Medium
Accordion Section Title
Adjutant General

Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann

Adjutant General

Major General Alan S. Dohrmann assumed duties as adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard in December 2015. As adjutant general, Major General Dohrmann commands more than 4,100 North Dakota Soldiers and Airmen and supervises approximately 1,325 full-time federal and state employees. He also serves as the Director of Emergency Services consisting of two Divisions; the Division of Homeland Security, and the Division of State Radio Communications.

Prior to his current assignment, General Dohrmann served as the deputy adjutant general from November 2010 to December 2015. From 2009 to 2010, he was assigned as the Commanding General, Multinational Task Force East, Camp Bondsteeel, Kosovo. General Dohrmann also commanded the North Dakota National Guard Land Component Command and served as the North Dakota Army National Guard’s Chief of Staff. Major General Dohrmann was commissioned in 1983 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

 

EDUCATION:

1983 Minnesota State University, Bachelor of Science, Law Enforcement, Mankato, Minnesota

1993 University of North Dakota School Of Law, Juris Doctorate, Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota

2002 Tufts University, United States Army War College Fellowship Program, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Medford, Massachusetts

2005 Joint Forces Staff College, Joint and Combined Warfighting, Norfolk, Virginia

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. May 1984 - June 1985, Rifle Platoon Leader, Company A, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division, Gelnhausen, Germany

2. June 1985 - February 1986, Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, Company E, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division, Gelnhausen, Germany

3. February 1986 - August 1986, Scout Platoon Leader, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division, Gelnhausen, Germany

4. August 1986 - September 1987, Executive Officer, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division, Gelnhausen, Germany

5. September 1987 - June 1989, Communications/Electronics Staff Officer, Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Okinawa, Japan

6. July 1989 - July 1990, Signal Officer, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Okinawa, Japan

7. May 1991 - August 1992, Assistant Operations Officer, Headquarters, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Valley City, North Dakota

8. August 1992 - August 1993, S-2 Officer, Headquarters, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Valley City, North Dakota

9. August 1993 - August 1995, Senior Instructor, Detachment 2, Headquarters State Area Command, (Military Academy), Devils Lake, North Dakota

10. August 1995 - August 1996, Regiment Operations Officer, North Dakota Army National Guard Regional Training Institute, Devils Lake, North Dakota

11. August 1996 - August 1998, S-3 Officer, Headquarters, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion Valley City, North Dakota

12. August 1998 - January 1999, Executive Officer, Headquarters, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion Valley City, North Dakota

13. January 1999 - July 2001, Joint Judge Advocate General, State Area Command, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota

14. July 2001 - June 2002, Student, Student Detachment, United States Army War College, with duty at Fletcher School, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts

15. June 2002 - June 2004, Staff Judge Advocate, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota

16. July 2004 - June 2005, Command Judge Advocate, Kosovo Force 6A, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

17. June 2005 - June 2006, Director of Personnel, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota

18. June 2006 - October 2006, Joint Chief of Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota

19. October 2006 - August 2009, Commander, Land Component Command, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota

20. August 2009 - October 2010, Commanding General, Task Force Falcon, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

21. November 2010 – December 2015, Assistant Adjutant General - Army, North Dakota National Guard, North Dakota Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck North Dakota

22. December 2015 – Present, Adjutant General - Army, North Dakota National Guard, North Dakota Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck North Dakota

 

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)

Army Achievement Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)

National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

Kosovo Campaign Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Silver Hourglass and M Device)

Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 4)

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (Kosovo)

Army Superior Unit Award

North Dakota State Legion of Merit

North Dakota State Meritorious Service Medal

North Dakota National Guard Service Ribbon (with Silver Hourglass)

North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon

Expert Infantryman Badge

Parachutist Badge

Accordion Section Title
Deputy Adjutant General

 

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber

Deputy Adjutant General

Accordion Section Title
Army Commander

Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson

Commander, Land Component Command

Accordion Section Title
Assistant Adjutant General for Air
Brig. Gen. Darrin Anderson

Brig. Gen. Darrin Anderson

Assistant Adjutant General

Brigadier General Darrin Anderson is the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, N.D. He is responsible for the development and coordination of policies, plans and programs affecting the nearly 1,200 authorized personnel of the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG) who execute world class MQ-9 precision attack and reconnaissance, kinetic and non-kinetic target intelligence production, as well as expeditionary support capabilities for the nation and state.

