ND Guardian Sept. 2015

GUARDIANVolume 8, Issue 8 September 2015

physicallY &

AFTER THE STORM

North Dakota Soldiers Vie for Top Honors

Airman Recalls Wing Involvement in

During Best Warriror Competition

Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

PG. 10

PG. 8

Mentally Tough

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

Page 16Page 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 AffairsCapt. Amber Balken

EditorSgt. Jennifer Joyce

ContributorsChaplain (Lt. Col.) David Johnson

Capt. Jeff HofferChief Master Sgt. Ben Bush

Senior Master Sgt. David LippStaff Sgt. Eric W. JensenStaff Sgt. Jared KlempelStaff Sgt. Sara MarchusStaff Sgt. Brett Miller

Sgt. Ashley JohlfsSgt. Erin WaltersSpc. Deidra Steele

Spc. Stephen Johnson, of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, conducts combat maneuvers last month during the Best Warrior Competition held at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

6 Ten YearsLater

Chief Master Sgt. Ben Bush, North Dakota State Command Chief, recalls the N.D. Air National Guard’s involvement in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, when a 55-man team from the 119th Wing deployed to Mississipi for a six-week mission.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller,Joint Force Headquarters

4 MilitaryService

In the second installment of a three-part recruiting and retention series, we explore some of the job skills, education benefits and military training applicable to civilian employment being offered to those with an interest in serving their communities, state and nation.

13 Reports fromthe Field

After months of planning, preparing and executing operational orders and developing courses of action for military occupation in this fictional war, more than 300 Soldiers participated in a 3-week War Fighter exercise in August during their annual training at the Maneuver Training Center (MTC) in Camp Dodge, Iowa.

T Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk

North Dakota Adjutant General

VIEW FROM THE TOPA MESSAGE FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

Preparedness is half the battle

As a firefighter works in the foreground, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the North Dakota National Guard’s Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment (Assault) uses a 600-gallon bucket April 14, 2015 to suppress a wildfire south of Bismarck, North Dakota, near the residential area of Briardale.

Taking care of our Soldiers, Airmen and their families is, and will remain, my No. 1 priority. Keeping ourselves, and our community safe involves not only our resiliency and our force protection, but our disaster preparedness as well.

September is disaster preparedness month. The focus of this month is to educate and empower our communities across the state to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, from flooding, to fires, to potential terrorist attacks.

In North Dakota, we are all too familiar with how quickly a natural disaster can happen. Although unpreventable, we can take the steps to prepare ourselves and our

families, enabling us to respond quickly to our communities when disaster strikes.

Less than half of Americans have taken the time to plan what they will do in cases of emergency. Communication is key. Talk to your family members, make a plan and test your plan for feasibility. Verify that you have everything that you’ll need, assemble or update emergency supplies, collect and safeguard critical documents to include insurance papers.

Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources. Stay informed. If a disaster is in the early stages, stay on top of news alerts using as many sources as possible.

The North Dakota National Guard has a unique position within our community. The National Guard and the office of the governor play an important role in disaster response — all efforts are in support of state and local officials. No other organization in the Department of Defense has the National Guard’s combination of skills, expertise and location to support civil authorities quickly.

We have an obligation to serve and protect our communities, and we have the assets to do so. We have the capability and equipment to evacuate and rescue people, preserve civil order, protect property and maintain or reestablish communications.

Across the nation, the National Guard was called up more than 200 times last year, responding to fires, storms, floods and hurricanes. Units were credited with rescuing more than 3,000 people. At home, we have responded to snow storms, floods, fires, and we are one of the firsts to be called upon when disaster strikes. I am proud of what we have done in the past to support our state. We must continue to prepare so that we are ready when we are called upon by the governor.

Preparedness is the shared responsibility of our entire state. Preparing ourselves and our families for disasters and emergencies ensures the strength of our communities and it strengthens our ability to safeguard our state and our nation.

Photo by Sgt. Ashley Johlfs, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security & Support)

www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil · 3

Pvt. Willie Ulness has been striking all the right chords while embarking on his post-high school, future path. In the distance, he sees a career as a singer and songwriter. In fact, he just recently cut an album recording in Nashville, Tennessee. But right now, he’s focused on completing his advanced individual training, or AIT, as a combat engineer to serve in the Minot-based 818th Engineer Company (Sapper). While he’s heard the music world calling, Ulness also has held an admiration for those who serve in the U.S. military, an organization he’s longed to be a part of so he too can serve his country.

“Whenever I see someone who’s in uniform, it motivates me to do something like (serve in the military). It’s inspiring to see what (others) have done and see where they’ve been,” he said.

And Ulness is finding out that enlisting into the North Dakota National Guard and

pursuing a career in music are going hand-in-hand. When he returns from military training this fall, he later plans to attend the University of Mary for a double major in music and business. Ulness will do that by leaning on a treasure trove of earned incentives gained from swearing an oath to serve. From enlistment bonuses to education benefits and receiving job training applicable to civilian employment, now still is a great time to become a member of the North Dakota National Guard.

