UARDIAN Volume G8, Issue 3 March/April 2015

Hooligan History N.D. Air National Guard Traces Roots to World War II PG. 4

Diving into Work 119th Wing Travels to Hickam AFB for Annual Training PG. 14

Emergency Response Domestic Operations Section Works With State Partners during Tornado Exercise PG. 9 Inside This Issue Features

Caring Commander in Chief 6 North Dakota Governor Coalition Jack Dalrymple

The Adjutant General ND Cares — a coalition dedicated to Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk strengthening a network of support for the state’s service members, Chief of Public Affairs veterans, families and survivors — is Mr. Bill Prokopyk establishing a leaders’ network to Editor explore support needs, consolidate Sgt. Jennifer Joyce resources and close gaps in coverage to care for and meet the challenges faced Contributors Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Johnson by families who’ve served. Maj. Donavan Blazek Maj. Penny Ripperger Capt. Joshua Breding Preparing for Chaplain (Capt.) Justing Fenger 9 Capt. Jeff Hoffer Disaster 1st Lt. Cathy Peterson Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp The N.D. National Guard Joint Force Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen Headquarters’ Domestic Operations, Staff Sgt. Brett Miller or DOMOPS, section recently had Tech. Sgt. Bradly Schneider the opportunity to strengthen the Sgt. Ashley Johlfs Spc. Kristin Berg organization’s partnerships with other Spc. Jessica Bilquist state emergency response agencies Senior Airman Skyler Moderow during a severe storm exercise, which simulated an EF3 tornado tearing The North Dakota Guardian is an authorized publication for members, families and retirees of the N.D. National Guard. through Devils Lake, North Dakota. • Contents of the North Dakota Guardian are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army or Air Force. • Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of Outstanding the Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard ( JFND) 10 Public Affairs Officer. Airmen • Printed by United Printing, a private firm in no way connected to the U.S. Government under exclusive written contract with the JFND. Reproduction is by the offset method with a circulation The North Dakota Air National of approximately 4,900. Guard, known as the “Happy • The North Dakota Guardian is published by the JFND Public Information Office, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511, Hooligans,” recognized the 701.333.2007 organization’s top noncommissioned officers and unit members of the year ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS during its 2014 Outstanding Airmen Contributions to the North Dakota Guardian are encouraged! of the Year banquet. Fifteen airmen Send articles, photos and art to Editor, JFND PIO, Box 5511, were nominated for the award based Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please e-mail stories in Word format to: on their military and civic service [email protected] throughout 2014. Phone: 701-333-2195 Fax: 701-333-2017 Digital photos should be 300 dpi, if possible. Departments On the Cover Guardian Snapshots ...... Page 16 119th Medical Group physician Col. Bryan Delage climbs out of the Pacific Ocean News Briefs ...... Page 21 during water survival refresher training March 12 at Hickam Beach, Hickam Air Sound Off! ...... Page 23 Force Base, Hawaii, where the medical group Airmen completed annual training. Interact With Us! See even more N.D. National Guard highlights at our social media sites, and share your thoughts!

www.youtube.com/NDNationalGuard www.twitter.com/NDNationalGuard Photo by Capt. Joshua Breding, 119th Wing

www.flickr.com/photos/NDGuard www.facebook.com/NDNationalGuard VIEW FROM THE TOP A MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL maintaining partnerships

As you know, the North Dakota and help them succeed in their assigned National Guard has three state missions. partnerships in Africa. We celebrated our There is no doubt that this African 10-year anniversary last year with Ghana Land Forces Summit was a success. and recently added Togo and Benin to our Representatives of 36 African nations Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk TState Partnership Program. convened with representatives of the Recently, I had the opportunity to United States. Thirty-seven nations left North Dakota Adjutant General attend the African Land Forces Summit the Summit as friends and allies better in Senegal, Africa. Thirty-six of the 54 prepared to cooperate in facing and African nations were represented, along defeating our common threats. As military Soldiers and Airmen are second to none with nine of the ten National Guard state leaders, the participants recognized when it comes to successfully carrying partnerships in Africa. Most of these the value of sharing, networking and out missions, no matter where they may African nations’ representatives were partnering. We found that most of our be. their Army chiefs of staff. Although there discussion with the African nations I see our African partnerships were language and cultural barriers, we mirrored the current discussions that we continuing to grow and I see greater definitely felt a bond as Soldiers serving are experiencing regarding the challenges opportunities for our Guard members. I our respective nations. As senior leaders of resourcing and shaping an appropriate thank you all for the great job you’ve done within our armies, we were all in favor of land forces structure for the future. in perpetuating the outstanding reputation peace and stability within our countries Although we are thousands of miles of our organization. This has directly and around the world. away from Africa, the N.D. National contributed to the high level of respect Discussion ranged from peacekeeping Guard has had a presence and an influence enjoyed by the N.D. National Guard operations training to the challenges on the stability within the continent of within the African continent. of regional military cooperation to the Africa. Our state partnerships are strong future and the four “Cs for success:” because of the efforts and professionalism coordination, cooperation, communication of the Soldiers and Airmen of the N.D. and consensus building. The four “Cs” National Guard and their participation apply to most every mission with which in the State Partnership Program. Our we may be tasked. Several senior leaders from other nations reiterated the four “Cs” and added a fifth “C:” commitment. As we all know, commitment is an important component in military service as we tackle all endeavors. Even though terrorism was not a formal agenda topic, it was mentioned several times in open discussion. Every nation is concerned about terrorism and wants to enhance their counter-terrorism response capabilities. Our regional approach to security cooperation activities with Ghana, Togo and Benin fits well with their joint efforts to protect their citizens and overcome terrorist organizations. In the coming months, we will pursue the idea of a joint command post exercise with these African nations. This exercise will help ensure that our armies and our Soldiers are Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, visits with representatives from the Togolese Republic during an better prepared to meet terrorist threats African Land Forces Summit in Senegal.

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 3 From the desk of the North Dakota National Guard Historian

A 392nd Fighter Squadron P-47D Thunderbolt piloted by 367th Fighter Group Commander Col. Edwin S. “Chick” Chickering soars over the European countryside in early 1945. Chickering, originally from Oil City, Pennsylvania, commanded the 367th Fighter Group from November 1944 to September 1945. (U.S. Air Force photo)

HISTORIC BEGINNINGS ‘Happy Hooligans’ Trace Their Lineage to World War II By Capt. Jeff Hoffer N.D. National Guard Historian

