North Dakota National Guard

On Sunday, Sept.15, at 1 p.m., U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson will officially assume command as adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard in a change of command ceremony. Johnson will take over for U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, who has served in the position for more than eight years.

Links to live stream and program: https://linktr.ee/ndguard

“We’re just trying to remember those from North Dakota that we’ve lost,” said Lt. Col. Jay Sheldon, “and really, the 14 Army National Guard Soldiers that we’ve lost since then. I try to give them credit in some Veterans Day speeches that I’ve given. I talk just about the idea that every day is Veterans Day — and every time we get a chance to listen to the National Anthem, I try to reflect on all of those individuals, their families and friends, and the people that they’ve left behind.”

https://www.kxnet.com/studio701/community/local-combat-veterans-reflect-on-the-impact-of-9-11/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFO2IlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHd6sN8bCSx_E0Flc2w00-PjRFpEAgSILOs8L1MUPXDzlgZr-hEXb-Skqsw_aem_QCWOTg0ROqtifjMak6UEqw

Local combat veterans reflect on the impact of 9/11 BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — It’s the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.While many people talk about where they were when the attacks on the World Trade Center happened, others will never forget where it le…

Our nation was forever changed on this day. We will the tragic events of 9/11, the victims, and the heroes who stepped up on that day and in the days and years that followed.

Congratulations to everyone honored at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) conference!

Last month, the Happy Hooligans sent 20 maintenance Airmen and an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft to Alpena, Michigan, Combat Readiness Training Center to participate in the Northern Strike 2024 Exercise.

Northern Strike is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored event that brings together units from multiple states to train in a joint force environment.

119th Wing North Dakota Air National Guard |

TAG Line Sept. 3.

Featuring Indonesian Air Force Visit, Northern Strike 2024, “Operation Candyland” Wet Gap Crossing Exercise, Regional Diocese visit N.D. Guard and more!

https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/PoLYZsWnBMIv6

As the early morning fog drifted across the rippling current of the Missouri River, the North Dakota Army National Guard conducted a wet gap crossing exercise at Kimball Bottoms.

The 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company led the “Operation Candyland” exercise, which included engineers, military police, air defense artillery, and aviation units working together to secure the area, construct a temporary floating bridge, and move personnel and equipment safely across the river.

Missouri River Crossing Showcases North Dakota Guard Engineer Expertise KIMBALL BOTTOMS, N.D. - As the early morning fog drifted across the rippling current of the Missouri River, the North Dakota Army National Guard conducted a wet gap crossing exercise at Kimball

Please take a moment to remember and honor Sgt. Joseph Feser of Bravo Battery, 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

Sgt. Joseph Clemens Feser Obituary 2024 - Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services View Sgt. Joseph Clemens Feser's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

On August 17, Soldiers of the 957th Engineer Company completed a wet gap crossing exercise, constructing a bridge across the Missouri River in the Kimball Bottoms area, south of Bismarck. They were supported by six other units from the 131st Military Police Battalion, 164th Engineer Battalion, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, and 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment.

Congratulations to the winners and the runner-ups of the North Dakota Army National Guard 2025 Best Warrior Competition! Sgt. Joseph Kane, Recruiting and Retention Battalion won the Non-Commissioned Officer category, and Spc. Jonathan Nistler, Delta Detachment, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, won the enlisted category. The runner-ups for the two categories were Sgt. Max Dahl, Delta Detachment, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and Spc. Edward Snyder, 957th Engineer Company.

The winners will go on to compete at the regional competition next year in Boise, Idaho.

TAG Line for Aug. 19, 2024,

Featuring the 2025 Best Warrior Competition Winners, 119th Services Flight, 188th Army Band’s Change of Responsibility, 3662nd Support Maintenance Company and More!

https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/YSg8dijATXt7n

Welcome home Bravo Battery, 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment!

They returned to North Dakota today to after completing their deployment to Central Command!