“Most applicants join the North Dakota Army National Guard for the 100 percent college tuition assistance or enlistment bonuses, which can amount up to $20,000. Others join because they want to be part of something bigger than themselves or because of family tradition,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jammy Ryckman, East Production Team officer-in-charge. “Either way, our new Soldiers are gaining valuable

Story by Staff Sgt. Eric W. Jensen, Joint Force HeadquartersPhotos by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

Part 2 of 3

Author’s Note: North Dakota National Guard recruiters continue to promote an array of benefits and incentives to entice new enlistees into the organization. In this second installment of a three-part recruiting and retention series, we explore some of the job skills, education benefits and military training applicable to civilian employment being offered to those with an interest in serving their communities, state and nation.

Opportunity Knocks: Wealth of Benefits, Incentives Offered Through National Guard Service

4 · Guardian · september 2015

leadership training and life experience to help them succeed on the civilian side. For example, we offer more than 60 military occupational specialties (MOS) and 85 Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) that an applicant can choose from. The leadership and job experience an enlistee receives in the Guard with set them apart from their peers competing for similar civilian jobs.”

Ulness, for example, received a $7,500 sign-on bonus and now qualifies for 100 percent college tuition reimbursement (offered by both the N.D. Air and Army National Guard) at North Dakota State University System schools and a payment of $600 each month through the G.I. Bill with Kicker. Recruiters say North Dakota Guardsmen — both Army and Air — largely are drawn to their prospective organizations because of rewarding education assistance. Making information available about those benefits is crucial to the recruiting mission. And one of the best ways to do that has been by word of mouth.

When UIness returned from his basic training experience, he pocketed an extra $1,000 for getting one of his friends to enlist into his same unit.

“He had been thinking about joining for a while, and I told him it was an important decision. I just helped him by answering

his questions about basic training and what it was like, and eventually, took him to a recruiter,” Ulness said.

The N.D. Army and Air National Guard have similar incentive programs in which Soldiers and Airmen can acquire cash bonuses for referring prospective enlistees to area recruiters. Funds now are available for the payout until June 2016 and are expected to help fill the organization’s ranks.

“We’ve always had a great referral source from within the unit, but I think that we have seen a good number of referrals (enlistees) come in from unit members who are definitely taking advantage of The Guardian Friend program,” said Master Sgt. Merri Jo “MJ” Filloon, 119th Wing Recruiting Officer supervisor. “It’s a great incentive to bring people in (the Guard). And it gives (applicants) a good point of contact to have somebody take them around the unit and really show them what happens here, and be introduced to a recruiter.”

In the July 2015 issue of the North Dakota Guardian, Army Guard recruiters invited teachers and school administrators to Camp Grafton Training Center to see how new enlistees in the Recruit Training Battalion spend their drill weekends. There, the educators also learned more about the benefits of Guard service. Particularly, they

were introduced to some of the vocational opportunities provided by attending military training at the 164th Regiment’s Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton Training Center.

By and large, the N.D. Air National Guard has a lot to offer potential enlistees, as well, especially in terms of new positions requiring military training that later can be used in the civilian work force. Upon transitioning from its manned flying mission, the 119th Wing has been recruiting for its new intelligence mission, culling expertise from Airmen in a range of job specialties, or Air Force Specialty Codes. The 119th Intelligence Group has sought out professionals who specialize in functions involved in collecting, producing and distributing data that has strategic, tactical, or technical value from an intelligence viewpoint. Many of the intelligence technical schools are some of the longest and most challenging in the Air Force, with lengthy follow-on courses.

“For Intel specifically, we’re looking for a lot of smart individuals, who have a pretty specific skill set. The analytical personality is what we’re looking for there,” Filloon said. “Those positions do require really high ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores, so we have to redirect and precision recruit to those individuals we know will meet the aptitude requirements for those jobs. In addition to that, they all require Top Secret security clearances, which is another challenge because not everyone can qualify for this level of clearance. So, finding that perfect applicant that comes into fulfill all those requirements can be hard.”

N.D. Air National Guard recruiters, though, have been successful in finding Airmen for tomorrow’s force. Filloon said the 119th Wing has found a lot of success gaining new recruits by visiting local high school and college classrooms that are focused on IT-related career fields. Recruiters make sure to stress that the technical training new Airmen receive from the Air Force can be parlayed into civilian employment later on. Having a Top Secret security clearance makes their resume attractive to employers, as well.

“The communications (intelligence field) is a big one right now that we’re pushing for. The possibility of being able to take the training they receive on the Guard side and make that useful to a civilian employer is

Above, Staff Sgt. Shelly Pherson, of the 119th Wing recruiting office, left, visits with a prospective recruit June 23 at the Fargo American Legion Post 2 and Fargo Jets baseball military appreciation night at Jack Williams Stadium in Fargo, North Dakota.Left, Blake Murphy (right) is sworn in as a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard June 27, 2013, by his dad, Maj. Dan Murphy (photographed as a captain), at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Fargo.


huge,” she said. “The Top Secret security clearance is also valuable to civilian employers when they’re looking for people to bring into that communications field, along with the training. There are certifications our Guardsmen receive during technical training that a civilian would wind up paying out of pocket for if they were to attend that same training on their own.”

However, Filloon said there are jobs open in a number of fields across the 119th Wing that can provide substantial work experience for new Airmen. For example, the N.D. Air National Guard’s fire department offers a list of training certifications through the Department of Defense Fire Academy, all of which can be used when applying for a civilian job in the fire service. That includes Firefighter I and II-level courses, which are basic requirements for joining any fire department. Airmen also receive Emergency Medical Responder Training; a HAZMAT, or hazardous materials, Awareness and Operations course and an Airport Rescue and Firefighting course.

