Burgum selects NASA astronaut James Buchli as 49th recipient of Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award
New Rockford native flew on four space shuttle missions
Gov. Doug Burgum announced NASA astronaut James Buchli as the 49th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.
Buchli (pronounced Buck-lee), born in New Rockford, has represented North Dakota in the fields of aviation and space exploration with immense skill and dedication, captivating and inspiring North Dakotans and space enthusiasts around the world. Buchli became the first North Dakotan to fly in space and is a veteran of four space flights. He has orbited the Earth 319 times, traveled 7.74 million miles and spent more than 20 days in space. He was a distinguished Marine Corps aviator before becoming a NASA astronaut with a career marked by impeccable service and groundbreaking achievements.
“Jim Buchli's distinguished career is a testament to perseverance, expertise and leadership. He flew on four space shuttle missions and participated in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations of great importance to our country,” Burgum said. “An exceptional North Dakotan, Buchli is a great supporter of the UND Aerospace program and shares his experience and skills with aspiring students. As the first person born in North Dakota to visit space, he’s an example of just how far a North Dakotan can go.”
“Theodore Roosevelt got it right when he said that without the time he spent in North Dakota, he would never have been president,” Buchli said. “North Dakota has given me the work ethic, determination and tenacity to succeed, just as it has for many others. For that gift, I am truly grateful.”
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Buchli began his career with a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967, followed by a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering Systems from the University of West Florida. As a Marine Corps infantry officer, Buchli served with valor during the Vietnam War, earned numerous decorations and demonstrated exceptional skill as a naval aviator with over 4,200 flight hours in 17 aircraft types.
As a NASA astronaut, Buchli quickly established himself as a critical member of the pioneering space shuttle program. Selected in 1978 after completion of the Navy Test Pilot School, Buchli brought his extensive military experience to the space program, becoming one of the first astronauts specifically chosen for the space shuttle era. His missions included high-profile and challenging flights such as STS-51C, the first Department of Defense mission, and STS-61A, a joint venture with West Germany that featured the largest crew at that time and the first international payload operations.
Buchli’s career was marked by important scientific experiments and satellite deployments, such as the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite during STS-48. Following his active flight career, Buchli continued to serve as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office, where he played a key role in astronaut training and operations.
Buchli has frequently returned to North Dakota, engaging with the University of North Dakota’s space studies program and inspiring future generations of aerospace professionals. His humility and dedication to service resonate deeply within the community, and his contributions have inspired countless students in aerospace and STEM-related fields.
In 2019, Buchli was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the foremost figures in American space history.
Buchli has advanced human spaceflight and served as an inspiration to many in North Dakota and beyond. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the heights that can be achieved through perseverance and commitment.
The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award recognizes present and former North Dakotans who have been influenced by the state in achieving national recognition in their fields of endeavor, thereby reflecting credit and honor upon North Dakota and its citizens. Established during the 1961 Dakota Territory Centennial, the award was initially given as an honorary rank of Colonel in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe and State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson both concurred with Burgum’s selection of Buchli for the Rough Rider Award.
The award will be presented later this year with Buchli in person at a date and location to be announced soon.
North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration releases statewide study report and recommendations and pilot grant program guidance
The North Dakota Department of Commerce published findings and initial recommendations for the state Office of Legal Immigration from consultants Labor and Mobility Partners and Dalberg Advisors’ statewide study in North Dakota, as well as guidance for a pilot grant program.
The Office of Legal Immigration (OLI) partnered with the consulting firms to analyze barriers, cultivate key learnings from other states, and propose initial recommendations to develop a robust strategy for the office.
With North Dakota's unemployment rate of 2% being the lowest in the nation for the third consecutive month, the state continues to need additional workers to fill the tens of thousands of jobs available, and one potential solution is rooted in the state’s rich history and heritage of welcoming immigrants. Many New Americans and immigrants already call North Dakota home, contributing to the state’s economy and quality of life. North Dakota attracts skilled workers from across the nation and around the globe, filling crucial roles and strengthening communities.
The study’s findings and initial recommendations have been used to develop a catalytic grant program. This program will help improve job opportunities and community connections. It will also offer education and support for employers and partners hiring foreign-born workers and for communities welcoming new families. Additionally, OLI aims to support policies that reduce barriers to employment and improve economic inclusion.
“This is another important step in our comprehensive efforts to address North Dakota’s workforce challenges, including through the recruitment and retention of legal immigrants,” Gov. Burgum said. “We are grateful to the employers and other stakeholders who participated in this study as we continue working to solve North Dakota’s workforce shortage, the biggest obstacle to growing our economy.”
“The findings and recommendations provided by our consultants will inform the long-term structure, activities and goals of the Office of Legal Immigration, and we are looking forward to the next phase of implementation,” Commerce Workforce Deputy Director Janna Pastir said. “We are proud of the thoughtful and comprehensive method being used to address this vital approach to integrating New Americans into our workforce and communities.”