Brig. Gen. Anderson began his military career in 1983 when he enlisted in the NDANG as a security specialist. He commissioned in 1995 through the Academy of Military Science, and served as an intelligence officer from 1995 to 2003, supporting the homeland defense mission of the 119th Fighter Wing. He deployed several times in support of Operation Coronet Nighthawk, and was activated for Operation Noble Eagle after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2003, he transitioned to the aircraft maintenance officer career field, supporting flying missions with the F-16, C-21 and MQ-1 over a 10 year period. Brig. Gen. Anderson served as Maintenance Group Deputy Commander from 2007 to 2013, and as Commander, 119th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group from 2013 to 2018, where he was responsible for more than 200 authorized personnel conducting kinetic and non-kinetic target development and finished intelligence production. Prior to his current position, he served as Commander of the 119th Wing. Brig. Gen. Anderson is a 2012 graduate of the USAF Air War College. He is a native of Valley City, N.D.

EDUCATION

1987 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D.

1990 Associate Degree in Industrial Security, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

1995 Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson AFB, Tenn.

2001 Squadron Officers School Distance Learning Program, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

2006 USAF Aircraft Mishap Investigation Course, Kirtland AFB, N.M.

2007 Air Command and Staff College, Distance Learning Program, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

2012 Master of Science Strategic Studies, Air War College Senior Developmental Education Program, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

2016 Reserve Component National Security Course, Ft McNair, Washington D.C.

2018 Air National Guard Commander Development Course, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Mar 1983 – July 1994, Security Specialist, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Fargo, N.D.

2. July 1994 – January 2003, Intelligence Operations Specialist, Fargo, N.D.

3. January 2003 – July 2005, 119th Sortie Generation Flight Commander, Fargo, N.D.

4. July 2005 – February 2007, 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander, Fargo, N.D.

5. February 2007 – September 2013, 119th Maintenance Group Deputy Commander, Fargo, N.D.

6. October 2013 – August 2018, 119th ISR Group Commander, Fargo, N.D.

7. August 2018 – March 2021, 119th Wing Commander, Fargo, N.D.

8. April 2021 – Present, Assistant Adjutant General Air, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, N.D.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 18 oak leaf clusters

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with four clusters

National Defense Service Medal with one device

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with eight clusters

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one M Device

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon one device

Air Force Training Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Second Lieutenant Feb. 23, 1995

First Lieutenant Feb. 23, 1997

Captain May 23, 1999

Major Aug. 17, 2003

Lieutenant Colonel Nov. 29, 2007

Colonel Oct.1, 2013

Brigadier General Apr. 10, 2021

Accordion Section Title
Chief of Staff - Air

Brig. Gen. Tad Schauer

Chief of Staff – Air, North Dakota

Brigadier General Tad Schauer is the North Dakota National Guard Assistant Adjutant General for Air. His responsibilities include ensuring overall unit readiness and ability to rapidly provide Airmen to support operational plans and contingency operations. He also supports the state with domestic operations response capabilities when directed by the Governor of North Dakota. He serves as principal advisor to the Adjutant General for all matters pertaining to the North Dakota Air National Guard.
Brigadier General Schauer entered the North Dakota Air National Guard on February 1, 1986 as an airman in the Propulsion Branch of the 119th Component Maintenance Flight. He attended North Dakota State University and was commissioned through the Academy of Military Science, Knoxville, Tenn. He has over 37 years of military service. He was selected to command and stand up the 219th Security Forces Squadron, a first of its kind Total Force Integration unit supporting the nuclear enterprise. Prior to his current position, Col Schauer served as the Director of Staff - Air, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D.


