Guardian may2014

GUARDIANNorth Dakota

Volume 7, Issue 5 May 2014

STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMNorth Dakota and Ghana Celebrate 10-Year MilestonePG. 6

HONORING REMINGTON’S LEGACYMEPS Ceremony Room Dedicated

to Silver Star Recipient PG. 10

DepartmentsGuardian Snapshots ..................... News Briefs .....................................Sound Off! .....................................

Page 14 Page 18Page 19

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On the Cover

Inside This IssueFeatures

The North Dakota Guardian is an authorized publication for members, families and retirees of the N.D. National Guard.

• 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 the Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard ( JFND) Public Affairs Officer.

• 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 of approximately 4,900.

• The North Dakota Guardian is published by the JFND Public Information Office, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511, 701.333.2007

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONSContributions to the North Dakota Guardian are encouraged! Send articles, photos and art to Editor, JFND PIO, Box 5511, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please e-mail stories in Word format to: [email protected]: 701-333-2195 Fax: 701-333-2017Digital photos should be 300 dpi, if possible.

Commander in ChiefNorth Dakota Governor

Jack Dalrymple

The Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk

Chief of Public AffairsSgt. 1st Class Billie Jo Lorius

EditorSgt. Jennifer Joyce

ContributorsMaj. Joseph Faller

Chaplain (1st Lt.) Chad GionChief Warrant Officer 3 Kiel Skager

Warrant Officer Janet MassethSenior Master Sgt. David H. LippSgt. 1st Class Timothy Simmons

Staff Sgt. Eric W. JensenStaff Sgt. Eric JungelsStaff Sgt. Brett Miller

Tech. Sgt. Aaron AllmonSgt. Jonathan HaugenSpc. Ryan Dohman

Airman 1st Class JulieAnn BischofAirman 1st Class Lauren Pitts

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, performs an inspection of members of the Ghanaian Armed Forces at Burma Camp, Accra, Ghana, in Jaunary. North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley and Sprynczynatyk visited the west African nation to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program.

8 Leading from the Front

Capt. Greg Goodman, an operations officer with the N.D. Air National Guard 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), makes Air Force history by becoming certified as a convoy commander after being nominated by his squadron. Goodman’s certification aligns with the U.S. Air Force’s goal of increasing total-force integration.

Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3, Joint Force Headquarters

4 Spring Break

Airmen with the N.D. Air National Guard’s 119th Civil Engineers attend Silver Flag training in Florida to par-ticipate in a 7-day course where they set up a simulated forward operating base. The exercise allowed Airmen to practice planning, preparing and reacting to a potential attack from simulated hostile enemies.

11 Spiritual Resources

The N.D. Army National Guard Chaplain Corps has reached a significant milestone: for the first time in more than 15 years, all eight of the organization’s chaplain positions have been filled. Yakob Makonnen was promoted to captain and appointed to the organization’s remaining, vacant chaplain position.

N Maj. joseph faller

State Partnership Program Director

Guard PostsDispatches from the N.D. Guard Family

spp provides opportunities for n.d. guardsmen

N.D. National Guard members should be aware of the opportunities that exist through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP). As the newly appointed SPP director, I would like to share some information about the program, its goals, how North Dakota currently engages with our partners and opportunities for the future.

Administered by the National Guard Bureau, the SPP, which began in 1993, is guided by the U.S. State Department’s foreign policy goals and executed by the state adjutants general in support of security cooperation objectives and Department of Defense policy goals. Through these partnerships, the SPP seeks to promote access, elevate military capabilities, improve interoperability and enhance the principles of responsible governance.

North Dakota began its partnership with Ghana in 2004, established by former adjutant general Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Haugen. Over the last 10 years, the relationship has expanded from military-to-military engagements and missions with the N.D. National Guard to civilian-to-civilian

and business-to-business partnerships. North Dakota has had many successful

engagements with Ghana, including helping build a disaster preparedness program, fostering specialty career exchanges and developing collaboration with civilian entities. Recently, during a visit to Ghana in January, Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley and Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, discussed several topics with Ghanaian leaders, including international trade, economic growth and stability, agriculture research and development and technologies surrounding the response to disasters. They agree that the training provided to both Ghanaians and N.D. Guardsmen is invaluable.

Now that the N.D. National Guard also has partnered with Togo and Benin, there will be even more training opportunities for our Soldiers and Airmen. Future events could even include explosive ordnance disposal, medical, counter drug and unmanned aerial vehicle training, in addition to the countless engineering, disaster preparedness, security, public affairs and other professional training

opportunities that already exist.Participation in the SPP is beneficial for

all Guardsmen. If these opportunities are of interest to you, I encourage you to talk with your chain of command about participating in future events. If you have questions regarding the SPP and North Dakota’s involvement, call the N.D. SPP Director’s Office at 701-333-2234 or 701-333-2032.

