsibilities to the nation."

Keller was nominated for the VOTY award by North Dakota ESGR State Committee Chair Delton Steele for his exceptional contributions to ESGR’s mission over the past year.

“Mr. Rob Keller is the definition of ‘Outstanding Volunteer.’ It was easy for me to nominate Rob for this honor. Besides leading our ESGR Public Affairs efforts for North Dakota, he also is Co-Chair of our Bismarck-Mandan Region for ESGR. His efforts in reinventing our social media platforms, consistently posting the North Dakota ESGR Committee activities, as well as being an expert resource in everything related to public affairs, he still finds time to be an excellent presenter, trainer, and a ‘go-to’ person on anything ESGR related. His energy and passion for the mission of ESGR shows in all his efforts,” said Delton D. Steele, the state chair of the North Dakota ESGR.

Keller is a 26-year military veteran having served on active duty and the North Dakota National Guard, he is continually contacted to provide guidance on communications, photography, and social media expertise. He is also a member of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services Emergency Support Team and co-founder of NDPIO, which is a 501c3 non-profit statewide organization made up of professional public information communicators.

He has been the North Dakota ESGR Public Affairs Director since 2016 and shares the ND ESGR Bismarck region co-chair with volunteer Arlyn Frederick.

“I absolutely love volunteering for the ND ESGR,” Keller said. “Many people have invested in me during my 40-year communication career. They have taught me perseverance, professionalism, can-do attitude, and the most important is to reach out and help. I believe in doing more than I have to, because I want to, for a cause I consider worthy. ESGR has helped me during my 26-year military career and giving back is what I want to do. Using my talents in public information and communications was a great fit and I encourage anyone who is looking to Volunteer (with a capital V) should look to the ESGR. You will not be disappointed.”

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Created By
Charles Highland
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