U.S. Army Col. Nathan Dicks, incoming commander, passes the colors of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Clark during a change of command ceremony in Fargo, North Dakota, March 22.
Contents
- U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa hosts African Land Forces Summit 2026
- U.S. and Togolese Officials Deepen Collaboration on Disaster Preparedness
- Da Guards Podcast
- 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Change of Command
- ND2000
- Recruiting Promotions
- Military Family Safety Night
- More Than a Uniform: The Protective Power of the North Dakota National Guard
- Military Kid's Easter Eggstravaganza
- ESGR & ND Cares in Bowman
- Military Fish Camp
- National Park Pass
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa hosts African Land Forces Summit 2026
Approximately 40 nations and more than 300 senior leaders and personnel participated in the African Land Forces Summit 2026 (ALFS 26), scheduled for March 22–24 in Rome, Italy. ALFS is an annual forum that convenes African land force commanders alongside U.S. and partner-nation military leaders, as well as representatives from academia, government, and industry, to address shared security challenges. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa)
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) hosted the 2026 summit. Since its inception, ALFS has been held across the United States and Africa, including in the U.S. (2010 and 2022), Uganda (2012), Senegal (2015), Tanzania (2016), Malawi (2017), Nigeria (2018), Botswana (2019), Ethiopia (2020), Côte d’Ivoire (2023), Zambia (2024), and Ghana (2025). The Rome summit marks the first time this premier forum will be hosted in Europe.
The theme for ALFS 26, “Empowering shared security through intelligence, innovation, and industry,” reflects a growing emphasis on connecting military leadership with private-sector expertise. The summit is designed to bridge the gap between defense institutions and industry partners, enabling collaborative approaches to modern security requirements.
U.S. and Togolese Officials Deepen Collaboration on Disaster Preparedness
A North Dakota National Guard and Department of Emergency Services delegation attended a key planning event for the upcoming Lignite Coast Disaster Response Training scheduled for June.
The initial planning event, held Feb. 23–27, in Lomé, marked a significant step in strengthening disaster readiness through close partnership with Togo’s primary disaster management organization, the Agence Nationale de la Protection Civile.
Representing the U.S. contingent, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alan Roehrich, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jeremy Sigl and Mr. Mark McEvers worked alongside U.S. Air Force Capt. Aluin Acheampong, the North Dakota National Guard State Partnership Program bilateral affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy in Lomé. Their joint efforts with the Agence Nationale de la Protection Civile, established in 2017 to mitigate human and material losses from catastrophes, underscore a shared commitment to regional safety and security.
The June Lignite Coast training event is part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the United States and its West African partners to enhance regional disaster response capabilities. The North Dakota National Guard has played a central role in this partnership, which also includes Ghana and Benin. The collaboration extends beyond training events, with tangible infrastructure projects such as the construction of a new National Emergency Operations Center in Lomé, further demonstrating a shared commitment to a safer future for the citizens of Togo.
Da Guards Podcast
Da Guards Podcast highlights the North Dakota National Guard’s Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of our organization.
CURRENT PODCAST
Counterdrug coordinator U.S. Army Capt. Conrad Roberts
Roberts enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 2011 as a horizontal construction engineer and later commissioned in 2017 as an aviation officer. During his career he was a horizontal construction engineer, flight operations officer, flight platoon leader, detachment leader, company commander, and assistant battalion operations officer. He is currently the NDARNG counterdrug coordinator. Roberts talks about the counterdrug program in North Dakota and how successful his team was in 2025.
141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Change of Command
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard, presided over a change of command ceremony for the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo, North Dakota, March 22. U.S. Army Col. Nathan Dicks assumed command from U.S. Army Col. Kevin Miller, who commanded the unit since Oct. 2024.
U.S. Army Col. Kevin Miller, outgoing commander, receives the colors of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Clark during a change of command ceremony.
The 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade provides command and control, as well as training, administrative and logistical support, to maintain Soldier and unit readiness for missions at home and overseas.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard, passes the colors of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to U.S. Army Col. Nathan Dicks, incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony.
The passing of the unit colors—from the unit’s command sergeant major to the outgoing commander, through command authority, to the incoming commander, and back to the command sergeant major—is a time-honored Army tradition that formally symbolizes the transfer of authority for Soldiers of the unit to witness.