The story of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s “Happy Hooligans” began with the formation of the 392nd Fighter became regular occurrences, as preparations for the Allied invasion of Nazi- Squadron at Hamilton Army Air Field near occupied Europe continued. San Francisco, California, on July 15, 1943. By June 6, 1944, the Allied invasion of Normandy was well underway, and As one of three squadrons assigned to the found the squadron providing air cover for British, Canadian and American 367th Fighter Group — later known as “The forces crossing the English Channel. That pivotal day was known simply Dynamite Gang — the unit trained with Bell as “D-Day.” With the withdrawal of the bulk of the German Luftwaffe P-39 Airacobras before arriving England in to Germany to protect against the ever-increasing devastation against April 1944, and being assigned to the 9th German war industry wrought by the bombers of the U.S. 8th Air Force Army Air Force’s IX Fighter Command. and the British Royal Air Forces Bomber Command, encounters with the Upon arrival at their new home at Royal Luftwaffe proved rare. Instead, missions against German ground targets, Air Force Stoney Cross, near Hampshire, such as troop concentrations, convoys, armor, artillery positions, flak towers England, the squadron was surprised to find and aerodromes all fell under the guns, rockets, and bombs of the 392nd twin-engine Lockheed P-38J Lightings as it supported the slow Allied advance in the hedgerow-framed Norman awaiting them. Trained as a single-engine countryside. squadron, the unit expected to receive North One of the squadron’s significant contributions in June was preventing American P-51 Mustangs, but began training German reinforcements from reaching the front lines by attacking with their new mounts. Following about transportation infrastructure, such as railroads, marshalling yards and trains. a month of retraining with the P-38s, the The killing and destruction in Normandy took on a whole new meaning 392nd Fighter Squadron flew its first combat for the 392nd in late June as the German 7th Army, threatened with being missions over Adolph Hitler’s “Fortress surrounded and cut off in France, withdrew eastward through a gap to Europe” in May 1944. Fighter sweeps, the east of the Allied lines between Falaise and Argentan, France. In a bomber escort and dive-bombing missions single day, the squadron destroyed five convoys and about 100 tanks, as the against German targets in occupied France Germans attempted to avoid encirclement.

4 · Guardian · March 2015 In the Allied breakout that followed the west faltered, then failed, the enemy again following its return to the United States, destruction at Falaise, the 392nd Fighter withdrew eastward. the squadron replaced its P-47Ds with Squadron maintained pressure on the As 1945 unfolded, air operations the newer, longer-ranged P-47N. As the enemy, moving from England to France continued for the 392nd. In February, unit prepared to deploy, events outstripped in July where it set up housekeeping at the squadron replaced its P-38Js with plans, and on Aug. 15, 1945, Japan Criqueville-en-Bessin, one of the forward P-47Ds, mostly owing to a shortage of surrendered and World War II ended, airfields established during the Normandy P-38s throughout the European Theater, just over two years after the squadron Campaign. Life in Normandy differed stemming from combat losses. For a brief first entered service. The 392nd Fighter greatly from England. The men lived and period, the squadron operated both aircraft Squadron disbanded at Seymour-Johnson worked from tents and serviced their planes until the last P-38s disappeared. With Army Air Field, North Carolina, and in the open air. There, pierced steel planking the proven P-47, the 392nd flew another formally inactivated in November 1945. replaced concrete runways. Further moves memorable mission on March 19, 1945, The 392nd Fighter Squadron, followed as the war moved eastward, but when the squadron, while flying as part redesignated the 178th Fighter Squadron, conditions remained a constant. of the 367th Fighter Group, attacked was allotted to the N.D. Air National Infrequent encounters with the the headquarters of the Germany Army’s Guard on May 24, 1946, at Hector Luftwaffe provided fodder for pilots’ commander-in-chief West at Ziegenburg, Field in Fargo, becoming the first unit post-mission debriefs, but usually resulted Germany. With its targets nestled in of the organization. The 392nd Fighter in few aerial victories, as the squadron rugged terrain and obscured by ground Squadron’s parent fighter group during continued to focus on the destruction haze, the squadron successfully struck the war, the 367th, went to Minnesota of ground targets. As July stretched into from low altitudes, earning it a second and became the 133rd Fighter Group on August, the Luftwaffe returned and the Presidential Unit Citation. May 23, 1946. On Feb. 1, 1947, federal 392nd Fighter Squadron added attacks The months of combat culminated with recognition was received and North against enemy aerodromes to its repertoire the end of the war in Europe on May 8, Dakota’s 178th Fighter Squadron acquired while strikes against the German army 1945. As the war in Europe ended, battles the P-51 Mustang — the same airframe its continued. The tempo reached a head on in the Pacific continued, and on July 1, legacy unit expected to see upon its arrival Aug. 25, 1944. Following a fight with the squadron learned it would be sent in England in April 1944 The rest, as they German fighters — while attacking to support Allied efforts there. Shortly say, is history. enemy airfields and low on fuel — the squadron strafed and destroyed an enemy train and then a vehicle convoy. The pilots returned to base to rearm and refuel before returning to the air and flying an 800-mile fighter sweep against enemy airfields. For its Herculean efforts, the squadron received a Presidential Unit Citation. During the fall of 1944, the 392nd Fighter Squadron supported attacks against the Seigfried Line where it continued with its missions of close air support, interdiction and fighter sweeps into Germany itself. On Dec. 16, the Germans launched a massive offensive through the Ardennes in Belgium, surprising U.S. forces during a period of poor weather that kept units like the 392nd Fighter Squadron grounded. The Germans made significant gains as the largest battle the U.S. Army history, the Battle of the Bulge, developed. The German successes were not to continue. By Dec. 26, the weather cleared, and Allied air power took to the skies, visiting destruction upon enemy forces. Flying with the other two squadrons of the group, the 392nd escorted U.S. C-47 cargo aircraft dropping supplies Maj. Robert C. “Buck” Rogers, originally of Omaha, Nebraska, poses next to his P-38J, Lightning “Little Buckaroo,” of the 392nd to the besieged American defenders in Fighter Squadron, at Clastres, France, on Oct. 12, 1944. (U.S. Army Air Corps photo) the encircled Belgian city of Bastogne. As Germany’s last major offensive in the

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 5 Stitching it All Together ND Cares Coalition Dedicated to Strengthening N.D. Military Support

By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters It started with an invitation and developed into dutiful passion. Services” and “leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral North Dakota First Lady Betsy Dalrymple said she was delighted health of the nation.” when asked to chair a newly-formed coalition dedicated to Recently, SAMHSA has been working with each state in an “strengthening an accessible, seamless network of support for effort to engage stakeholders and initiate dialog about how they can the state’s service members, veterans, families and survivors.” The best support service members returning from deployments, their group, known as ND Cares, represents a broad spectrum of military families, and other veterans. One member of the North Dakota support programs and public and private service providers. In delegation who has been active with the group from the initial recent months, the coalition has been influential in establishing a SAMHSA meeting is Connie Sprynczynatyk, civilian aide to the leaders’ network to explore support needs, consolidate resources and Secretary of the Army and wife of Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, close gaps in coverage to care for and meet the challenges faced by North Dakota’s adjutant general. Connie joined the original families who’ve served. group that gathered in April 2013 to work with SAMHSA in the “There are a lot of great providers of services out there. We planning process, and agreed with others that Dalrymple would be just want to be able to tell people who have served where to find an outstanding coalition chair. those services and how better to connect people,” Dalrymple said. “One of our goals was to establish an effective leaders’ network, “Sometimes you just need to get the right people in the room and our team believed First Lady Betsy Dalrymple’s skills together.” and caring personality would be perfect to lead the charge,” That process, up to this point, has taken a lot of collaboration. The Sprynczynatyk said. “I am so glad she said yes; Betsy is highly groundwork for the coalition was laid nearly two years ago in May organized and firmly committed to making sure we give this effort 2013 after a 12-person team of state mental health providers and our very best. We've joked that our coalition has no authority state agency representatives were invited to attend a policy academy or budget; what we do have is imagination, intense passion and hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services determination.” Administration (SAMHSA). The federal entity, according to its First Lady Dalrymple said the coalition’s primary focus has been website, works “within the U.S. Department of Health and Human on the topic of behavioral health since it is a broader term that

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, North Dakota National Guard Visual Information North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple in February signed an executive order to officially establish the ND Cares Coalition. He also included $500,000 in his 2015-2017 executive budget to help expand the coalition’s work and fund its future initiatives.