The North Dakota Army National Guard is conducting training in the Kimball Bottoms Off-Highway Vehicle area, south of Bismarck, on August 16-18. During this period, a portion of the Missouri River in that area will be temporarily closed from 10:30 a.m. to noon on August 17.

For safety reasons, the Kimball Bottoms area will be closed to the public during the training exercises. The training is scheduled to be concluded by 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 18.

Additionally, a temporary bridge will be constructed on the Missouri River, south of Kimball Bottoms, from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 17. This construction will result in a brief closure of the river. Following the completion of the bridge construction, the portion of the Missouri River will be reopened to the public by noon on August 17.

The North Dakota National Guard reminds the public to be aware of the training activities taking place and to maintain a safe distance from the training areas. Increased vehicle and boat traffic can be expected during the training operations. The public’s cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.

https://www.ndguard.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-army-national-guard-conducting-training-kimball-bottoms-and-missouri-river

Episode 6 of Da Guards podcast is out. Check it out on your favorite streaming service or listen with link below!

https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/81974/da-guards-ep-6-lets-meet-nicole-frohlich

The architectural design development drawings for a new military gallery addition located on the south side of the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum have been approved.

“This is another milestone in our pursuit of excellence in North Dakota,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general, North Dakota National Guard. “This has been a discussion for 50 years and we are now making it happen. Together, we will honor our rich military history and those who have served, and educate and inspire future generations.”

To see the architectural renders: bit.ly/MilitaryGalleryRenderings

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, planning for a new military museum gallery addition located on the south side of the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck took another step forward. The Capitol Grounds Planning Commission unanimously approved architectural design development drawings submitted by the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota National Guard. With this approval of an exterior design and use of a Capitol grounds site, the planning team is ready to move forward with developing construction documents. View the architectural designs at bit.ly/MilitaryGalleryRenderings.

Preliminary design plans for the approximately 60,000-square-foot addition include a 20,000-square-foot military gallery, a North Dakota National Guard regimental room also available to the public for rental events, an expanded food service area, and an outdoor courtyard and amphitheater space.

Read the full news release at eepurl.com/iWCEZo.

TAG Line Aug. 5, 2024

Featuring 2nd Lt. Hooge Rescues Woman, Benin's Counter Improvised Explosive Class, 119th Wing's Special Visit, Legion of Merit and More!

https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/CktjQLc0a6dVF

119th Wing commander, Col. Chris Domitrovich, was presented the Legion of Merit on Friday by Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson. The Legion of Merit is presented to recognize exceptional conduct, loyalty, and service in the armed forces. This award recognizes Domitrovich's exceptional leadership and service to the state of North Dakota. Congratulations!

119th Wing commander, Colonel Chris Domitrovich was presented the Legion of Merit on Friday by Brigadier General Mitch Johnson. The Legion of Merit is presented to recognize exceptional conduct, loyalty and service in the armed forces. This award recognizes Col. Domitrovich's exceptional leadership and service to the state of North Dakota. Congratulations!

Happy ! 🎊

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. David Hooge, 231st Quartermaster Platoon, North Dakota National Guard, rescued a woman from a sinking car in Devils Lake, North Dakota, July 29, 2024.

While driving south of the city of Devils Lake, Hooge noticed a car behind him swerving back and forth before going off the road into the water of Devils Lake. He pulled over and went to help the woman. When he reached the vehicle, the water was already up to her waist. According to Hooge, the woman seemed to be frozen. She could not unlock the car doors and the front door was too damaged to open. Hooge had grabbed a rock before entering the water and used it to break the back window. He unlocked the door and the woman was able to exit the sinking vehicle from the back door. Hooge estimates that the vehicle was completely submerged in about five minutes.

“I’m glad I was able to step up and help,” said Hooge. “I joined the National Guard because I want to make a difference in my community and do what I can to make the world a better place. This is concrete evidence that I have made a difference in this world. Being able to respond when a crisis happens and help those in need is incredibly fulfilling. It's an honor to serve and protect my community, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”

Hooge enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in April 2007, serving in the 3662nd Maintenance Company until 2016. He then served in the 816th Engineer Company, for eight months before transferring to the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade as a behavioral health technician. He commissioned through the Officer Candidate School program in September 2022 and currently serves as the commander of the 231st Quartermaster Platoon. Hooge’s awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the North Dakota State Commendation Ribbon, and three North Dakota National Guard Emergency Service Ribbons.