EDUCATION
1987 Federal Aviation Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic,
Dakota Aero Tech, Fargo, N.D.
1989 Federal Aviation Certified Multi-Engine, Commercial, Instrument
Pilot, Fargo, N.D.
1991 Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, North Dakota State
University, Fargo, N.D.
1991 Associate Degree, Jet Engine Technology, Community College of the Air Force Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2000 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2007 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2016 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence


ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 1986–February 1994, Jet Engine Mechanic, 119th Component Maintenance Flight, Fargo, N.D.
2. February 1994–September 1999, Operations Officer, 119th Security Police Squadron, Fargo, N.D.
3. September 1999–October 2004, Commander, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Fargo, N.D.
4. October 2004–November 2006, Flight Commander, 119th Component Maintenance Flight, Fargo, N.D.
5. November 2006–June 2007, Commander, 119th Maintenance Squadron, Fargo, N.D.
6. June 2007–December 2018, Commander, 219th Security Forces Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
7. December 2018–April 2021, Director of Military Support, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D.
8. April 2021–January 2023, Director of Staff, Air, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D.
9. January 2023 - Present, Assistant Adjutant General – Air, North Dakota National Guard


SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2018–10 April 2021 Director of Military Support, Joint Force Headquarters, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D., as a
Colonel

Accordion Section Title
Chief of Staff - Army
Lien

 

Col. Deb Lien 

Chief of Staff - Army

EDUCATIONAL DEGREES
North Dakota State University - BA - Education
North Dakota State University - Masters - Education
United States Army War College - Masters Strategic Studies
 

MILITARY SCHOOLS ATTENDED
Engineer Officer Basic Course
Engineer Officer Advanced Course
Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course
United States Army Command and General Staff College
Advanced Operations Course
United States Army War College

PROMOTIONS       DATE OF APPOINTMENT
2LT                         25 Jul 94
1LT                         20 May 97
CPT                        11 Oct 00
MAJ                       01 Dec 05
LTC                        29 Jun 11
COL                       25 May 17
 

ASSIGNMENT
Dec 21 -Present      Chief of Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
Jan 18 - Nov 21       Human Resources Officer, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North
Dakota
Oct 16 - Dec 18       Commander, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Bismarck, North Dakota
Jul 14 - Sep 16        Commander, 231st Brigade Support Battalion, Valley City, North Dakota
Jul 12 - Jun 14        Deputy Commander, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fargo, North Dakota
Aug 10 - Jun 12      Deputy G1, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
Sep 09 - Jul 10       Executive Officer, Maneuver Task Force-Task Force Falcon (231st Brigade Support Battalion FWD), Camp
Bondsteel, Kosovo
Sep 06 - Aug 09     Executive Officer, 231st Brigade Support Battalion, Valley City, North Dakota
Mar 06 - Aug 06     Executive Officer, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Valley City, North Dakota

Accordion Section Title
119th Wing Commander
Col. Mitch Johnson

Col. Mitch Johnson

119th Wing Commander

Colonel Mitchell R. Johnson is commander of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard. He commands nearly 1200 authorized personnel who execute world-class MQ-9 persistent attack and reconnaissance, kinetic and non-kinetic intelligence target production, and expeditionary combat support for our nation and state. Col. Johnson maintains qualification as an MQ-9 pilot and provides incident awareness and assessment as directed by the Governor, along with precision attack and reconnaissance for combatant commanders.

Col. Johnson was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in May 1997. He was selected for an Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Program and earned his Master’s Degree in 1998. Upon completion of pilot training, Col. Johnson served in multiple flying assignments in AMC, AETC and AFSOC during his 12 years on active duty. He has commanded at both the group and squadron level, and flown tactical airlift, special operations attack and remotely piloted aircraft worldwide. Col. Johnson served overseas on six different deployments. Prior to his current assignment, Col. Johnson served as 119th Wing vice commander. He is a native of Central Minnesota.

ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1997 – June 1998, AFIT Civilian Institution Program, Peterson AFB, Colo.
2. June 1998 – September 1999, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla.
3. September 1999 – January 2002, C-130 Pilot, Chief of Flying Safety, 50 Airlift Squadron, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
4. January 2002 – June 2005, T-37 IP, Flight Commander, Wing SATAF Officer, Vance AFB, Okla.
5. June 2005 – February 2009, AC-130U Aircraft Commander, Chief of Plans, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
6. February 2009 – February 2010, MQ-1 Instructor Pilot, Flight Commander, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
7. February 2010 – November 2011, Operations Officer, 119th Operations Support Squadron, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
8. November 2011 – May 2012, Commander, 177th Airlift Squadron, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
9. May 2012 – October 2014, Commander, 119th Operations Support Squadron, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
10. November 2014 – March 2016, Commander, 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
11. March 2016 – August 2018, Commander, 119th Operations Group, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
12. August 2018 – March 2021, Vice Commander, 119th Wing, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.
13. March 2021 – Present, Commander, 119th Wing, Hector IAP, Fargo, N.D.

FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: Over 5,000, including over 1,000 combat hours
Aircraft Flown: AC-130U, C-130 E/H3, MQ-1/9, T-37, C-21, C-12


MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Combat Action Medal
Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with nine oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Medal
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant Jun. 16, 1997
First Lieutenant Jun. 16, 1999
Captain Jun. 16, 2001
Major Apr. 1, 2007
Lieutenant Colonel Nov. 30, 2011
Colonel May 25, 2017

(Current as of 6 March 2021)

Accordion Section Title
State Command Sergeant Major
Binstock

Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock

State Command Sergeant Major

CSM Eric Binstock enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard (NDARNG) in 1991 and was assigned to the 816th Engineer Support Company, Mott, North Dakota, as a Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic.  In 1993 he became qualified as a Combat Engineer in Company C, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion.

Binstock has held the following positions within the NDARNG: Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic; Combat Engineer; Carpentry and Masonry Specialist; Automated Logistics Specialist; Construction Supervisor; Team Leader; Squad Leader; Training NCO; Detachment Readiness NCO with duties of Administration NCO and Supply NCO; Platoon Sergeant; Recruiting and Retention NCO; Fargo Recruiting Station Commander; General Engineer NCO, Camp Grafton Training Center; First Sergeant, 188th Engineer Company; 68th Troop Command Operations NCO; 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Chief Operations NCO. He served as the Command Sergeant Major for the 164th Engineer Battalion and the 68th Troop Command.  He assumed duties as the 4th Senior Enlisted Leader on January 12, 2019.  On August 8, 2022, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General announced that he was selected as the 12th State Command Sergeant Major.

In 2003, Binstock deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Squad Leader for Company A, 142nd Engineer Battalion. He deployed again in 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the First Sergeant of the 188th Engineer Company. 

Binstock’s military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course; Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course; First Sergeant Course and the U.S Army Sergeants Major Academy. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy in 1996, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 2007, and completed Criminal Investigator Training and Immigration and Customs Special Agent Training in 2008.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 4); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon; and Armed Forces Reserve Medal (20 year device).

Prior to assuming fulltime duties as State Command Sergeant Major, Binstock was employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He resides in Argusville, North Dakota with his wife and three children.

Accordion Section Title
Command Chief Warrant Officer
CW4 Rob Dorneman

CW4 Robert Dorneman

Command Chief Warrant Officer 

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Dorneman assumed the duties of the Command Chief Warrant Officer May 2021. He serves as the senior advisor to the Adjutant General on all matters relating to Warrant Officers.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dorneman received his commission as an Ordnance Warrant Officer in 2008. He is a graduate of Warrant Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Basic Course, Warrant Officer Advanced Course and Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education. He has worked as a Technician for the North Dakota Army National Guard since May 1988 in various positions and Field Maintenance Shops (FMS), and is currently the Shop Chief of FMS 4 in Bismarck ND.

His previous Non-Commissioned Officer assignments include serving three years in the United States Army on active duty before joining the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1988; Team leader/section sergeant B Battery 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Grand Forks, ND; Senior Maintenance Non-Commissioned Officer 68th Troop Command, Bismarck, ND; Maintenance platoon sergeant Headquarters & Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Grand Forks, ND; Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS) Team Leader, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment where he deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan; Battalion Maintenance Non-Commissioned Officer, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Grand Forks, ND.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dorneman’s Warrant Officer assignments include Commander, D DET, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Grand Forks, ND; Battalion Maintenance Officer, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment where he was deployed on three mobilizations to the National Capital Region in support of Operation Nobel Eagle; Training, Advising and Counseling (TAC) Officer and Instructor, 2nd Battalion, 164th Regional Training Institute, Camp Grafton, ND.


Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dorneman’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Overseas Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars. He is also a recipient of the Honorary Order of Saint Barbara and the Samuel Sharp Award.

Chief Dorneman and his wife JoDee currently live in Lincoln, North Dakota. Together they have four daughters and two grandchildren.

 

Accordion Section Title
Senior Enlisted Leader

Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson

Senior Enlisted Leader

Command Sergeant Major Magnuson enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1989 as an avionics technician where he served honorably for five years. In 1994, he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard as a Carpentry/Masonry Specialist with Detachment 1, Company B, 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion in Fargo, North Dakota.