6 · Guardian · March 2015 encompasses many issues facing coalition stakeholders. “Being able to identify gaps and make programs more accessible “It’s hard to pin down if one need is more important than the by partnering with key leaders in our state helps tremendously in other, but I think there are issues that we as a state and a nation reaching out to our military families. Working within the coalition need to recognize and see what we can do to help resolve,” she said. helps us to break down barriers and resolve issues by making them ND Cares has made significant gains despite having limited more visible at a higher level,” he said. resources. An executive order signed by North Dakota Gov. Ultimately, though, the coalition functions as a group of Jack Dalrymple in February officially established the ND Cares educators. Dalrymple said, to streamline access to military Coalition. He also included funds in his 2015-2017 executive services and resources, ND Cares needs to be active in explaining budget to help expand the coalition’s work and fund its future the challenges military groups face to influential members of initiatives. communities across the state, including law enforcement and clergy. The coalition has accomplished much of its legwork by exploring That’s a huge undertaking, considering there are about 357 North existing resources in North Dakota’s Department of Human Dakota communities, both large and small, the coalition hopes to Services’ eight human service center regions and networking with reach. both private and public service providers there. The multi-county “We’re getting there,” Dalrymple said. areas provide counseling and mental health services, substance abuse One of the ways the group has proposed making the subject treatment and disability services for North Dakotans. Coalition of service member support more visible is through a ND Cares members say working within these geographical constructs — community project. The vision is to have each of the state’s cities which now are paired with the N.D. National Guard’s family place an ND Cares road sign on main arteries running into their support regions — will make it easier to reach the more than communities. The displays are intended to let the public know that 56,770 North Dakota residents who identify themselves as veterans North Dakota residents are committed to promoting a sanctuary of of the U.S. Military. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 care and outreach for those who have served and their families. American Community Survey, this group accounts for 11 percent of “We want people to know that North Dakota is a welcoming the state’s adult population. place for our military, whether you served in World War II or are “If our vision is a true network that supports service members, currently serving,” Dalrymple said. “My goal, and I think everyone veterans, families and survivors, that can't happen until we get to else from within the group, is to have every city be an ND Cares the point of ‘common knowledge’ across North Dakota. Wherever city.” in this state a hand reaches out for help, there must be a response,” It’s just one example of the hard work the coalition has charged Sprynczynatyk said. itself with, but Sprynczynatyk said ND Cares members are up to Lt. Col. Warren Pauling, director of the N.D. National Guard’s the task. Service Member and Family Support Division, sits on the ND “I am not only optimistic about the future of the coalition, I am Cares executive committee, which helps develop the strategic plan excited about it,” Sprynczynatyk said. “Bringing service providers for the coalition. He said partnering with ND Cares has helped together, identifying gaps and working to meet the needs of service bolster access to his office’s services and resources for military members, veterans, families and survivors is difficult and painstaking members across the state. work, but the result just might be priceless.”

For the past several months, ND Cares Coalition members have been working hard to conduct a comprehensive assessment of military support needs, integrate existing programs and resources, and develop a leader network to support collaborative efforts. Some examples of the progress that has already been made include: • Met with administrators from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine methods for data sharing. • Resolved a barrier to services that resulted from an eligibility disconnect between regional Human Service Centers and the VA. • North Dakota National Guard personnel are using regional Human Service Center boundaries to define their areas of service. • Providers are more informed of available state resources and connections to those resources are strengthening. • Created the North Dakota Military Data Book, which provides an overview of the services and programs available to service members, veterans, families and survivors. — Information from the North Dakota Governor’s Office

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 7 Happy Hooligan Earns Prestigious Engineer Award

Master Sgt. Daniel Anderson, of where little or no infrastructure exists. Audubon, Minnesota, received the Society Anderson first was selected by the of American Military Engineers (SAME) U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Goddard Medal March 7 for his exemplary Expeditionary Training Working Group work in electrical power production career in 2012 to be the instructor of a pilot Story by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, field. Anderson is a member of the Fargo- unit in the electrical power production Joint Force Headquarters based 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, career field at the RTS. The Fargo pilot 119th Wing, and was presented the award unit was selected for developing training Photos by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, during the North Dakota Air National on the new BPU high-power generator, 119th Wing Guard’s annual Outstanding Airmen of the which Anderson helped develop and Year banquet at the Courtyard by Marriot implement. Anderson also travels to in Moorhead, Minnesota. numerous contingency training sites to help According to the SAME website, the implement, standardize and refine training. Goddard Medal is presented to U.S. Air In a memo to SAME nominating Force, Air National Guard and U.S. Air Anderson for the award, Col. Kent Olson, Force Reserve Airmen for outstanding 119th Wing commander, wrote, “Master contributions to military engineering, Sgt. Anderson is arguably the recognized including military troop construction, expert in the power production career base maintenance and contingency field in the Air Force. Since becoming the engineering. The medal first was training instructor at the 119th Regional awarded in 1973 and is named Training Site, he has become known across for Maj. Gen. Guy H. Goddard, the nation as the go-to guy for power who served as the director of production. As the wing commander, I can civil engineering for the U.S. Air attest to the high standards of character, Force and also an officer in the integrity and quality of work to which Dan U.S. Army Corps of Engineers holds himself. He directly and intimately during World War II. influences Active, Guard and Reserve ability Maj. Gen. David to support missions worldwide.” Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota Anderson has been a member of the N.D. adjutant general, formally presented Air National Guard’s 119th Civil Engineer Anderson the award. Squadron since April 1993. He is the son As an instructor at the 119th of retired Chief Master Sgt. Donald G. Regional Training Site (RTS) in Fargo, Anderson, also of the 119th Wing, and Anderson earned the Goddard Medal the late Joyce Anderson, of Detroit Lakes, for his role as cost center manager, Minnesota. He resides in Audubon with primary equipment manager and the lead his wife, Kristy; son, Carter; and daughter, contingency training instructor for the Camryn. electrical power production career field. Anderson works full-time at the N.D. Air In 2014, he developed and conducted National Guard’s Regional Training Site, the first-ever Bear Power Unit (BPU) which is one of five contingency training Mission Essential Equipment Training locations in the U.S. used by Air National Course for the U.S. Air Force. The BPU is Guard and U.S. Air Force personnel in the a technological leap from the traditional civil engineer career fields. Instructors at the generators previously used to power a Basic site provide wartime mission training, as Expeditionary Airfield Resources base, well as proficiency training on construction more commonly known as a “tent city.” practices, utility support, emergency These facilities are used to house deployed services, maintenance and repair of base service members and aircraft in locations infrastructure.