ND2000
It’s more than a uniform—it’s about community. And now, it comes with a $2,000 thank-you! We believe the best new Soldiers come from recommendations within our own ranks. From Feb. 1 through June 30, 2026, we’re offering a $2,000 bonus for helping a friend, family member, or neighbor join the North Dakota Army National Guard.
Recruiting Promotions
The North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command held a promotion ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, Bismarck, North Dakota, on March 19.
Leben
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cambrie Leben, North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, was promoted to the rank of Sgt. 1st Class.
Linde
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eric Linde, North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, was promoted to the rank of Sgt. 1st Class.
Military Family Safety Night
More Than a Uniform: The Protective Power of the North Dakota National Guard
I interviewed U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Volk, a retention noncommissioned officer with the 164th Engineer Battalion, as well as a husband and father. Volk highlighted the many benefits and support the North Dakota National Guard provides to help improve the lives of its Soldiers. (Written by Markelle Dockter, Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist)
Staff Sgt. Volk grew up in the small town of Rugby, North Dakota. His father was a combat engineer in a SAPPER unit, and his mother worked as a dispatcher for Central Carriers. Volk knew he wanted to go to college and further his education, but with the rising costs of schooling, this seemed difficult financially, as it does for so many. The National Guard proved to be a protective factor for him, supporting his educational advancement while providing him with a built-in support system to cheer him on.
With education as a priority as well as job security, Volk understood at a young age that having Veterans’ status would help him in his civilian career and job opportunities in the future. He graduated from Minot State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management while juggling drill weekends, AT, college hockey, and a personal life. He was able to find balance with all his duties, but attributes it to how much the Guard supported and valued him as a person first. His education didn’t stop there. Later, he would go on to become a journeyman lineman utilizing the GI Bill. He works currently as a lineman in Bismarck in his civilian career. He wishes every Soldier would take advantage of the education benefits, skill enhancements, and job benefits that are available. Also, utilizing resources such as Military One Source, 988, VA Loans, The U.S. Army Service Member & Family Support program, and so much more support for our Soldiers every day at no cost to them.
Staff Sgt. Volk served most of his 15 years in the 818th Engineer Company before he assumed his new role within the 164th Engineer Battalion. He frequently commented about the positive support, mentorship and friendship within the 818th. Even during exercises, tough situations, and much more the training was fun and enjoyable because they all worked together and every Soldier knew what their job was. “They could make light of tough situations and flip it into something good. They would embrace the suck”. Yet another reason why the Guard, again, proved itself as a protective factor of a built-in support system centered around camaraderie. Volk also expresses how the Guard provided him with skills unlike any civilian career including hands on equipment training, resiliency, weapons, survival strategies, crisis intervention, and so much more. With skills and training in so many areas the Guard provides protection and readiness to all Soldiers.
The North Dakota National Guard can offer and empower Soldiers with skills, opportunities, and options beyond the general population. Volk’s journey is one of resiliency, strength, and fortitude. He embodied this month’s holistic challenge of self-care and wellness. Staff Sgt. Volk surrounded himself with self-care and an open mindset, not just at present, but looking forward to the future. Volk continues to excel to better his future and his family’s future by practicing prevention and resiliency at every turn.
Attendees included Todd Remington, chairperson of ND CARES; Nicole Frohlich, military outreach specialist; President Lynn James; five commissioners; and 11 additional attendees.
ND CARES is dedicated to strengthening North Dakota communities by supporting service members, veterans, and their families through outreach, resources, and local programs. The ESGR Statement of Support shows a city’s commitment to recognizing and supporting Guard and Reserve members, helping them balance service with civilian careers.
“It’s inspiring to see Bowman City’s leadership come together with ND CARES and ESGR to support our service members and their families,” said Ralph Lundberg, ESGR Bismarck regional chair. “Statements of Support like this show our community values those who serve and help ensure they can balance military duty with civilian life.”
This recognition by Bowman City is a win for the community—ensuring local leaders actively support military families while promoting transparency, civic engagement, and community resilience.
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 U.S. military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and U.S. 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 U.S. 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
Note: This information in the TAG Line includes elements of AI-generated content that were reviewed and edited by relevant DoD personnel to verify appropriateness and compliance with DoD policies and guidance.