Tech. Sgt. Greg Peterson is a N.D. Air National Guard recruiter in Minot and focuses much of his day-to-day attention on building the ranks of the 219th Security Forces Squadron. The unit works side-by-side with active-duty Airmen guarding nuclear missile facilities near Minot Air Force Base, a one-of-a-kind mission for members of the Air National Guard.

“We have opportunities here that most Air Guard units don’t. Because the 219th is the only unit that does this (field of work) in the Air National Guard. That’s a huge part (of recruiting) for us,” he said.

Those who decide to become members of the 219th are well positioned to complete an associate’s program in law enforcement through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). After new Security Forces Airmen attend basic training, technical school and Airmen Leadership School (to become an E-5), they can

For more information about enlistment and educational benefits in the N.D. Army National Guard, contact your local area recruiter. Their contact information can be found at ndguard.com, under the “Recruiting and Retention” tab, or call 701-333-3159. For the N.D. Air National Guard, call its recruiters at 1-800-972-8825.

complete five general studies courses through the CCAF to obtain a two-year degree with a major in criminal justice.

“What I tell people is ‘we’re going to get you halfway there,’” Peterson said. “It’s 100 percent free; doesn’t cost you a thing. And it’s an associate’s degree. The only thing they would need to do, other than the training that is required of them anyway, are those five (college) classes.”

Peterson said a good portion of new enlistees have come from recruiting active-duty personnel from the Minot Air Force Base. Air National Guard service gives active-duty members the option of staying in the military without making constant Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, moves. The reallocation of active-duty personnel to the 219th Security Forces Squadron has yielded a strong number of new enlistees. But Peterson still focuses his recruiting efforts in schools and businesses throughout the Minot area. Sometimes reaching that future Guardsman can be a challenge.

“We’re in a unique situation. We’re a new unit up here, so you lose some of that big awareness (about the National Guard) that Fargo or even the Army Guard has being around for so long,” he said. “Our unit is only eight years old. A big thing for us is trying to generate that public awareness (about the Air National Guard). Instead of us having to go out and find people, it has people come out and find us.”

And if it’s opportunity that a recent graduate or potential enlistee is looking for, they’re sure to find it in the N.D. National Guard.

From left to right 219th Security Forces Squadron members Airman 1st Class Angela Lage, Senior Airman Tyler Waltz and Airman 1st Class Alex Pauling inspect equipment at a Minot Air Force Base launch facility May 20 as the perform a sweep of the area for anything suspicious. They performed the real-world mission of missile field security while training for their war-time tasking mission during their annual trainin in Minot, North Dakota.


Taking care of Soldiers and Airmen is the top priority in the North Dakota National Guard. In order to ensure a resilient force, Guardsmen must watch out for each other. This month, which is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the N.D. National Guard Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention (R3SP) office reminds Guardsmen to remain vigilant in regards to the wellbeing of others. If you suspect someone might be suicidal, do not hesitate to act.

Suicide can be an uncomfortable topic to approach for many people, but it is also an uncomfortable feeling to experience for at-risk individuals. If you suspect that someone might be suicidal, it’s alright to ask them about it. In fact, it’s encouraged. People in that situation often are overwhelmed by negative thoughts and might be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

Are you thinking of killing yourself ? It’s a yes or no question. Imagine the relief the person at risk might feel, knowing that someone cares enough about them to ask such a thing. When you ask a person if they are thinking of suicide, provide some background regarding your inquiry. Address any suicidal ideations or statements you noticed, such as, “They would be better off without me,” “I can’t do this anymore,” or “I feel like nothing will get better.”

Once you ask the question, be prepared to listen. Don’t judge the individual, don’t make any promises you can’t keep and ensure the person that you will be there through the process of getting help or until you can get them to a safe place or to another person that will keep them safe.

There are many myths about suicide that we, as a force, need to try to dispel:

Myth: Suicides occur with little or no warning.

Fact: While some do occur this way, most individuals thinking about suicide will provide verbal or nonverbal indicators. Some may be subtle and some more obvious.

Myth: A suicidal person clearly wants to die.

Fact: Most people are ambivalent about their intentions up to the point of dying. The majority do not want to die. Instead, they want their pain to stop.

Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea to complete suicide.

Fact: By talking about suicide, you open a door for a person thinking about completing suicide to feel safe talking about their feelings.

Myth: Treatment does not cut the risk of suicide.

Fact: Effective mental health treatment of any underlying psychiatric disorder is very important and can reduce suicidal thoughts.If you or someone you know is in treatment and you are not seeing improvement, explore a new regimen of treatment.

Since 2003, there have been 18 suicides within the North Dakota National Guard. In 2014, 133 people died by suicide in North Dakota, 19 of whom served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

If you have any questions regarding suicide prevention training resources, please contact the North Dakota National Guard Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Jared Klempel, at 701-333-3080 or the R3SP Manager, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Shelly Sizer, at 701-333-3295.

If you are or know of some at risk of suicide, please use the resources below.