8 · Guardian · March 2015 In the Eye of the Storm DOMOPS Section Practices Emergency Response during Spring Tornado Exercise

Story by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force Headquarters Photos by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, Joint Force Headquarters

If there were a “worst-case scenario” for trained for flood and blizzard responses. taken out,” said Kristen Nelsen, emergency a given situation, chances are Col. Dave Both of those are somewhat predictable manager for Ramsey County. “It made Skalicky has thought of it, especially for events. We have a fair amount of time us think differently and opened our eyes state emergency response planning. As the to prepare for those occurrences, and we to how you would respond if this was a exercise director for the N.D. National have a lot of real-world experience in real-life situation, and what other resources Guard Joint Force Headquarters’ Domestic responding to them,” Skalicky said. “With we would need obtain to put into place Operations, or DOMOPS, section, he a tornado, we have to go from 0 to 100 and save lives and property. There’s always recently helped author a tornado emergency miles per hour immediately to support local something new you can learn through these response exercise that challenged staff to emergency managers. This exercise gives us exercises.” navigate through a whirlwind of questions the opportunity to assess our capabilities, February’s event was the first exercise and “what-ifs” to exploit state partnerships strengthen dialogue with our partners and of a long-range training plan, which is for hypothetical recovery efforts. see how we can better help one another scheduled to culminate in summer 2017. About 45 Soldiers and Airmen from during this type of response.” The DOMOPS training concept is to the DOMOPS section validated the N.D. Some of the outside agencies gradually inject compounded emergency National Guard’s emergency plans and participating in the exercise included response capabilities by incorporating the capabilities it can provide in a severe North Dakota’s Department of Emergency outside agencies through Emergency storm emergency Feb. 23-24 during the Services, Department of Health and Management Assistance Compacts, or Operation Devil’s Breath exercise. Working Department of Homeland Security. The EMACs. An EMAC allows resources — with multiple state agencies, the Guardsmen exercise scenario saw the community of whether personnel or equipment — to be provided command and control for the Devils Lake, North Dakota, in Ramsey used across state lines during emergencies response from the Joint Operations Center County, devastated by an Enhanced Fujita or disasters. It’s a nationally-adopted and at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, a nexus Scale, or EF3, tornado, which had a damage congressionally-ratified mutual aid compact for information-sharing and personnel path about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide. in which states share responsibility. and equipment tracking during a domestic The simulated storm affected more than The recent spring exercise also brought emergency. 7,000 residents and destroyed more than in another emergency response partner The exercise aligned with the N.D. 1,235 structures, including a hospital, from the Utah National Guard. Known as National Guard’s 2014-2019 Strategic Plan elderly care center, airport and waste water a Homeland Response Force, the regional priorities. Specifically, it supported Goal facility. support agency is capable of assisting states No. 4 within the document, which tasks “It’s always good to work with a variety by driving to the site of an event within 12 the organization to “forge and maintain of partners to see how things would play hours and providing casualty search and partnerships.” out given a particular circumstance. With extraction, medical triage, decontamination “Typically, the DOMOPS section has this scenario, we saw some of our key assets and internal force protection.

Left, Maj. William Nels, operations specialist for the Joint Force Headquarters' Domestic Operations (DOMOPS) section, gives an update brief to North Dakota National Guard personnel Feb. 24 in the Joint Operations Center at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck, North Dakota. About 45 Soldiers and Airmen from the DOMOPS section validated emergency response plans and capabilities during "Operation Devil's Breath," an exercise which mimicked the effect of a tornado blowing through Ramsey County in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Right, Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota deputy adjutant general, shares his thoughts with the DOMOPS section staff about what he observed during the exercise. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 9 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year OUTSTANDING AIRMEN Story by Maj. Penny Ripperger, 119th Wing Photos by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 188th Army Band provided named the Career Advisor of the Year for Guard, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” entertainment during the banquet, and a her individual efforts and achievement recognized the organization’s top number of distinguished guests, including with unit retention and career motivation noncommissioned officers and unit Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North program management. Walberg was named members of the year March 7 during its Dakota adjutant general, and senior North First Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Dakota Air Guard leaders, rendered remarks. the important contributions and leadership banquet, which was held at the Courtyard by “To be recognized as ‘best of the best’ qualities exhibited by first sergeants in the Marriott in Moorhead, Minnesota. among your peers in one of the most Air Force. Fifteen airmen were nominated for the outstanding military units in the nation is The official award presentation followed, award based on their military and civic a great accomplishment,” Sprynczynatyk honoring the three Outstanding Airmen service throughout 2014, with three winners said. “I salute each nominee for your of the Year winners: Senior Airman Luke walking away with the titles of Outstanding extraordinary achievements, in and out of Knutson was named Outstanding Airman Airman of the Year, Outstanding uniform.” of the Year, Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse was Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and After his remarks, Sprynczynatyk and Air named Noncommissioned Officer of the Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Guard senior leaders presented awards to Year and Master Sgt. Luke Gardiner was Officer of the Year. Tech. Sgt. Wendi Gunderson and Master named Senior Noncommissioned Officer of The North Dakota Army National Sgt. Christopher Walberg. Gunderson was the Year.

Above: Col. Kent Olson, 119th Wing commander, shakes hands with the daughter of Master Sgt. Melissa Woodard, of the 119th Medical Group, as she stands in for her mother at the annual Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet March 7. Master Sgt. Woodard was one of five nominees for the Senior Non- Commissioned Officer of the Year award.

Right: Master Sgt. Luke Gardiner, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Brandi Grossman, of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, (who was standing in for Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse, also of the 119th Security Forces Squadron) and Senior Airman Luke Knutson, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, receive their awards at the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Banquet.

10 · Guardian · March 2015 Senior Airman Luke Knutson

Knutson is an electrical power production journeyman with the 119th Civil Engineer OUTSTANDING AIRMEN Squadron in Fargo. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School and later attended Alexandria Tech, both in Minnesota, where he received an associate’s degree in computer programming. Knutson also has an associate’s degree in mechanical and electrical technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He was born and raised in Fergus Falls and currently lives there with his wife, Karen, and their infant son, Henry. Outside of the military, Knutson works as an electrical technician at Knutson Electric.

Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse

Fosse is a full-time member of the 119th Security Forces Squadron in Fargo. She was born in Fargo and raised in Horace, North Dakota. Fosse graduated from West Fargo High School and later attended Lake Region College in Devils Lake, North Dakota, as well as Bismarck State College. Fosse currently lives in Horace with her son, Colten.