Maj. Joseph Faller, N.D. National Guard State Partnership Program director, left, and North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, above, receive gifts from Mr. Kofi Portuphy, director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), during a celebration of the 10-year partnership between North Dakota and Ghana. The event was held in Accra, Ghana. Last month, a similar anniversary celebration was held at the State Capitol Building in Bismarck.Photos by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 3

SPRING Training119th Civil Engineers Conduct Exercise in FloridaStory and photos by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp,119th Wing

U.S. Air Force firefighters Staff Sgt. Elliot Steinbrink and Staff Sgt. Eric Vosseteig, both with the N.D. National Guard’s 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, react to a fire emergency at Tyndall Air Force Base’s Silver Flag exercise March 28 - April 5 in Florida.

4 · Guardian · may 2014

Sixty-nine Happy Hooligan civil engineers converged on Florida for a “spring break” March 28 - April 5. That is, if you can call sleeping on cots in military tents, working a variety of backbreaking chores — not to mention the final 15-hour day that culminated into an intense military training exercise — while eating meals ready-to-eat, a “spring break.”

The Hooligan civil engineers merged with U.S. Air Force active-duty members, along with members of the Air Force Reserves and various Air National Guard units, at Tyndall Air Force Base’s Silver Flag Exercise Site to participate in a 7-day training course where they set up simulated forward operating base, or FOB, “Tango.”

They began their exercise preparation with a few days of classroom training, sprinkled in with some hands-on training in their respective career fields. While the worker bees were preparing for the hands-on, construction-type work of base buildup, the deployment leadership worked tirelessly on the planning for personnel and equipment to convoy to FOB Tango, along with the logistics for base buildup in the fictitious country of “Oceana.”

The goal for the week was to review procedures necessary for the exercise period, plan the equipment and personnel mobilization and the buildup of the FOB, while potentially under attack from simulated hostile countries and various terrorist groups, and then execute the plan.

“All we need is a runway and a water source and we’ll bring the rest,” said Lt. Col. John Gibbs, the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron commander and also the commander for the training group tasked with FOB setup.

Even the runway and water source didn’t have to be in great shape, as became evident throughout the training. The runway had to be repaired over the weeklong course and the exercise period. The water source was sea water from the Gulf of Mexico, and was

purified for drinking.According to the Detachment 1, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron

Silver Flag website, the purpose of the weeklong course is for “civil engineers, communications, force support and finance personnel to learn how to build and maintain bare-base operations at a forward-deployed location. Students hone a variety of combat and survival skills, such as repairing bomb-damaged runways and setting up base facilities, convoy training, advanced base recovery after attack, disaster preparedness, fire protection, lodging skills, chemical warfare operations and personnel accountability.”

“It’s really something to see these people coming together from the active-duty Air Force, the Reserves and the Air National Guard — from different units all across the country — and have them fit into their roles and seamlessly perform their mission just as they would on a real deployment,” said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terry, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron. “There was even one guy who was born in Kenya and he fit in just fine because of his U.S. military training.”

Terry mentioned that this was the ninth time he has attended the Silver Flag course. Units can attend the training every three years.

“The Air Force is responsible for attaining air superiority, having an air mission anywhere in the world. This course was created for personnel to work on the reason we exist in the Air Force, which is to deploy and support the aircraft,” said Maj. Steven Thomas, 823rd RED HORSE, Detachment 1 commander at Silver Flag.

“It is the training at places like Silver Flag, along with regular home-station training for our N.D. Air National Guard personnel that allow us to excel in our mission at home and when called on to deploy, just as many of these people have in the past and many will do in the future,” Gibbs said.

Master Sgt. Dan Anderson, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, works on a jackhammer as Staff Sgt. Joel Cantu, Detachment 1, 823d RED HORSE Squadron instructor, looks on.

Tech. Sgt. Peter Amstrup, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, helps evacuate a “casualty “ during an exercise.


Ten years of collaborating and building relationships within the framework of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP) have brought together more than 450 Soldiers, Airmen and North Dakota government and civilian agency personnel with their Ghanaian counterparts. Last month, state leaders and dignitaries from the African nation of Ghana celebrated a decade-long partnership in the Memorial Hall of the North Dakota State Capitol Building.

The purpose of the SPP is to foster mutual interests and

establish habitual, long-term relationships across all levels of society. The program encourages the development of economic, political and military ties between the states and their partner nations.