Be a LifelineBy Staff Sgt. Jared KlempelNorth Dakota Army National Guard Medical Detachment


kATRINA: tEN yEARS lATER

With the passing of the ten-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we are hearing stories about how it affected Louisiana and its residents. Some may not know how it affected the North Dakota Air National Guard, and I thought it would be a good time to share that story.

Katrina hit the Louisiana coast on Aug. 29, 2005, with 125 mph winds and devastated the city of New Orleans. As the scope of the disaster was becoming evident, authorities realized that they were going to need much more help responding to the needs of the people and the community. The National Guard Bureau (NGB) requested the assistance of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) of the North Dakota Air National Guard.

On Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, at 9:10 a.m., the NGB made contact with Tech. Sgt. Veril Larson, who was the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force, or PRIME BEEF, manager for the 119th CES in Fargo. NGB representatives told him that he should begin preparing and assembling the entire 55-man PRIME BEEF team. Shortly after noon that day, NGB called again and basically said, “Do it.” So, on Friday afternoon, before the long Labor Day weekend, the recall process began,

Story by Chief Master Sgt. Ben Bush, North Dakota State Command ChiefPhotos by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, 119th Wing

Tech. Sgt Jody Saatoff, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, works on power cables Sep. 12, 2005, to supply power to personnel tents erected in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Site in Gulfport, Mississippi.


the team reported to the 119th Wing and was in place by 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning to start the mobilization process. They knew where they were going, but had no idea how long they would be there.

That Sunday, the team started loading equipment. First, two flatbed semi-trailers were filled. After the semis were full, a C-130 transport plane was loaded. While this was going on, a C-5 Galaxy was brought in. The aircraft was then loaded with abound 115,000 pounds of equipment, the engineering team and four other volunteers from shops on base. That plane left Fargo at 3:00 p.m. that day.

Not long after the C-5 was airborne, Larson was notified that a second C-5 was on its way and would be in Fargo in two hours. That afternoon and into the evening, the remaining engineers were busy prepping more equipment to deploy. On Monday morning, the second C-5 was loaded with about 110,000 pounds of equipment and nine Armed Services

personnel. The plane departed at 2:30 p.m. that day. Later in the week, a 15-passenger van carrying Col.

(Chaplain) John Flowers, his assistant, one photographer, two more engineers and supplies left to drive to Gulfport, Mississippi.

While the civil engineers were most involved in the mission, this enormous task could not have been accomplished without help from around the base and even beyond. The Base Supply, Aerospace Ground Equipment, Wing Plans and Contracting sections were big contributors, as well as Airmen from the Grand Forks Areo-Port.

These Happy Hooligans dropped their holiday plans at a moment’s notice and left their jobs and families — not knowing for how long — to help a community and people in desperate need. And that is the very essence of what makes the National Guard one of the greatest organizations that this country has to offer!

North Dakota Airmen return to Fargo, North Dakota, Oct. 17, 2005, after a six-week delployment to Gulfport, Mississippi, in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Senior Airman Nikolas Guttormson, of the 119th Fighter Wing, removes sheetrock from a Hurricane Katrina flood-damaged home Sep.14, 2005, in D’Iberville, Mississippi.

An aerial photo, dated Sep. 15, 2005, shows storm damage along the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi, from Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Louisiana coast Aug. 29, 2005. In September of that year, 55 members of the North Dakota Air National Guard deployed for a six-week mission to assist with the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.


The North Dakota Army National Guard’s 2015 Best Warrior Competition came to a close Aug. 23 after 22 Guardsmen from across the state tested their Soldiering skills during three days of military tasks and challenges at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Staff Sgt. Michael Tavis, of Mandan, North Dakota, a member of the Grand Forks-based 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was the winner of the state-level Best Warrior Competition in the noncommissioned officer category. In the enlisted-level competition, Sgt. Colin Dunn, of Hettinger, North Dakota, a member of the Dickinson-based 816th Engineer Company (Horizontal), took top honors.

“You all belong to an elite group from within the North Dakota Army National Guard’s ranks, and you are all winners,” said Col. Robert Fode, the North Dakota National Guard’s Army Component commander, who addressed the Best Warrior competitors during an awards ceremony. “By participating in this

tough competition, you all deserve to be recognized as leaders within our organization, and I thank you for your participation and warrior spirit. Be proud of what you have accomplished. To the winners, we wish you the best of luck in further competition and know you will do well.”

Soldiers representing their units must first win in their respective major commands in order to vie for the “Best Warrior” title during the state-level competition. According to State Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Heim, the event this year was designed to determine winners based on the “total-Soldier” concept. The victors had to demonstrate a mastery of multiple Soldier skills — tasks designed to challenge both physically and mentally — to outdo their competitors.

On Friday, Aug. 21, the Guardsmen arrived and immediately immersed themselves in the competition by participating in the Army Physical Fitness Test. The following day, the competitors spent their morning answering a barrage of questions on current

North Dakota Soldiers Vie for Top Honors During Best Warrior Competition

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

Pvt. 1st Class Calvin Miller, of the 818th Engineer Company, is evaluated on Modern Army Combatives techniques during the “Warrior Stakes” portion of the Best Warrior Competition.

Spc. Stephen Johnson, of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, assembles an M 16 assult rifle while blindfolded last month during the N.D. National Guard Best Warrior Competition.


events and military-related topics in front of a board of sergeants major and also were evaluated on their wear of the military dress uniform. From there, they moved to Camp Grafton Training Center’s land navigation course where they were tasked with finding map grid locations using a compass.