Master Sgt. Luke Gardiner

Gardiner is a squad leader with the 219th Security Forces Squadron in Minot, North Dakota. He was born and raised in Bismarck where he graduated from Bismarck High School. He later attended Bismarck State College where he obtained an associate’s degree in criminal justice. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary in organizational leadership. Gardiner lives in Bismarck with his wife, Amanda. Outside of the military, Gardiner is a patrol sergeant for the Bismarck Police Department.

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 11 MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Johnson, North Dakota National Guard Staff Chaplain

Moving Forward Together: That is engagement, Ziegler began building the title of the recent training event I relationships with the Ghanaian Chaplain attended in Padova, Italy. The event was Corps, and discussed topics with them, planned and hosted by the U.S. Africa such as crisis intervention and suicide Command (AFRICOM) chaplain’s awareness and prevention. office. The event brought together key Since that time, we’ve conducted people from his office (and his service five more events with our Ghanaian components) to include U.S. Army counterparts. Topics presented have Africa (USARAF), U.S. Air Force Africa included: religious support in a combat (AFAFRICA) and U.S. Naval Forces and peacekeeping environment, pastoral Africa (NAVAF). The AFRICOM care and counseling, unit ministry team chaplain also invited African nation support in the grief process, emotion cycle chaplains and the State Partnership of support, solution focused therapy/ Program (SPP) chaplains from five family life counseling and combat states. Those states and nations included operational stress control. One of these the New York National Guard (South events was a familiarization event, or Africa), North Carolina National Guard FAM, where we brought two chaplains (Botswana), California National Guard from Ghana and one from Togo to North (Nigeria) and the North Dakota National Dakota. During their time here, we Guard (Ghana). The Vermont National were able to familiarize them with our Guard was also in attendance, however, state training facilities. We also shared their partner country, Senegal, does not with them how the chaplaincy in North currently have a chaplaincy in place. Dakota functions and how we provide Why were we invited to attend this religious support to the Soldiers and event? To help me answer the question, let Airmen in our charge. me give you a bit of history regarding the Keep in mind that these were N.D. National Guard and our chaplain “engagements.” We shared in mutual state partnership engagements with conversation and learning from each other Ghana. throughout each of these events. The The N.D. National Guard has Ghanaian Chaplain Corps is a very gifted Contributed Photo conducted several events with our first and professional team of men and women. Top: Representatives from AFRICOM, USARAF, AFAFRICA, NAVAF, SPP partner (and are looking forward to They deploy often in peacekeeping efforts National Guard Bureau and SPP representatives from North doing more engagements with our new and serve their country well. Thus, these Carolina, North Dakota, California and New York convened recently for a chaplain’s engagement in Padova, Italy. SPP partners: Togo and Benin). The first “engagements” have been a fruitful time of event took place in 2006 when retired mutual learning. Above: Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Johnson, North Dakota National Chaplain (Col.) Bill Ziegler pioneered But remember, no event like this is Guard staff chaplain, worked with Chaplain Paul Adjei-Djan from our first successful engagement. On this done in a vacuum. The N.D. National Ghana, who is North Dakota’s partner chaplain through the SPP.

12 · Guardian · March 2015 Guard SPP has been outstanding in general and the chief of defense staff(s), in this regard for planning future providing support to all our (and our Ghanaian Armed Forces, have discussed chaplain-specific events. This event state’s) efforts in Ghana and, now, Togo the importance of the chaplaincy provided us the unique opportunity to and Benin. Col. David Skalicky, retired within the military. As a result of these assemble AFRICOM staff, African nation Col. Pete Conlin, Lt. Col. Brock Larson, discussions, it was agreed that we would chaplains and their SPP chaplains to Maj. Joe Faller, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy pursue these chaplain engagements develop further understanding of common Greenstein and Lt. Col. Rusty Romans between the two militaries. challenges, exchange views, establish have done a great job setting us up for So, back to the question I asked earlier: and enhance interpersonal relationships success. Without them and the vital work “Why were we invited to this event in and foster security cooperation. It also of our bi-lateral affairs officers (Lt. Col. Italy?” Besides the N.D. National Guard provided a venue to work through any Brent Naslund, Lt. Col. Mike Holly, Maj. SPP team and Chaplain Corps (to include issues that might impede our mission Craig Hillig and Maj. Mark McEvers), four Army and four Air chaplains that and a forum to build strong working we would not be successful. The N.D. have been to Ghana), we have conducted relationships with one another. National Guard truly can be thankful for three of our events with USARAF. We During training, each functional area this team of professionals and all of their also have conducted one event with briefed what they do and discussed their efforts. It’s not an easy job! AFAFRICA. These service components respective engagements on the continent. Finally, command emphasis on chaplain all fall under the purview of AFRICOM. We then worked with our partner nation support at the highest level also is an Thus, we don’t operate in a vacuum. chaplain (for me it was Chaplain Paul important aspect of our success between Our SPP office works with AFRICOM Adjei-Djan from Ghana) to discuss the N.D. National Guard and the daily and makes all of this work. The plans for the way ahead. Hence the title, Ghanaian Armed Forces. The adjutant training I attended was a further effort “Moving Forward Together.”

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 13 119th Wing Photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly Schneider, 119th Wing Says “Aloha” to a Successful Annual Training

By Spc. Kristin Berg, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Photo by Capt. Joshua Breding, 119th Wing