A full copy of the report can be read here: ndgov.link/OLI
The OLI Grant Program can be accessed here: ndgov.link/OLIGrantProgram
The 2023 Legislature passed, and Burgum signed, legislation creating OLI within Commerce to help businesses recruit and retain foreign labor and address the state’s workforce challenges. The bill required Commerce to conduct a study – with input from employers – on immigration opportunities, immigration goals and ways to measure progress, and a structure for a pilot program to support businesses and communities pursuing legal immigration.
Registration now open for sixth Strengthening Government to Government (G2G) Conference
Free event scheduled for June 25-26 at Bismarck Event Center
Registration is now open for the sixth Strengthening Government to Government (G2G) Conference June 25-26 at the Bismarck Event Center.
The two-day conference brings together tribal leaders and elders, state agency leaders and staff, statewide elected officials, local leaders, federal officials and legislators and is hosted by the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission office, led by Executive Director Brad Hawk. Burgum is expected to deliver remarks June 25.
Topics for this year’s conference will include tribal tourism, food sovereignty, autonomy and AI, workforce, tribal health, cybersecurity, behavioral health, law enforcement, missing and murdered indigenous persons, and youth leadership.
Tribal leaders also will give updates from the five tribal nations with whom North Dakota shares geography: the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Spirit Lake Nation and Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate.
The conference is free and open to the public. To register, visit the Indian Affairs Commission link below.
Annual Memorial Day ceremony to be held at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
The 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at noon CT Monday, May 27, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 6.5 miles south of Mandan on North Dakota Highway 1806. This annual event, hosted by the North Dakota National Guard, honors all deceased American servicemen and women and is free to the public. The first observance was held in 1993.
The ceremony will also be live streamed at ndguard.nd.gov through the North Dakota National Guard YouTube page and will begin with a flyover performed by two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at approximately 12:03 p.m. The event can also be found on Facebook.
Rendering remarks will be Gov. Burgum, and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general. The emcee is Capt. Thomas Hansen, North Dakota National Guard. The keynote speaker is North Dakota native, Admiral Stuart Munsch, who is the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and the commander of Allied Joint Force Command, Naples.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because of expected large crowds and the motorcycle honor run. Since seating is limited, bringing lawn chairs is recommended.
Additionally, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller will be speaking at the Memorial Day service at the Fargo National Cemetery at 3 p.m. Monday. The theme of this year's ceremony is "Women in the Military."
Burgum proclaims North Dakota Tourism Week
Gov. Burgum proclaimed May 19-25, 2024, as Tourism Week in North Dakota, recognizing the importance of tourism and travel to North Dakota’s economy.
“Travel plays an integral role in North Dakota, contributing to a strong U.S. economy, creating jobs and strengthening our state’s culture and identity,” Burgum said. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, let's celebrate all that travel does for our state now, and all that it will contribute in the future.”
In 2023 visitors to North Dakota spent more than $3.3 billion – an 8.8% increase in visitor spending which surpassed pre-pandemic levels. As a result, this growth helped sustain 3,097 businesses in the state and generated $307 million in state and local taxes. Tourism also helps grow the state’s workforce, with 76% of new residents reporting a visit to North Dakota prior to moving to the state. While most of North Dakota’s visitation is domestic, the state is a top destination for Canadians and had a notable 47% increase in border crossings in 2023.
“By creating more experiences that attract visitors, we are also enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman said. “We encourage you, your colleagues, your local officials and your communities to join us May 19-25, 2024, to spotlight travel and tourism.”
North Dakota’s Tourism Week aligns with the U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual event celebrating the importance of travel and tourism to the U.S. economy. More information about Travel and Tourism Week can be found at belegendary.link/NTTW24.
Tours expand for the summer to showcase the beauty of the Capitol
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) invites residents and visitors to view the beauty and unique architecture of the North Dakota State Capitol this summer, as monthly outdoor tours begin and weekend tours resume.
“The warmer summer months typically bring an increase of visitors to the Capitol,” OMB Facility Management Director John Boyle said. “We appreciate the opportunity to welcome them to our facility with expanded tour days, and to offer a new monthly outdoor tour option this year to share our rich North Dakota history and exquisite grounds.”
Boyle added that one outdoor tour offered last summer boasted great success, prompting a monthly option this summer.
Outdoor tours will take place at 6 p.m. on June 10, July 8 and Aug. 12. The tour will focus on the history of the building and grounds, the Capitol monuments and the nature trail. The tour will be approximately one mile and one hour. Scooters and wheelchairs are welcome. The public is asked to meet outside the south/visitor entrance to the Capitol at 600 East Boulevard Ave. and may park in the visitor parking lot to the east.
Beginning May 25, indoor tours will be conducted seven days per week, with the following schedule through Labor Day weekend:
- Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Those wishing to request group tours should complete the tour request form on OMB’s website at omb.nd.gov/capitol-complex. Self-guided tours are not allowed on Saturdays or Sundays. Virtual tours of the Capitol are available year-round on OMB’s website at omb.nd.gov/virtualtour.