“It was an excellent competition with great Soldiers,” Tavis said. “The land navigation course was challenging and increased the degree of difficulty, which made us (the Soldiers) really compete, work hard and dig deep. Overall, it was good to see what we were able to do as all-around Soldiers competing against one another.”

Saturday’s outing to the land navigation course was followed by an event titled “Warrior Stakes.” Competitors darted through Camp Grafton’s Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, site where they were tested on tactical movements on foot, Modern Army Combatives techniques and using a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, or SINCGARS, radio.

The final day of competition, Sunday, got progressively more challenging, with the final event being foreshadowed to the Guardsmen as a “mystery challenge.” The competitors, without knowing what they were up against, marched to locations across Camp Grafton, stopping at checkpoints to lead their own assigned squad of Soldiers through team-building obstacles while being timed and evaluated on their leadership abilities.

“This was a very interesting year of competition. The enthusiasm for this weekend’s event, with 22 Soldiers participating, has not been seen in recent years,” Heim said. “We had a lot of support from our staff within the North Dakota National Guard to run the event, and we wanted to make it as challenging as we could to help our winners prepare themselves for the next level of competition. Because, from here, it doesn’t get any easier.”

The winners now will prepare for the regional competition held in June 2016. The Soldiers will compete against Guard Soldiers from seven other states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Regional winners go on to compete in the All-Guard Competition and, if they win there, they compete in the All-Army Competition.

Should the winners not be able to compete, they will be replaced by the runners-up from the state competition. This year, Sgt. Jordan Gehlhar, of Lauderdale, Minnesota, a member of the Jamestown-based 817th Engineer Company (Sapper), was the runner-up in the noncommissioned officer category. Spc. Tara Loomer, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, a member of the Bismarck-based 814th Medical Company (Area Support), took the runner-up position at the enlisted level.

Sgt. Colin Dunn finds map grid locations during the Best Warrior Competition land navigation course Aug. 22 at the Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Soldiers run during the Army Physical Fitness Test Aug. 21 at the Camp Grafton Training Center to begin the 2015 Best Warrior Competition. Twenty two Guardsmen from across the state participated in the three-day event.

Spc. Dalton Morel, left, of Detachment D, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, executes his plan to transport people and goods last month during a team-building obstacle course at the Best Warrior Competition.


By Capt. Jeff Hoffer,N.D. National Guard Historian

Deep in the jungle at Guadalcanal, 1st Lt. Harold Bruschwein adjusts to life at war, contending with attacks from Japanese bombers and troops. Additionally, his company encounters some of the island’s animal inhabitants. The episodes provide some comic relief during tense days.

PROUD TO SERVE

While Tokyo Rose and Stars and Stripes offered news about what was going on around the world, lighthearted moments provided some levity between operations, when the American Soldiers and Marines struggled as much with the jungle and disease as they did with the Japanese. One of these moments occurred in the middle of the night in a canvas tent situated in a sort of bivouac area behind American lines.

“We were camped by a little stream coming out of the main line by the coast, and they set us officers up in a tent. Maybe four or six of us in that tent,” Bruschwein said. “And that night in particular, there were was an awful racket. Something was throwing things — like rifles and equipment we had stacked in the tent — all over the place. We got a flashlight on and there was this six- or eight-foot alligator making its way out. This alligator wandered into our tent, then realized where he was and started thrashing about, sending stuff flying all over.”

Aside from alligators, Guadalcanal’s rats also posed a problem.

“They’d follow the guide wires from the top of the tent and follow them down to the ground where equipment, supplies and food were stored,” Bruschwein said. “We’d lie traps for them, but they kept coming in. One morning, just before

dawn, we woke up to someone shooting a few rounds in one the tents. This was something you just didn’t do. But this guy was sitting on a stool with his flashlight on and his rifle out and was shooting these rats that were coming across the wall. That called for an investigation!”

Despite the humor of these anecdotes, when Bruschwein tells his experiences on Guadalcanal, the theme of stress through combat leadership remains apparent.

“When I’d send out a patrol, I’d take a turn with my lieutenants. This one lieutenant I had was the father of twin girls back home, depending on him. Every time I sent out a patrol with his name on it, I’d be concerned. Does this make me a good commander or a bad commander?” he wondered aloud.

Lt. Col. David Bruschwein, Harold Bruschwein’s son and present commander of the 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot, remembers hearing his father’s accounts

of leaving Guadalcanal. Harold told about one occasion on the Pacific island of Tulagi, where Company A was sent to resupply and reorganize following combat on Guadalcanal. He recounted how his father and a friend went to a local south Pacific watering hole for a beer. While there, the pair of Army officers ran into several Navy officers, mostly torpedo boat commanders. As the group made their introductions, one of the Navy lieutenants offered his hand to the elder Bruschwein

and introduced himself as Jack Kennedy, son of the U.S. ambassador to England. Jack Kennedy turned out to be Lt. John F. Kennedy, the future 35th President of the United States.

“At the time the incident occurred,” David said, “Kennedy wasn’t the president, just the kid of the U.S. ambassador to England.”

David said Harold and his friend were bombarded with questions from the young Navy officers who wanted to know what ‘the ‘Canal’ was like, captivating their attention despite Kennedy being present.