After about nine hours in the air, a plane carrying more than 100 members of the 119th Wing touched down at Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii. There, the Airmen would spend March 7-21 fulfilling their annual training requirements while working at the Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC), Schofield Barracks Health Clinic (SBHC), and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam ( JBPHH). TAMC is the largest military hospital in the Asian and Pacific Rim region, and the only United Nations Peace Operations Institute in the U.S. It is home to the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations has designated the Center of Excellence as a Peace Operations Institute. The Center of Excellence engages in the training of peace operations Top: Members of the 119th Medical Group and the 119th Security Forces Squadron board a C-135 aircraft March 7 heading to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. Above: Lt. Col. Glenn Shamdas, a 119th skills to United States and foreign military personnel assigned to Medical Group flight doctor, participates in water survival refresher training March 12 at Hickam Air peacekeeping duties for the United Nations. Force Base in Hawaii. Shamdas is seated in a Coast Guard rescue basket used to retrieve personnel The 119th Wing Medical Group (MDG) was one of only five from the ocean. Air National Guard medical groups selected to perform their two-week annual training at TAMC this year as part of their While at TAMC, the 119th MDG had 1,067 patient overseas annual training, or OSAT. They were joined by Happy encounters and performed 2,569 hours of service, which saved Hooligans in a number of career fields, including Airmen from the TAMC about $262,750. 119th Security Forces Squadron, 119th Services Flight and a unit “It’s always good to deploy with your unit. We don’t have ministry team. 119th MDG personnel got hands-on experience many opportunities to do that anymore, so it’s always good to do performing a variety of medical-related procedures, such as labor that especially in a hospital. Then we get to use all of our skills. and delivery, emergency care, intensive care and family medicine. Everyone gets to use all their skills that we are trained to do in The Airmen said they were able to work easily with Army medics a hospital setting. It’s good to come together as a medical group on base and felt that their integration into the TAMC was and work together. Being deployed together you get to have seamless. that experience and that brings morale up and it’s a good time,” “They (Army) embraced us,” said Staff Sgt Janessa Pittman, a Pittman said. medic with the 119th MDG. “We have similar practices in the Four 119th MDG Airmen received certificates of appreciation medical field; it wasn’t hard to work together. It was very smooth.” for their hard work and dedication. The recipients were 1st Lt. The deployment allowed each 119th MDG member to Chad Brooks, 1st Lt. Dustin Czapiewski, Tech. Sgt. Jesse Moch complete their training requirements for 2015. North Dakota’s and Staff Sgt. Janessa Pittman. flight doctors received flying time with both the Air Force and The 119th Security Forces also worked on Joint Base Pearl Army, which still is necessary training for them despite the 119th Harbor-Hickam during the annual training event. They worked Wing no longer having manned aircraft. search pits, entry control points, patrol cars and provided security “There’s a lot of valuable training with everything you do,” said for a USO concert. While working with Navy police, the North Chief Master Sgt. Mike Anders, 119th MDG superintendent. Dakota Guardsmen learned how a joint base operates. “Many of our medics don’t do medical work outside of the Guard. “It was interesting to see how they (Air Force) operate (during) Since we don’t have direct patient care (at home), it’s tough to joint base operations with the Navy and how their policies and keep them up on their readiness skills training. This is one of our procedures are different from ours,” said Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse, only opportunities — when we get them into a big facility like 119th Security Forces member and this year’s Outstanding this — to allow them to get the training they need. When they are Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the North Dakota Air doing those procedures, (that’s) when you see the smiles on their Guard. “I think the only challenge that anybody ever has when faces. They really get into it.” you have to do a joint base is identifying rank. Everybody has rank

14 · Guardian · March 2015 GUARDIAN SPOTLIGHT Guardian Friends Soldiers Benefit from State Incentive Program By Sgt. Jennifer Joyce 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Why did you join the North Dakota Army National Guard? Everybody enlists for a different reason — the experience, family tradition, adventure, or maybe the benefits. What about friendship? Was your decision influenced by a friend? Maybe your friend joined they National Guard because they were influenced by you. In an organization that values the importance of relationships, specifically “battle buddy” relationships, Guardsmen are being rewarded for their recruiting efforts. Through the availability of state funds, the N.D. National Guard is offering a $750 bonus to Soldiers each time a referred Photo by Senior Airman Skyler Moderow, 119th Wing friend, or “Guardian Friend,” enlists in the organization. “The objective of the Guardian Friend program is to Maj. Don Gunhus, an optometrist with the 119th Medical Group, performs an eye exam on Lt. Col. encourage Guardsmen to invite friends and family to come to Lynette Schmidt, also of the 119th Medical Group, March 16 while training at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. a drill weekend to show them what drill weekends with their units are like,” said Maj. Dan Murphy, executive officer for the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “It’s a unique way to initiate conversation with people who you want to see in our in different locations, so I think just knowing the uniforms.” ranks, and to explain to them the benefits of being a member of Chaplain (Capt.) Dellas Herbel and Tech. Sgt. Jarrett the North Dakota National Guard.” Permann, a chaplain’s assistant, took advantage of their training The program is expected to run until June 30, 2015, pending opportunities, as well. They were briefed on joint Navy-Air Force the availability of funds. For more information, call Staff Sgt. relations. They saw office structure and tasking procedures and John Sayler, strength maintenance noncommissioned officer, at visited and counseled patients at the TAMC. During training, 701-333-3056. they were the only Air Force chaplains at the TAMC. “We have worked closely with Chaplain (Maj.) Gale Cotton Note: The Air National Guard has a similar recruiting (with the TAMC) and it has been such a great opportunity,” incentive program called “Bring a Friend to Drill,” which Herbel said. “We were able to provide services to the post/ allows traditional National Guard members to earn $750 for pre-op and surgical wing patients. Air Force chaplains are very referring new enlistees. For more information, call 701-451- rare, so this was a very unique and special experience having 2238 or visit www.GoANG.com. the opportunity to provide services to the different branches of service. We are planning to stay in touch with Chaplain Cotton and implement ideas we learned from the Bible study services here.” Members of the 119th Services Flight worked in the TAMC kitchen where they made and served approximately 1,200 breakfasts, 800 lunches and 600 patient trays each day. “The volume that they (airmen that worked in the kitchen) saw versus a typical Guard drill was a nice learning experience,” said Senior Master Sgt. Dave Mehus, 119th Services Flight superintendent. Members had minimal time off, but got a chance to explore some of the sites March 14, including Dole Plantation, Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor. The 119th Security Forces Squadron personnel also received a VIP tour around the island.

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 15 UARDIAN G Snapshots See More, and Download Photos! Visit www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/. ARMY @ Work

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, Joint Force Headquarters

16 · Guardian · March 2015 ARMY @ Work

Photos by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, N.D. National Guard Visual Information

Soldiers took part in unit training assemblies across North Dakota in February. Here we see Soldiers hard at work Feb. 8 at the Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck. (Clockwise, from top left) Spc. David Kline performs maintenance on a vehicle at the Field Maintenance Shop in Minot. Sgt. Ezra Koch, of the State Medical Detachment, prepares a soldier’s arm for a blood draw during annual periodic health assessments. Pfc. Joshua Hedstrom repacks part of his sleeping gear during an annual equipment inventory. Sgt. Daniel Reese performs maintenance on an M-16 rifle. Staff Sgt. Sara Marchus, of the 116th Public Affairs Detachment, waits for the perfect photo opportunity during a promotion ceremony. Col. Robert Fode, left, addresses a group of civilians, students and Soldiers during suicide prevention training. Sgt. Kerry Thompson, left, of the State Medical Detachment, performs an eye exam on Sgt. Ryan Greicar during annual PHAs.

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 17 Contributed photo North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple last month signed a proclamation designating March 2015 “Women Veterans Month.” North Dakota’s veteran population includes more than 6,000 women.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, Joint Force Headquarters Sgt. Justin Stenerson, of the 3662nd Maintenance Company, secures a spare tire to the undercarriage of a vehicle last month at the Field Maintenance Shop in Minot, North Dakota, during the unit’s annual training. Photo by Maj. Donavan Blazek, Joint Force Headquarters Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th WIng Members of the N.D. National Guard Biathlon Team, from left, Sgt. Jordan Becker, 1st Lt. Blake Hillerson, Sgt. Senior Airman Devon Brekke, of the 119th Maintenance Squadron, participates in Brandon Pulst, Capt. Robert Meland and Tech Sgt. Danelle Card placed fourth overall in the 40th Annual Chief, a fitness challenge Feb. 22 in Fargo, North Dakota, to raise awareness for veterans’ National Guard Burea Biathlon Championships last month at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vermont. causes. Brekke organized the fund raising event at a local gym.

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Email high-resolution photos to Sgt. Jennifer Joyce, N.D. Guardian editor, at [email protected].