In 2004, North Dakota and Ghana’s SPP began with a number of military-to-military engagements between the N.D. National Guard and the Ghanaian Armed Forces. Personnel exchanges between the two locations have included combat engineers, military police, public affairs, air force maintenance and operations and family programs. The partnership now has broadened to include a number of civilian agencies, such

North Dakota and Ghana Reach 10-Year Milestone through State Partnership Program

I have been given the gift of visiting and photographing Ghana, West Africa, three times. It takes some adjustment to get past the obvious cultural differences that await you. The traffic is almost unimaginable, the women balance incredibly complex loads on their heads while sleeping babies are strapped to their backs, and you find yourself wondering how the local people survive with very little money, substandard sanitation and too few options for an education and an improved lifestyle.

But then you look closer. You meet them. You talk with them. You observe them. Quickly, you discover a culture not so different from our own, and decidedly different from your first impressions. They are patriotic and they love deeply. They have a sense of family that is seldom seen in our “developed” world. They have a faith that is unshakable — you see signs of a profoundly religious culture everywhere.

Each time I raise my camera to my eye I see a smile; a wave; a salute. (Click!) I see a struggle, coupled with hope. (Click!) I see poverty, coupled with happiness. (Click!) I see a child’s eyes wide with wonder. (Click!) I see the stark inequality between “have” and “have not.” (Click! Click! Click!)

~ Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kiel Skager, Information Technology Services Branch Chief/Photographer

By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force HeadquartersPhotos by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kiel Skager, Joint Force Headquarters


as Bismarck State College, Minot State University, Sanford Health and the N.D. Department of Health.

“We are honored to welcome representatives from the Republic of Ghana to North Dakota to commemorate 10 years of collaboration and interaction between their country and our state,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “This decade-long partnership has been successful for both Ghana and North Dakota, strengthening relationships and expanding military, civilian and business partnerships.”

The Ghanaian guests included Vice Adm. Mathew Quashie, the Ghanaian Armed Forces chief of the Defence Staff, and Brig. Gen. Seidu Mumuni Adams, Ghana’s defense, military, naval and air attaché to the U.S. and Canada. The group arrived April 9 for a weeklong visit to North Dakota to tour National Guard facilities and state landmarks. Later in the week, they traveled to the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, N.D., to see the 164th Regiment’s Regional Training Institute building, where Army engineer Soldiers from across the U.S. attend training for military occupational skills and noncommissioned officer leadership. The Ghanaians also visited the Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems at the University of North Dakota in Grand

Forks. The tour resumed with visits to the N.D. National Guard’s Military Service Center and the N.D. Department of Emergency Services in Bismarck, as well as the N.D. Heritage Center after the April 11 anniversary celebration. The group also helped honor Airmen from the N.D. Air National Guard’s 119th Wing who have served on active-duty orders over the last two years in support of missions around the globe during a “Hometown Heroes” event in Fargo.

In January, North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, attended a similar anniversary celebration in Ghana, where they visited with Ghanaian officials and discussed the partnership’s future endeavors.

“We are excited to have our Ghanaian partners here in North Dakota to help celebrate our successes, achievements and shared milestones. After 10 years of supporting one another through our State Partnership Program, we have shared expertise over the course of more than 135 exchanges and events,” Sprynczynatyk said during the Anniversary Celebration. “But, even more importantly, we’ve developed cherished friendships. North Dakotans and Ghanaians share a lot of the same values. We love our families and neighbors, and are committed to building

better lives for those in our communities. We’ve learned from one another over the years, and will continue that cooperation and support long into the future.”

One goal of the SPP is to demonstrate to partner countries how a National Guard organization interacts with its citizens and civilian agencies, particularly during emergency response and disaster operations. In 2013, North Dakota’s SPP developed and initiated its Disaster Planning and Preparedness Program, which was designed to enhance the capacity of African nations like Ghana to mitigate, prepare for and respond to disasters. To augment the program, the N.D. National Guard has partnered with additional North Dakota civilian agencies, including the N.D. Department of Health and N.D. Department of Emergency Services.

North Dakota recently broadened its participation in the SPP by signing formal partnership agreements with the Republic of Benin and the Togolese Republic.

At the national level, the SPP has successfully built relationships between the U.S. and nations around the globe for more than 20 years. It began in 1993 with three Baltic nations. With the inclusion of Benin and Togo, the SPP now includes 68 unique security partnerships.

I have had the opportunity to visit Ghana twice. The first time I went to Ghana was in March 2009, and it was to teach a preliminary senior noncommissioned officer course. I traveled with Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terry and we had about 30 students in the class from the Army, Navy and Air Force of the Ghanaian Armed Forces. The second time I traveled to Ghana was this past January for the adjutant general’s visit and the 10th Anniversary Celebration in Accra, Ghana.

I enjoyed both of my trips to Ghana, and working with the Ghanaian Armed Forces was great. Everyone I met was very professional and cordial. Ghana is known for its hospitality.