“Dad would smile whenever he told that story,” David said. “Then he’d say, ‘maybe we embellished the story a little.’”

Shortly after departing Guadalcanal in mid-1943, Harold Bruschwein fell ill and was sent back to the United States. He spent the next fifteen months in a series of hospitals before receiving a medical discharge in December 1944.

The war may not have been over, but with his experiences at Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal, Bruschwein had contributed more than his fair share, despite the fact that he wanted to continue his service.

After he returned home to Driscoll following his discharge, Bruschwein was approached by members of the Driscoll School Board, whose high school principal had just resigned, and talked him into becoming their new principal.

“...I have seen the beauty of life and the love of living.”

Part 3 of 3 of a Historical Series

Bruschwein Reflects on his Military Experience


“I told them I’m not a teacher,” Bruschwein said. “Their response was, ‘you have a degree, and the state says you can teach high school.’”

Bruschwein relented and told them that he’d run the office for them until they found someone else.

“But,” he said, “They never did.” By the following spring, Bruschwein

was enjoying the work as it was something different.

“So, I went back to summer school and got enough education to get my accreditation so I could teach and be principal,” he said.

But its Bruschwein’s experiences in the military, not education, that clearly stand out in his mind and continue to shape his life. Since departing military service in late 1944, Bruschwein maintains membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

When asked what his most meaningful decoration was during his military service, Bruschwein listed numerous honors. The first that came to his mind was a medallion he received from Congress, presented to Pearl Harbor survivors on the 50th anniversary of the attack. His Combat Infantry Badge was another. After sitting quietly for a couple minutes, Bruschwein also mentioned the Silver Star. When asked about the circumstances surrounding earning the honor, he said, “One of my platoons was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. They couldn’t move forward or back. They couldn’t do anything. So, I borrowed a platoon from another company and went forward and got those men out of there.”

With the awful surprise of Pearl Harbor and the brutal and unforgiving experiences of Guadalcanal now decades behind him, Bruschwein is thankful for life. It ’s been a life he has dedicated to service to his community and nation.

“I can sit back here and say that, for the rest of this life, that I have seen the beauty of life and the love of living,”

Remembering back to his friend’s death and his own close call with the Japanese sniper, Bruschwein said, “I would have had none of that had he picked me off. I just hope that I’ve done some good in this world.”

“I just hope that I’ve done some good in this world.”

Contributed photo


Nestled between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountain ranges on the Western part of the Caspian Sea, lies the country of Atropia, which expands over an area of 32,200 square miles. This country, driven by its oil and natural gas production, is at war with the country of Ariana. For four months the 141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) has been involved in the military decision making process (MDMP) to develop the courses of action used by the command and control element, which oversees five task forces of more than 4,000 Soldiers to occupy this war-torn nation, forcing out the Arianans and liberating Atropia.

After months of planning, preparing and executing operational orders and developing courses of action for military occupation in this fictional war, more than 300 Soldiers participated in a 3-week War Fighter exercise in August during their annual training at the Maneuver Training Center (MTC) in Camp Dodge, Iowa. Supported by MTC civilian support staff, Soldiers of the 141st MEB and the 231st Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) demonstrated their war-time capabilities in a training environment which provided an opportunity to prepare for real-world scenarios.

The first week of training focused on using the MDMP process for course of action development, from which the brigade operation order was created. The next stage of preparation for the War Fighting exercise was a combined arms rehearsal, in which subordinate plans were synchronized with those of other units to ensure that the plans achieved the intent of the higher commander. Then, the 141st MEB and 231st BSB went to war.

As fictional troops moved down range in three phases, route clearance, infantry support and medical and logistical support, the battle drills rolled on in. A battle drill is a rehearsal that ensures that all participants understand techniques and procedures for

their specific area of operations. As the war progressed, each section was busy addressing real-world war scenarios including damaged and missing equipment, troops killed and wounded in action, intelligence gathering, personnel reporting and management, Red Cross messaging, small arms fires, airspace management, plans, protection, maintenance, legal actions, mortuary affairs, public affairs, chaplain services and technical systems support.

“The Maneuver Training Center provided a dynamic training environment with very realistic scenarios,” said Maj. Mark Topp, 231st BSB Executive Officer. “The doctrinal training Team are truly subject matter experts, very professional and were integral in preparing our staff for the training. The BSB Staff embraced the training opportunity, continually improving products, processes and communication.”

Throughout the exercise, Soldiers were able to perform their war-time roles. As a result, their culminated efforts enhanced the overall effectiveness of the 141st MEB as a command and control element. Additionally, the exercise provided an opportunity for each section – from the unit ministry team to the mess section, which prepared nearly 10,270 meals in an 11-day period – to demonstrate and evaluate their capabilities.

“I think this was a better learning experience than anyone could have ever expected,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chris Lemke, 141st MEB operations sergeant. “Having live troops (from the 231st BSB) on the ground made the experience that much more realistic, as you could see how the decisions made had an effect on the operations of the subordinate units. It was a great teambuilding experience to bring the Soldiers together and show what this unit is capable of.”

Soldiers with the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conduct an update briefing during a War Fighter Exercise held last month during the unit’s annual training at the Maneuver Training Center in Camp Dodge, Iowa.