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th WIng Senior Airman Trent Obrien and Senior Airman Alex Sprunk, both of 219th Security Forces Squadron, try on their new operational camouflage pattern (OCP) multicam uniforms Feb. 8 during the unit training assembly at the Minot Air Force Base, Minot, North Dakota. The OCP multicam uniform is being issued to the security forces personnel working in the missile fields because it has been deemed as a more effective camouflage pattern, which better matches the terrain of North Dakota than the Airman Battle Uniform. www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 19 GUARDIAN FFITNESSITNESS On Wellness

By 1st Lt. Cathy Peterson, A Battery, 1-188th Air Defense Artillery

In General Carl von Clausewitz’s book, Von Clausewitz also stated that, “the Capt. Jay G. Sheldon, Outstanding “On War,” Chapter 1 is titled, “What is result of war is never absolute ... it does Company Grade Officer, National Guard War?” He defines it as “an act of violence not consist of a single instantaneous blow” Association of North Dakota: intended to compel our opponent to and “war is never an isolated act.” The Most of my wellness activities are connected fulfill our will.” Some may agree with that same goes for wellness. Living well is a to my kids’ activities and doing things with definition, others may not. War is a simple journey — it doesn’t happen all at once family (walks, bike rides, yard/drive-way word with complex meaning. — and it is a conglomeration of activities games, etc.). My goal is to perform other cardio Near to it in the dictionary — but not and grows stronger with support. When and strength exercises three to four days each so much in meaning — wellness is another Soldiers and Airmen make it a point to week. Basketball is another activity I strive to simple word with complex meaning. incorporate wellness into their lives, they do two to three days a week. What is wellness and why is it important? are contributing to the organization’s goal I do it to spend time with my family, and The North Dakota National Guard of strengthening the National Guard I am trying to set a good example for kids, places a strong emphasis on wellness as community and setting examples of hoping that they will learn and enjoy lifelong it aligns with one of its strategic goals: to personal and professional excellence. activities. Secondly, I want to set a good strengthen the National Guard community. example for those whom I am assigned to Under this goal, the organization strives Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse, lead in the N.D. National Guard. Lastly, it to foster resilient and healthy Soldiers, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, provides a social opportunity to establish new Airmen, families and civilian employees by North Dakota Air National Guard: and/or maintain ongoing relationships. embracing a culture of total fitness. I enjoy weight training and complete cardio Last month, the N.D. National Guard routines, as well as going to family fit classes Maj. Daniel M. Murphy, Outstanding recognized outstanding Airmen and with my son. Outside of the gym, I like to bike Field Grade Officer, National Guard Soldiers during two separate events. Each with my son and run with my dog. I try to Association of North Dakota: Soldier and Airmen was nominated for teach my son that physical activity is important There is an assortment of activities I various factors. Among them is their for your body and mind. participate in and, as I have gotten older, a mix dedication toward wellness. Below, three of I feel that physical activity is extremely of activities seems to be the key. I play basketball the nominees provide insight as to how they important. Since I have struggled with weight at the armory, serve as an official for basketball incorporate wellness into their life. in the past, I feel that physical fitness is one in the winter, run with my wife, bike and try way to help keep me more aware of the issue. to bike to work most of the summer, swim, play It’s important for me to participate in these racquetball, golf, go to spin classes in the winter, activities because they keep me prepared for the and do activities in the outdoors in the fall. I Physical Fitness Test, they reduce stress, they have also done a few sprint triathlons and run keep me motivated and my commitment to 5-10Ks, as I can find the time. Diversity keeps physical activity ensures that I remain ready for me active. deployment. I like the social aspect of sports, they keep you accountable and motivated. Running with my wife gives us uninterrupted time to visit and catch up on things, and I officiate mostly with my son and daughter in the winter and enjoy the time spent with them on the basketball court. Trying new things, to me, has been the motivation to stay active.

20 · Guardian · March 2015 NewsBriefs

N.D. Army National Guard Units deployed in support of Operations Desert “Col. Jerry Anderson’s time as Welcome New Commanders Shield and Desert Storm with the 191st commander was marked with many Military Police Company in 1990 and for successes,” Fode said. “He is ready to assume During a season of organizational Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 142nd his duties as our chief of staff and I wish change, a number of North Dakota Army Engineer Battalion in 2003. Huber has also him good fortune on his next assignment.” National Guard units have received new served with the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Anderson, a native of Williston, North commanders. The 164th Regional Training Detachment, 68th Troop Command, Joint Dakota, served as the full-time N.D. Army Institute (RTI), the 141st Maneuver Force Headquarters and 164th Engineer National Guard state aviation officer and Enhancement Brigade (MEB) and the Battalion. She resides in Bismarck with her recently was appointed as the N.D. Army 136th Combat Support Sustainment husband, Lane, and their three children. National Guard’s chief of staff. He started Battalion (CSSB) all welcomed new Ryan enlisted in the N.D. Army National his military career in 1991 as a second leadership this past month. Guard in 1985 as a bridge crew member lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps, Col. Jackie Huber assumed command of with the 957th Engineer Company. In where he served on active-duty status until the 164th RTI from outgoing commander 1992, he earned an officer’s commission joining the N.D. Army National Guard in Col. Leo Ryan March 7 during a ceremony through Officer Candidate School. He 2003. He deployed to Kosovo as a deputy held at the Camp Grafton Training deployed in support of Operations Desert operations officer with the 141st MEB for Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 with an international peacekeeping mission in Col. Robert Fode, commander of the the 132nd Quartermaster Company and 2009. Anderson has also served the N.D. N.D. National Guard’s Army component, for Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Guard with the 1-112th Aviation Battalion presided over the ceremony. 164th Engineer Battalion in 2007. Ryan and the Joint Force Headquarters. He “Col. Ryan has successfully led this previously has served with the 188th Air resides in Bismarck with his wife, Kristi, dynamic organization which continues to Defense Artillery, 34th Engineer Brigade and their three children. set high standards within the U.S. Army and 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Lt. Col. Davina French, who serves education community,” Fode said during and recently commanded the 164th full-time as the Guard’s government affairs the ceremony. “We welcome Col. Huber Regional Training Institute. He also is an officer, took command of the 136th CSSB and challenge her to continue to provide the owner and practicing attorney of Dalsted from outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Daryl outstanding Soldiers of the 164th RTI the and Ryan, P.C., with offices in Jamestown Roerick March 13 at the Camp Grafton great leadership that they deserve”. and Carrington. He resides in Spiritwood Training Center. Huber, who serves full-time as the N.D. Lake with his wife, Lynette. A native of Auburn, Washington, French National Guard’s human resources officer, Ryan assumed command of the 141st entered the military in 1989 as a movement enlisted in 1989 and was commissioned as Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from control specialist with the Washington a second lieutenant through the University Col. Jerry Anderson during a change of National Guard’s 1444th Transportation of North Dakota’s Reserve Officer Training command ceremony held March 15 at the Detachment. She commissioned as a second Corps (ROTC) program in 1992. She Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo. lieutenant in 1993. Before transferring to the N.D. National Guard in 1997, French deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1990 with the 1444th Transportation Detachment. She deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 with the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) and to Kosovo with the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade for an international peacekeeping mission in 2009. She previously has served the N.D. Guard full time as an organization development officer, a state transportation officer, a technician training officer and a recruiting and retention operations officer. French resides in Bismarck.