I think the State Partnership Program benefits both the country of Ghana and the state of North Dakota. It gives us the opportunity to work with their military and civilians. It gives Ghana assistance to improve their profession of arms and safety of their country, along with the continent of Africa.

~ Chief Master Sgt. James Gibson, N.D. National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader

I was able to visit Ghana twice to work with family programs. During the first trip, we explored the Ghanaians’ interest in family programs because of their frequent deployment cycles. We understood they had little or no family programs; but as we explained what we do, we discovered they have a structured system that reflects both the military and democratic culture. They elect a “magadjia” or “leader of women” at each unit level. That discovery led to Mrs. Edna Blay, Ghanaian senior spouse, attending a family symposium in Bismarck.

My second trip was to learn more about their leadership. For that visit, the Ghanaians had organized a symposium with “magadjia” from all branches and across the country. They were together for the first time to learn from one another and explore needs. Leadership training for the “magadjia” was just one outcome of that symposium — along with an annual gathering.

On my first visit, Tubman Mawunea, in speaking about the impact of deployments, said, “It changes you.” So, too, does a visit to Ghana.

~ Connie Sprynczynatyk, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army


As the Air Force aims for more total-force integration, for the first time, an Air National Guardsman was certified to perform the duties of a convoy commander within a missile complex.

Capt. Greg Goodman, 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) operations officer, made Air Force history by becoming certified as a convoy commander in early March.

After serving three years in the U.S. Army, Goodman earned a degree in criminal justice from the University of N.D. where he joined the Air National Guard. He later obtained the rank of master sergeant before commissioning as an officer.

Working in conjunction with Minot Air Force Base’s 91st Security Forces Group, Goodman served as a flight commander during his training.

“We have been building that respect and relationship with the Wing and its leadership, and we’ve always had good relations with the security forces group here,” said Goodman, a Grand Forks, N.D., native. “This just seemed like the next logical step.”

Once Goodman was nominated for the position by his squadron, he began the standard training program, which is the same for every convoy commander regardless of whether the candidate is

National Guard or active-duty.While in training, Goodman participated

in a ride-along program for both exercises and operational missions involving convoys. It was this type of shadowing that gave him the hands-on experience needed before taking charge.

“Capt. Goodman’s training, certification and standardization evaluation process to become a convoy commander was exactly identical to his active-duty counterparts,” said Col. Kevin Cullen, 91st SFG commander, who describes the event as a perfect example of total-force integration.

“Every convoy that goes out, regardless of what day it is, that is the most important

First-Ever Air National Guard Defender: Guardsman Certified as Convoy Commander

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts, U.S. Air Force

Capt. Greg Goodman, the N.D. Air National Guard’s 219th Security Force Squadron operations officer, leads a convoy at the 91st Missile Wing missile complex in Minot, N.D., March 12. Goodman was the first-ever Guardsman to become certified as a convoy commander in the history of the Air Force.

By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts,U.S. Air Force


thing happening in the state of North Dakota at that time,” explained Cullen. “Capt. Goodman is now one of only three individuals entrusted with the responsibilities of a convoy commander.”

Although Goodman is now responsible for some of the key elements to his nation’s security, he said he is not letting the added responsibility deter him from completing each mission, and that the extra expectations just come with the job.

“Any time you talk about first-evers or one-of-a-kinds, there’s always a little more pressure,” said Goodman. “There’s always going be a certain amount of pressure and stress to make sure the mission runs as

perfectly as possible, because it is just that important.”

To have a successful mission, the commander must act much like a conductor of an orchestra, coordinating a collective effort, said Cullen.

“There are a lot of different organizations involved, lots of parts and pieces,” Cullen said. “They all have to become synchronized to have a perfect, successful mission.”

Goodman’s certification is an example of Guardsmen and Reservists performing more critical roles in Air Force missions, said Cullen. In this position, Goodman is bridging the gap between active-duty and National Guard missions, and has begun

paving the way towards the Air Force’s goal of more total-force integration.

“This has a tremendous effect on total-force integration,” Cullen said. “This is just another example of that, but probably the most prominent position, as well as the one with the most responsibility.”

As the 91st SFG and the 219th SFS continue to strengthen their teamwork, Goodman continues to train and gain experience and knowledge, ensuring every mission is a success, Cullen said.

“Certification is a beginning, not an end.” Goodman said. “It is constant improvement, constant learning and constant gaining experience.”

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Allmon, U.S. Air Force

Members of the 91st Missile Security Force Squadron Convoy Response Force conduct operations during a mission in the 91st Missile Wing missile complex, March 12. The missile field complex is split between north and south for security flights consisting of 15 different missile alert facilities and 150 different launch facilities and covers more than 8,500 square miles.