Photo by Sgt. Erin Walters, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

War FightingGuard Soldiers Convene in Iowa for 3-week ‘Wartime’ Scenario

Story and photo by Sgt. Erin Walters, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade


Master Sergeants Derrick Grenz, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Amber Rolph, of the 119 Support Group, are showing unique initiative in ending a 26-year Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy in-residence drought for the Happy Hooligan.

North Dakota Air National Guard members have been doing their Senior NCO preparatory ‘course 14, version 6’ for many years by distance learning through correspondence, which is a requirement for master sergeants to be promotable to senior master sergeant.

U.S. Air Force active duty and Air National Guard members have been required to take the course 14 correspondence course in order to be accepted for the in-residence course in the past, but the school is offering a pilot program for the second half of fiscal year 2015 combining the correspondence course with the in-residence Advanced Leadership Experience (ALE) course at the Senior NCO academy at Air University, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, for the first time.

The ALE is focused on a more hands-on approach to leadership training at the in-residence school.

“I feel like I learn better with a hands-on approach to training, rather than just reading about things in a book,” said Grenz, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron and is the North Dakota Air National Guard Regional Training Site training manager.

Grenz and Rolph are among the first to have the opportunity to go to the in-residence senior NCO academy without taking the course 14 correspondence course first, and the pilot program has not been extended into fiscal year 2016 so far.

“There might be an evaluation process to determine whether blended course 14 and in-residence senior NCO academy is a good way to do the training,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Miller, the 119 Wing noncommissioned officer-in-charge of training.

The ALE has not been required for promotion once the unit

member has passed the course 14, version 6 correspondence. So, there has been little interest in taking ALE in-residence once members have completed the correspondence course.

Grenz and Rolph had to send in a pretty extensive application package in order to be accepted into the program.

“I think the application package requirements might have kept some people from applying,” said Rolph.

According to the SNCO Academy website, the changes were made to incorporate better ways of learning by blending technology with time-tested ways of training, and making better use of time to shorten training whenever possible to save money.

“We spent the first week to ten days covering the course 14 material, pretty much on our own, and then we moved into the ALE with a course instructor present, but on more of a student driven basis. The activities included leadership scenarios we might encounter in our jobs,” said Grenz.

“I believe there were about 325 students at the school, with 26 flights and we had 12 in my flight, with 2 from the Reserves and 2 from the Guard (in the flight),” said Grenz.

The 119 Wing first sergeants and base training office were active in getting the word out to unit members about the opportunity.

Announcements were made at unit training assembly commander’s calls, and postings were made on the base Sharepoint website.

Several inquiries were made by unit members at the training office, but only Grenz and Rolph took it upon themselves to submit packages and were accepted.

They might both be among a small group to leap at the opportunity and reap the benefits of a brief training window with the blended courses at the Senior NCO Academy ¬— or they might be the trail-blazers for a new way of accomplishing professional military education for North Dakota Air National Guard members. Time will tell whether it becomes the preferred way of doing the training.

Airmen End 26-Year DroughtGrenz and Rolph First Hooligans in Nearly Three Decades to Attend In-Residence Senior NCO CourseBy Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, 119th Wing


GUARDIANSnapshotsVisit www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/.

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Staff Sgt. Jacob Backer, of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, uses a crane to place a concrete barrier into a target area Aug. 19 at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site, Fargo, North Dakota.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota Adjutant General, speaks at a kick off event at the North Dakota Herritege Center in Bismarck to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

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

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, Joint Force Headquarters

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Marchus, 119th Public Affairs Detachment

Lt. Col. Julie Thomas, center, assumes command of 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Secuiryt & Support) from outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Paul Helten, Sep. 13 as Col. Scott Fontaine, 68th Troop Command commander, left, presides over the ceremony held at the Army Aviation Support Facilitity in Bismarck, North Dakota.


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Email high-resolution photosto Sgt. Jennifer Joyce, N.D. Guardian

editor, at [email protected].

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Josie and Jesse Orgaard place dog tags at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism in memory of their son, Tyler, who was killed in action in 2012, during a memorial ceremony Sep. 11 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Tech. Sgt. Scott Heldt, right, and Senior Airman Jordan Haller, both of the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, trouble shoot and repair a reverse osmosis water purification unit equipment Aug. 19 at the N.D. Air National Guard Regional Training Site in Fargo.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Marchus, 119th Public Affairs Detachment



NewsBriefsN.D. Airmen Named Region IIProduction Recruiter of the Year

Guard Bureau’s Assistant Joint SurgeonVisitis North Dakota

Rear Admiral Joan Hunter, who serves as the Assistant Joint Surgeon at the National Guard Bureau, Joint Surgeon General’s Office - Psychological Health at the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C., recently spoke with North Dakota National Guard members about mental and behavioral health.

Hunter spoke about behavioral health challenges, solutions and opportunities facing the National Guard and its behavioral health program. She emphasized the importance of getting Guardsmen the help they need and developing the community services to care for military members and their families. Admiral Hunter was in North Dakota to present at the State Health and Behavioral

Health Conference, where she shared her insight and thoughts with members of the civilian mental health community.

“It takes a community to help our service members,” she said. “It’s not only identifying the issue but helping the service members get help.”

Rear Admiral Hunter has been tasked to “build” the National Guard’s psychological health program by placing a director of psychological health in every state, wing and territory while working with partners to direct services to mitigate the psychological health needs of Guard members and their families.