Col. Robert Fode, Army land component commander, passes the colors of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to the incoming commander, Col. Leo Ryan, March 15 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Photo by Spc. Jessica Bilquist, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 21 NewsBriefs

Camp Grafton Recognized the public water systems that satisfied SDWA can be challenging when changes for Water Safety Compliance all applicable requirements during the to the act are introduced. Camp Crafton previous calendar year. staff was able to meet all requirements Camp Gilbert C. Grafton, near Devils “The recognition received from the under the SDWA for the 2014 calendar Lake, North Dakota, last month was N.D. Department of Health really year. awarded the Safe Drinking Water Act shows our dedication, not only to being “You might not think about it when Certificate of Achievement from the in compliance with the regulations, but you turn on the water, but there are North Dakota Department of Health. to providing the best service possible many people out there working to make The Safe Drinking Water Act to our customers and the Soldiers and sure that the water you are about to (SDWA), which was passed by Congress Airmen who use Camp Grafton Training drink meets all the applicable standards,” in 1974, aims to protect public health by Center,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Herda, the Herda said. regulating the nation’s public drinking environmental program manager for the Camp Grafton employees responsible (potable) water supplies. The N.D. N.D. National Guard. for maintaining the water system are Department of Health awards the According to the N.D. Department of Bradley Larson, Terry Eisenzimmer, certificate of achievement to recognize Health, maintaining compliance with the Rodney Heisler and Thomas Bertsch.

81st Civil Support Team The 81st CST garnered the recognition North Dakota. In July 2014, the 81st CST Receives State Unit Award for their exceptional performance during conducted an air sample mission to identify a National Guard Bureau Standardization potentially hazardous agents in Williston, About a month prior to celebrating Evaluation and Assistance Team (SEAT) North Dakota. The unit responded after its tenth year as a full-time emergency evaluation conducted in April 2011, when it a warehouse, which stored dozens of response unit for the state of North Dakota, received a 99 percent compliance rating. The chemicals, started on fire at the site of an oil the 81st Civil Support Team (81st CST) biennial evaluation requires examination of field supply company. was awarded the North Dakota National the eight functional requirements of CST The 81st CST will continue to provide Guard’s State Outstanding Unit Citation. members: personnel, medical, training and support at local and national venues in The two-dozen Soldiers and Airmen who operations, logistics, physical security, safety, the coming months, including assisting comprise the unit received the distinction budget and communications. other CSTs at the Boston Marathon in during a formal award ceremony today at In addition to its SEAT evaluation April, NASCAR in Kansas in May and the Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. score, the 81st CST earned praise during Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota “It truly is a privilege to present you its Training Proficiency Evaluation in August. with this honor; a testimony to the 81st for November 2012. Administered by Nationally, there are 57 CSTs — one in CST’s excellence and professionalism,” said U.S. Army North’s (USARNORTH) each state, U.S. territory and Washington, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Charlie Division, Civil Support Training D.C.; with two each in California, Florida Dakota adjutant general, who presented the Activity, the evaluation tests the CSTs and New York. award to the unit. “You have continually capabilities and assess the unit on a demonstrated stellar performance in number of tasks, including establishing both exercises and real-world missions. secure communications, maintaining an This unit is a highly-valued resource to operations center, conducting technical our communities and is a key asset for decontamination, establishing medical protecting and supporting the citizens of support, identifying agents and conducting North Dakota.” interagency coordination. CSTs nationwide The State Outstanding Unit Citation are required to gain certification from recognizes individual units and its assigned USARNORTH every 18 months. The military personnel for their contributions North Dakota unit was recognized as 100 towards the improvement of combat percent “trained” during the evaluation in readiness and unit preparedness. It is 2012 and again last year in May 2014. awarded to all service members of the On standby around the clock and capable unit and authorizes them to permanently of responding within 90 minutes, CSTs are wear the decoration on their military dress highly-specialized units that are trained and uniforms. equipped to assist civilian first responders “This citation serves as reminder to the when reacting to chemical, biological, new members of our team about the high radiological, nuclear and explosive agents. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, standards and hard work that came before. The 81st CST regularly trains with local, Joint Force Headquarters As we reenter the evaluation cycle, we will state and federal agencies during emergency North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk continue to strive to protect the reputation response training exercises. The unit also presents the North Dakota National Guard’s State Outstanding of this outstanding organization,” said Lt. has an accomplished record providing Unit Citation to the 81st Civil Support Team March 13 at Fraine Col. Steven Hedrick, 81st CST commander. real-world support to civil authorities in Barracks in Bismarck, North Dakota.

22 · Guardian · March 2015 SoundOff! Chaplains’ Corner: TOGETHERTOGETHER We are Army Strong

By Chaplain (Capt.) Justin Fenger, 231st Brigade Support Battailion

In the Army, we’ve heard a lot about resiliency giving one the strength becomes my strength and my strength becomes their ability to bounce back after personal strain, stress, loss and grief. strength. Having faith in God and/or faith in a team does not During resiliency training, I kept thinking of a verse from the excuse us from pain, challenges and fears, but we stand stronger Bible: “If you are with us who can be against us?” together instead of alone. As a chaplain serving in the North Dakota National Guard, I Despite what popular media or pop-culture says, this life is am mindful of the challenges and sacrifices that it takes to be a not about being an individual — we are no longer the “Army of part of the National Guard (and the balance required of citizen- One.” But the heart and strength of resiliency is having faith in Soldiers). But, despite these challenges, can there be a benefit? It God, family, team, and community, and that faith gives us the is a question that we as citizen-Soldiers most ask ourselves from confidence to endure challenges together. Together we are “Army time to time, to ensure a balance within family life and military Strong.” duty. Take time to answer both questions: “If you are with us, who Blessings, can be against us?” and “How do I balance the challenges that come with wearing this uniform?” Chaplain (Capt.) Justin Fenger I know that when I break down and feel pain, God has given 231st Brigade Support Battailion me a team to lean upon. I know that, as part of a team, their

Chaplain (Capt.) Justin Fenger (center, facing the camera), of the 231st Brigade Support Battalion, steps up to share a few words with North Dakota National Guard Soldiers at Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota. (Contributed photo)

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 23 Musical Ambassadors

Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kiel Skager, N.D. National Guard Visual Information Members of the 188th Army Band perform during a Freedom Saulte ceremony for the 818th Medical Company (Area Support) Feb. 8 at the Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck. The event celebrated the medics’ successful yearlong deployment to Afghanistan from which the unit returned home in November 2014. The mission of the 188th Army Band is to provide music throughout the full spectrum of military operations and to instill in Soldiers the will to fight and win, to foster the support of citizens, to promote national interests at home and abroad, and to entertain audiences