Decades from now, young men and women from North Dakota will see the name of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Remington on the wall as they make a commitment to serve their nation in peace and in war. His name will become synonymous with the courage required to raise a right hand and begin a journey in faithfully serving our state and nation.

Remington, a N.D. National Guard veteran, was recognized for his commitment, loyalty and selfless service to the United States during an April dedication ceremony at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Fargo.

The ceremony room at MEPS was named in Remington’s honor.Remington, a recipient of the Silver Star — awarded for gallantry

in action against enemy insurgent forces near Ar Ramadi, Iraq — enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1982 through the Fargo MEPS before a successful 24-year career in the military. He last served as the senior enlisted leader for the N. D. Army National Guard’s 142nd Engineer Command, which deployed to Iraq in 2003.

The Fargo MEPS annually tests, processes, assess and ships more than 4,500 men and women for military service. Each new service member is administered the Oath of Enlistment in the MEPS ceremony room, which might now be referred to as the Remington Room. This oath is a covenant between the military applicant and our nation — one that reminds them of their commitment to their country.

Remington and his dedication to service will now be a permanent and lasting legacy for all who participate and witness these ceremonies at the Fargo MEPS.

Former N.D. Warrior Honored During Dedication at Fargo MEPSBy Staff Sgt. Eric Jungels,116th Public Affairs Detachment

SET IN STONE

Remington congratulates the first service member administered the Oath of Enlistment in the MEPS ceremony room after it was named in Remington’s honor April 14.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj., Kevin Remington.

Retired Command Sgt. Major Kevin Remington addresses attendees at his ceremony at the Fargo MEPS after the facility’s ceremony room was named in his honor April 14.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment


The N.D. Army National Guard celebrated a special event last month and reached a significant milestone within its Chaplain Corps prior to the Easter weekend. For the first time in more than 15 years, all eight of the organization’s chaplain positions have been filled, bolstering the spiritual and religious support available to Soldiers and their families across the state. Yacob Makonnen was promoted to captain and appointed to the remaining, vacant chaplain position in the N.D. Army National Guard in front of family, friends, and fellow Guard members during a ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.

“This is a great day for our ‘Guard Family,’ and I am proud of Chaplain Makonnen’s willingness to volunteer to serve our National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “The Army Guard’s chaplaincy is entrusted with the spiritual needs of more than 3,250 Soldiers across our state. Chaplains, truly a force multiplier, are critical to the well-being of our Guard members and their families as they participate in missions within their

communities and around the globe.”Makonnen began his training for

the chaplaincy by serving as a chaplain candidate in the N.D. Army National Guard in 2009. Chaplain candidates train under the supervision of a chaplain prior to attending the Chaplain Basic Officers Leadership Course in Fort Jackson, S.C. While there, chaplain candidates are introduced to a number of military skills, including map reading, military customs and courtesies, operations in field conditions and combat survival. They also learn their Army chaplain-specific duties during the 12-week course.

“I am honored and thankful for the amazing opportunities I’ve had to connect with Soldiers,” Makonnen said. “I really look forward to being there for them and helping support their families. We (in the chaplaincy) always talk about ‘ministry of presence.’ I think that’s important, just for Soldiers to know that their chaplain is there and fully accessible.”

In addition to military training, chaplains also must fulfill civilian education requirements, including a secondary education degree from an accredited

seminary or theological school. Chaplain candidates also must receive ecclesiastical approval from their faith communities.

Makonnen, who is an ordained Baptist minister, holds a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He recently has served as a chaplain candidate with the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. He now is assigned as the chaplain for the Bismarck-based 68th Troop Command. He and his wife, Kim, both originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, currently live in Fargo.

The National Guard chaplaincy provides religious support to Soldiers and their families and assists commanders in ensuring the right of free exercise of religion for all their members. While providing pastoral care and counseling to Guard members and their families, chaplains also advise the commanders and staff on matters pertaining to religion, morals and morale.

According to the U.S. Army website, since July 29, 1775, “approximately 25,000 Army chaplains have served as religious and spiritual leaders for 25 million Soldiers and their families.”

Spiritual Readiness: Chaplain Corps at Full Strength

Chaplain (Capt.) Yacob Makonnen is promoted and appointed to chaplain in the N.D. Army National Guard during a ceremony April 17 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.

By Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen,Joint Force Headquarters

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment


Professional DevelopmentMentorship Participants Share Insight from 2014 Program

The N.D. National Guard Developing Leaders Mentoring Program provides opportunities for Soldiers and Airmen to grow personally and professionally in a casual environment. During the program, where all are addressed by first name, participants have opportunities to meet new people, ask questions, learn from others and develop personal and professional goals.

Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Grinsteinner and Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Lund provide an inside look at the 2014 program:

By Warrant Officer Janet Masseth,N.D. National Guard Organizational Development

For more information about participating in the mentoring program, call the Organizational Development Office at 701-333-2172. The next program will kick off in January 2015; applications will be due in the middle of November.

Would you recommend this program to other members of our organization?

What has been the most useful part of this program?

If someone asked you about the program, what would you tell them?

Would you participate in the program again?

Has it been hard to fit this program into your schedule?

Grinsteinner: I absolutely would recommend this program. However, to be a mentor, you have to be open to taking an honest look at yourself. In my experience thus far, our interactions have pulled out attributes that forced me to do some serious thinking. To be a mentee, not only do you have to be honest with yourself, but you have to be willing to embrace something new, and change is never easy.

Lund: Yes. I believe this program could benefit anyone who is willing to grow personally and professionally.

Grinsteinner: The personal growth I have experienced. The general sessions and the leadership attribute building has helped me take that look inside myself that I have not really done since the Leadership Development Course i attended 14 years ago.

Lund: Having a mentor has been the most useful part of the program, helping me assess goals and provide direction and ideas on how to meet the goals.

Grinsteinner: Participation is a requirement and not a suggestion. Not going all in will result in a bad experience for both parties. Join the program with the attitude of growth and it will be grand!

Lund: The mentorship program is a big commitment and a great opportunity to take a look at yourself and see where you may need to improve.

Grinsteinner: Absolutely. It truly has been a wonderful experience.

Lund: Definitely! Being a part of the mentoring program has been a great experience so far.

Grinsteinner: No. We have had some scheduling conflicts, but Crystal is very flexible, so it has been easy to adjust fire.

Lund: No. Although we aren’t located in the same town, it has been fairly easy to schedule meetings and work around both schedules.

As the N.D. Air National Guard’s 119th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (ISR) continues to build up its organizational and operational capacity, the unit has made a clear commitment to attracting competent leaders who can fill critical roles and ensure the unit’s success.

Recently, the 119th ISR Group welcomed newly-commissioned talent when six officers joined its ranks at one time. Another Airman from the 119th Wing, Erin Arbogast, was commissioned as an officer in the same cohort, and will serve as a weather officer in the 119th Operations Support Squadron. Altogether, the seven Airmen make up the largest-ever group of 119th Wing members to be commissioned in the same class.

“These new officers will have a significant impact on the 119th Wing,” said Col. Darrin Anderson, 119th ISR Group commander. “We will certainly rely on their expertise and leadership as we continue to execute our mission and serve our communities, state and nation.”

The 119th ISR Group is one of

Powering Up: Intel Group Welcomes Largest Batch of New Air Guard Officers in Wing’s HistoryBy Airman 1st Class JulieAnn Bischof, 119th Wing

Erin Arbogast (far left) and Elizabeth Voss (second from the right) make up part of the first-ever, all-female color guard at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala., during a Feb. 21 ceremony for their graduation from the Academy of Military Science. Arbogast and Voss were part of a group of seven Airmen from the N.D. National Guard’s 119th Wing to be commissioned as second lieutenants in the same class.

From left to right, Jeff Payne, Adam Lake, Kris Schiele, Kris Jacobs, Erin Arbogast, Elizabeth Voss and Samantha Magnus stand with 119th ISR Commander Col. Darrin Anderson after they are commissioned as second lieutenants during a Feb. 21 graduation ceremony from the Academy of Military Science at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala.

Contributed Photo

Contributed Photo

many organizations benefitting from the leadership development training that takes place at the Academy of Military Science — the Air National Guard’s commissioning source located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Since the mission conversion began, the ISRG has sent 11 Airmen to AMS to become future intelligence officers, and the Operations Group has sent an additional three.

2nd Lt. Elizabeth Voss, one of the Wing’s seven newest officers, said the training at AMS was intense.

“It was a good experience and the instructors were great,” Voss, from Rockford, Minn., said. “They shared a wealth of knowledge about the Air Force and about how to be a good, effective leader. They crammed a lot into six weeks, so we had to work hard to keep up.”

Other Wing members who endured the rigors of the course and graduated as second lieutenants with Voss on Feb. 21 include: Samantha Magnus, Adam Lake, Kris Schiele, Kris Jacobs, Jeff Payne and Arbogast.

Voss said that attending AMS with a number of 119th Wing members made the whole experience less stressful from the get-go. The officer candidates were able to share

Unit Public Affairs Representatives: Submit your stories and high-resolution photos to Sgt. Jennifer Joyce, N.D. Guardian editor, at [email protected]

information through what became an informal “Hooligan support network.”