Find More Guard News Online! www.ndguard.com

Tech. Sgt. Tyrel Cale, a recruiter for the North Dakota National Guard’s Fargo-based 119th Wing, was recently named the Air National Guard’s Region II Production Recruiter of the Year.

Cale, who has consistently surpassed individual recruiting goals, had already been recognized as the North Dakota Air National Guard recruiter of the year for 2014. In fiscal year 2014 alone, Cale recruited 35 new members into the Air National Guard, with 34 of those Airmen joining the 119th Wing and one Airman joining the 148th Fighter Wing, based in Duluth, Minn.

“I would have to say my favorite part of the job is seeing recruits after they’ve returned from training,” Cale said. “Seeing them working on a drill weekend, succeeding in their jobs and enjoying what they do as a member of the Air National Guard is fulfilling. Helping them get into the Guard, where there are lots of opportunities for new recruits is great, but seeing them succeed in the Air Guard, in general, is what makes it easy to get up in the morning.”

Cale’s involvement in the community is one reason that he’s found success as a recruiter in the military. He has participated in outreach programs for local churches, and he is an active member of the local American Legion chapter.

In addition, Cale has maintained strong relationships with local schools. In fiscal year 2014, he conducted 69 high school visits and 18 college visits. Beyond connecting with recruits from his office at the Air National Guard base in Fargo, Cale is often traveling to various locations throughout the state to meet with students and build awareness of opportunities in the Guard.

Cale said that qualified leads coming from current 119th Wing members have been key to building a strong force.

“It’s a team effort,” Cale said. “Referrals are the bread and butter of our recruiting efforts. And, beyond helping build a great team, current Air Guard members can earn a bonus for sharing good leads.”

As part of program called Guardian Friend, Airmen can earn a $1,000 bonus, between now and June 2016, if they refer an eventual enlistee to the recruiting office.


Tech. Sgt. Tyrel Cale, of the 119th Wing, was named the North Dakota Air National Guard Recruiter of the Year for Fiscal Year 2014 for outstanding overall recruiting performance. He alsow was selected as the Fiscal Year 2014 Production Recruiter of the Year for Region Two of the Air National Guard’s five regions. This award eligibility is determined by recruiting production, job knowledge and leadership abilities, self-improvement and community and base involvement.


Chaplains’ Corner:

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

One day an old dog lost his way while chasing rabbits. Soon he noticed a lion in the distance running towards him with a hungry look in his eye. Noticing some bones on the ground close by, the dog immediately settled down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the lion was about to leap, the old dog exclaimed, “That was one delicious lion! I wonder if there are any more around here.”

Upon hearing this, the young lion stopped mid-stride and hurried to safety in the trees. A squirrel who had been watching from a nearby tree knew the dog’s tricks and decided to trade his knowledge for protection from the lion. Catching up with the lion, he explained what happened and struck a deal. The young lion was furious at being made a fool of and said, “Hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine!”

The old dog spied the lion coming with the squirrel on his back. Instead of running, he sat down with his back to the pair, pretending he hadn’t seen them yet. When they got close enough to hear, the old dog said, “Where’s that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another lion!”

This “old dog” had a lifetime of experience and knew that he was physically no match for the king of the jungle. Had he ran, he’d have been a quick lunch for this strong and hungry lion. This dog, however, proves that with age comes wisdom. He had to use his wits to meet, deal with and go through this very precarious situation.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m faced with scary, difficult and very uncertain situation, I confess that I’m not always as quick on my feet as I’d like to be. Why? Because, like the old

dog, the situation confronts me and I have nowhere to turn. I simply have to face it. I could try to ignore the situation (whatever it might be), but that’s not usually the best course of action.

So, how do we gain and maintain the wisdom and ability to face life’s uncertainties and challenges? Part of the answer is to simply live life. “We live and learn,” as they say. But I want to argue we must do more than “react” to life and its challenges. We need to be intentional in all areas of our lives. In the military, we plan, practice and plan some more so that we become proficient in our respective jobs. We also maintain ourselves physically and mentally so that we can meet the demands of our professions. But we are also spiritual people. How can we grow in this area?

From a religious perspective, what that means to me is that I need to have an ongoing connection with God and have people of faith in my life to build and maintain a strong foundation for all that life throws my way. Maintaining these connections, for me, is life-giving. So, when those “lions” sneak up on me (and they have and will continue to do so) I have a foundation to face them. It may not always be pretty, but I have what I need to endure hardship and maintain strength, even if I don’t always feel like it. Do you?

Blessings,Chaplain Johnson

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

REMAINING STRONG WHILE FACING ADVERSITY

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Johnson places a rose at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism Sep. 11, 2013, in Bismarck, North Dakota, during a candle light vigil remembrance ceremony.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, Joint Force Headquarters


SoundOff!

1st Lt. David Stein and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lawson, both of the Minot-based 164th Forward Support Company, while supervised by an instructor sling a non-functioning high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) to a UH 60 Blackhawk last month during the unit’s annual training and the Sustainment Training Center at Camp Dodge, Iowa.

Photo by Spc. Deidra Steele, 164th Forward Support Company

ND Guardian Sept. 2015

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Transcript of ND Guardian Sept. 2015