“We are incredibly proud of the actions Hooge took to save a life,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, North Dakota National Guard state command sergeant major. “His quick thinking and willingness to risk his own safety to help another person in need are a testament to his character and dedication to service. Hooge's actions reflect the highest standards of the National Guard.”

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/477554/north-dakota-national-guardsman-rescues-woman-sinking-car

Congratulations to the ND National Guard officer candidates on their recent graduation from the Officer Candidate School program!

From left are Officer Candidates Dalton Sivertson, Zachary Salmon, Alexander Weiand, Matthew Wolf, Maj. Chad Worrel, Officer Candidates Theodore Mandt, Christopher Gibson, Alexander Jones, and Wyatt Pugh.

Interested in OCS? Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3XKfM_PZ_k
Or reach out to Capt. Benjamin Jechorek at 701-451-6318

Chaplains from the ND National Guard traveled to Ghana to participate in the Ghana Armed Forces Department of Religious Affairs Basic Chaplaincy Course for Chaplains alongside chaplains from Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Army National Guard, and the Ghana Armed Forces.

The course provided education and resources specifically designed for newly commissioned chaplains and imams. It marks the beginning of a five-year curriculum to certify chaplains.

To read more: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/477083/ghana-armed-forces-department-religious-affairs-basic-chaplaincy-course

| U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)

188th Army Band Music Performance Teams performed several concerts at the North Dakota State Fair during Annual Training. It’s always fun to play for attendees who come from near and far to take in all that the state fair has to offer!
Below are some pictures from the various performing groups, including the Jazz Band, Saxophone Quartet, Flashbang, Blues in Green, and Coverdown.

Congratulations to Lt. Col. Ed Crary, 119th Wing ND Air Guard, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Bohl, 164th Engineer Battalion ND Army Guard. They completed a 26-month program and earned a Master's in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

North Dakota Guardsman Lt. Col. Jarrod Simek recently completed the 106th (De 4 Daagse), also known as the International Four Day March. The event is the largest multiple-day marching event in the world, with over 50,000 participants from 70+ countries. It is held annually in Nijmegen, Netherlands in mid-July to promote sport, exercise, and esprit de corps.

The military portion is a team event of 160km (approx. 100 miles) over four days while carrying a minimum weight of 10kg. Successful participants are awarded the coveted "Vierdaagsekruis" Cross of the 4 Day March medal.

119th Wing Commander, Col. Christopher Domitrovich greeted Italy's Aeronautica Militare team, better known as Frecce Tricolori or "Tricolor Arrows" as they flew to Hector Field for a fuel stop during their North American tour on July 22nd.

Col. Domitrovich exchanged commander's coins with the Frecce Tricolori commander, Lt. Col. Massimiliano Salvatore, and welcomed the group to Fargo.

119th Wing Commander, Col. Christopher Domitrovich greeted Italy's Aeronautica Militare team, better known as Frecce Tricolori or "Tricolor Arrows" as they flew to Hector Field for a fuel stop during their North American tour on July 22nd.

Col. Domitrovich exchanged commander's coins with the Frecce Tricolori commander, Lt. Col. Massimiliano Salvatore and welcomed the group to Fargo.

Congratulations, Staff Sgt. Brielle Marman! 🎉

U.S. Army Sgt. Brielle Marman, a dental assistant with the North Dakota National Guard, was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant during a special ceremony at 37th Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana. The promotion was officiated by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, the commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) at the time, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Reese Teakell, command sergeant major of SETAF-AF, during their visit to the hospital.

Read more: https://www.army.mil/article/278294/promotion_to_u_s_army_staff_sergeant_a_bucket_list_pinning_ceremony_in_ghana

Well done, Staff Sgt. Marman! Your dedication and hard work are commendable. 🇺🇸