Payne, who has been part of the Happy Hooligans since 2005, started out in maintenance before the Wing’s latest transformation. His commission makes him eligible to boost his Air Guard career as an intelligence officer for the 119th ISR Group, which — based on the 119th Wing’s reputation — is expected to become one of the most coveted intelligence units in the Air Force. The Hooligans’ track record of success is one reason they’ve gained national recognition.

“The instructors and our fellow students could feel our presence at AMS,” said Payne, who lived and went to college in Grand Forks before moving in 2011 to live and work full-time in the Twin Cities-area in Minnesota. “They felt as if there were Hooligans everywhere they looked.”

The opportunity to train at AMS with a small group of peers from North Dakota allowed the Airmen to bounce ideas off of each other and maximize the learning and training process, Payne said. Together, the group excelled and found great success.

Now, as they settle into their assignments, the new officers look forward to continue that success, as their unit enhances the Air Force’s targeting mission and operational capabilities around the globe.


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

Sgt. 1st Class Dan Upgren, of the N.D. National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, helps guide a Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet to the end of a diving board at the Bismarck State College Aquatic Center as part of water survival training last month.

Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets participate in an “equipment ditch” exercise during water survival training at the Bismarck State College Aquatic Center last month.

Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets learn how to turn their pants into floatation devices during water survival training at the Bismarck State College Aquatic Center last month,which was instructed by Capt. Robert Meland, 817th Engineer Co. (Sapper) commander.


Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Simmons, 1st Battalion, 188th ADA

Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery who were deployed in the National Capital Region, participated in an ongoing tradition that began at Magic City Harley Davidson of Minot.

The business provided a flag, which was displayed in the dealership for six months. Visitors were asked to sign it and include a note of support and encouragement to the 1-188th Soldiers. One of those who signed was retired Army Staff Sgt. and Medal of Honor recipient Clint Romesha, who currently resides in Minot.

Soldiers of the 1-188th ADA took photos with the flag in areas of the Nation’s Capital that kept them inspired throughout their year-long mission.

Pictured left is Spc. Scott Liedholm, Pvt. Tyrell Anderson, Spc. Greg Doll, Spc. Brennan Johnson, Spc. Casey Nelson and Spc. Alex Johnson.Below is Spc. James Crandall and Sgt. Seth Bowman

Photo by Spc. Ryan Dohman, 1st Battalion, 188th ADA

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. Adjutant General, presents the Bronze Star Medal to Col. Rick Gibney, the N.D. Air National Guard director of staff, during an award ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard base in Fargo, April 12. Gibney was presented the Bronze Star Medal , for meritorious achievement while deployed to Afghanistan.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing


Retired U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus and North Dakota adjutant general Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk discuss leadership in front of an audience of N.D. National Guard Members at the Raymond J. Bohn armory on April 29 in Bismarck. After the on-stage discussion by the two general officers, audience members asked Petraeus questions.


Retired U.S. Army General David H. Petraeus points to a U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division patch worn by Sgt. 1st Class Chad Martin, of Bismarck, on April 29 at the Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck. Martin wears the 82nd patch on his right shoulder to signifying his service with the division during his deployment to Iraq from 2007-2008 with the N.D. National Guard. Petraeus commanded the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division from 1995-1997 and was the assistant division commander for operations for the 82nd Airborne from 1999-2000.


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Tech. Sgt. Erik Clemenson, of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, right, leads Brig. Gen. Allen Jamerson, the U.S. Air Force director of security forces, through a tour of the base defense operations center during Jamerson’s visit to the N.D. Air National Guard base in Fargo April 24. Jamerson toured the unit security forces area to provide updates for unit members, to look over the facility and to answer questions about policies and future expectations for security forces.


National Guard instructors from the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute helped 25 Boy Scouts earn their plumbing and home repair merit badges April 11-13 at the RTI at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake.

Contributed Photo


NewsBriefsAirmen Honored at ‘Hometown Heroes’ Event

Guard’s Army Component Welcomes New Commander

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Kristen Frovarp, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, to show his gratitude and to thank her for her service in the N.D. Air National Guard during a “Hometown Heroes” ceremony at the N.D. Air National Guard base in Fargo April 12.

Hundreds of members from the N.D. Air National Guard’s 119th Wing were honored during a “Hometown Heroes” ceremony that took place at the Air Guard base in Fargo last month. In addition to the ceremony, a Bronze Star Medal was awarded to Col. Rick Gibney for meritorious service performed in Afghanistan.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our North Dakota Airmen and their families for their exemplary service to our state and nation over the past few years,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “These hometown heroes consistently stepped up when their country called and performed their missions with great skill and success. We are grateful to them and their families for their willingness to serve and sacrifice in defense of our homeland and our way of life.”

The Airmen were honored for serving on active-duty orders between Jan. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2013. They were recognized in three groups: Tier 1 awards were given to those who served on orders for 30-170 consecutive days, Tier 2 awards were given to those who served on orders for 180-365 consecutive days, and Tier 3 awards were given to those who served on orders for

more than 365 consecutive days. “Since Sept. 11, 2001, we’ve had more

than 2,400 Airmen from the 119th Wing mobilize, and we’ve had Airmen on military orders every single day since that day,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, during the ceremony. “To the 200 plus Airman that we’re going to recognize today, thank you for your service and sacrifices. I appreciate

the fact that you continue to serve your country and state.”

During the event, Airmen walked across a stage and shook hands with distinguished guests in recognition of their service. Each Guardsman also was given a Center of Influence medallion to present to a person of their choosing in recognition of their support during the mission.


The N.D. National Guard’s Army Component Command (ACC) welcomed a new leader April 13 after wishing a former commander well upon his retirement. Brig. Gen. David B. Anderson was honored with a formal retirement ceremony in front of friends, family and fellow Guardsmen after handing off duties to Col. Robert A. Fode during a change of command ceremony at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. The ACC of the N.D. National Guard is assigned more than 3,250 N.D. Army Na-tional Guard Soldiers.

“Brig. Gen. Anderson has served with great distinction throughout his 33-year career. His leadership has been exceptional, and he has made a tremendous impact on our organization by leading Soldiers

and mentoring junior leaders,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “I know that our Guards-men will continue to be in good hands with Col. Fode. He brings a wealth of experience, which will serve him and our Solders well as he helps lead the N.D. Army National Guard into the future.”

Anderson has commanded the ACC since January 2012. He has held a number of lead-ership positions in engineer units through-out the N.D. Army National Guard over the span of his more than 30-year career. He also has worked full-time for the organiza-tion since 1990.

“I’ve truly been blessed to have had so many opportunities and experiences throughout my career in the N.D. National Guard,” Anderson said.

As Anderson retired, Fode accepted duties as the new ACC commander and addressed

the Soldiers and family members in attendance.

“It is because of you (family, friends and Soldiers) that I’m standing here to-day,” he said. “Thank you for your trust and confidence in my abilities. Together, we will move the organization forward to achieve our goals and objectives and build upon our successes.”

Fode also has a more than three-decade-long career in the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978 as a truck driver. Fode has held a number of leadership positions throughout his ca-reer. Prior to accepting his new position, He served as the director of Joint Staff for the N.D. National Guard.

As a traditional Guardsman, Fode is employed by the N.D. Department of Transportation as the director for the Office of Project Management.


Chaplains’ Corner:I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm in southwestern North

Dakota. My brother, sister and I were born within three years of one another, and so, we were able to play together as we roamed the farm (incidentally, my parents could tell you a thing or two about resiliency). With the barns, equipment, tree rows and wide open spaces, there was endless fun and trouble to be had. I loved playing with my siblings. As we grew older, two more brothers joined us — five kids in all — each a precious gift.

After having said that, we often wanted to kill one another. I would estimate that all five of us got along together about 30 percent of the time. My sister and I could fight over whose turn it was to wash dishes, dry dishes, put dishes away, what music we were going to listen to while doing the dishes, and why she spent so much time in the bathroom while dishes were being done. Threats were issued that, were they spoken by adults, would get them arrested. It was all stupid, of course, but we were just kids.

I’d like to think that the frustration with others that I experience as an adult is much more rational and sophisticated, and sometimes it is. But sometimes it is not. Often, it’s just my ego or hang-ups, matters of personal preference that I would impose on the world as if my way were the only way. A unit is like a family, especially in that we find ourselves with people who we care deeply about, but didn’t pick — they just showed up. God puts these people into our lives to push us to get over ourselves. That can hurt; growing up does. Here is a prayer I pray, occasionally through clenched teeth. I offer it to you. When we pray it and mean it, it is amazing how the Lord will teach us to love.

“Thank you, Jesus, for (annoying person’s name here). Help me to love them and serve them, because when I love them, I love you.” Repeat as necessary.Chaplain (1st Lt.) Chad Gion opens a send-off ceremony for the 2-285th Aviation Regiment

with a prayer in October 2013.

By Chaplain (1st Lt.) Chad Gion, 1-112th Aviation Battalion


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N.D. State Command Sgt. Maj. Harley Schwind passes a ceremonial guide-on to Brig. Gen. David B. Anderson during a change of command ceremony April 13 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. Col. Robert A. Fode assumed the duties as the commander of the N.D. National Guard’s Army Component Command upon Anderson’s retirement, also held April 13.

Photo by Sgt. Jonathan Haugen, Joint Force Headquarters

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