His non-command assignments include Squad Leader, Company A,142nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy); Platoon Sergeant, Company A, 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion; Intelligence Sergeant, Headquarters and Support Company, 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion; General Engineer NCO, Army National Guard Training Site Detachment; and Chief Operations Sergeant, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Magnuson’s command assignments include First Sergeant, 815th Engineer Company and as the Command Sergeant Major for the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment; 1st Battalion,112th Aviation Regiment; and 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB).

In 2003-2004, Magnuson deployed with the 142nd Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He is a graduate of the Primary Leadership Development Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course Phases I and II; Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course Phases I – III; and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Course.

Magnuson’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia); Southwest Asia Service Medal (with Bronze Service Star); Iraq Campaign Medal; Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award); Meritorious Unit Award; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation; and Navy Unit Commendation.

Magnuson resides in West Fargo, North Dakota with his wife and three children.

 

Accordion Section Title
State Command Chief
Heller

Chief Master Sgt. Levi J. Heller

State Command Chief

Chief Master Sergeant Levi Heller serves as the 14th State Command Chief, North Dakota Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck North Dakota. Chief Heller advises The Assistant Adjutant General, Air and his staff on all matters influencing mission readiness, professional development, proper utilization, health, morale and welfare of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s more than 1,200 enlisted personnel who execute world class MQ-9 precision attack and reconnaissance, kinetic and non-kinetic target intelligence production, as well as expeditionary support capabilities for the nation and state.

Chief Heller began his career in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2000 as a Security Forces Apprentice with in the 119th Security Forces Squadron. He has served as the Assistant NCOIC of Combat Arms, Squad Leader, Standards and Evaluations, Assistant Superintendent Operations, and Superintendent of Programs. He has served in various capacities during Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. In his civilian occupation, Chief Heller has been a Civil Engineer since 2011, currently serving as a project manager/design engineer working with both local and state agencies. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in North Dakota as well as Minnesota. Prior to assuming his current position, Chief Heller was selected in March of 2022 as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Domestic Operations, Joint Force Headquarters North Dakota National Guard.

 

EDUCATION

2000 Security Forces Apprentice Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

2004 Airman Leadership school, by correspondence

2005 Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Course, Lackland AFB, Texas

2008 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy Course, by correspondence

2010 Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D.

2014 Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice, Community College of the Air Force

2016 Senior NCO Academy, by correspondence

2022 Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I, by correspondence

2022 Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, by correspondence

 

ASSIGNMENTS

1. August 2000–September 2000, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas

2. September 2000–December 2000, Student, Technical Training School, Lackland AFB, Texas

3. December 2000–May 2005, Apprentice, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D. (February 2001–July 2001, Patrol Member, 319th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Shaikh Isa Air Base, Bahrain)

4. May 2005–June 2015, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo N.D. (September 2005–March 2006, Patrol Leader, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Tallil AB, Iraq; February 2009–5. August 2009, Area Supervisor, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Kirkuk AB, Iraq)

6. June 2015–June 2016, Standards and Evaluation, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

7. June 2016–January 2020, Assistant Operations Superintendent, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Hector Field, N.D.

8. January 2020–March 2022, Superintendent of Programs, 119th Security Forces Squadron, Hector Field, N.D.

9. March 2022–July 2022, NCOIC Domestic Operations, Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck N.D.

10. July 2022–Present, State Command Chief Master Sergeant, Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck N.D.

 

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters

Iraq Campaign Medal with three bronze stars

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Air Force Excellence-in-Competition Award for Rifle

 

STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

North Dakota Commendation Ribbon

North Dakota Emergency Service Ribbon

North Dakota OCONUS Ribbon

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE)

Veterans of Foreign Wars - Life Member (VFW)

American Legion

Enlisted Association of the Guard of the United States (EANGUS)

 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Airman First Class Mar. 4, 2000

Senior Airman Dec. 12, 2001

Staff Sergeant Mar. 10, 2004

Technical Sergeant Nov. 22, 2006

Master Sergeant Jan. 11, 2012

Senior Master Sergeant June 8, 2016

Chief Master Sergeant Jan. 8, 2020

 

(Current as of Nov 2022)

Accordion Section Title
119th Wing Command Chief
Filoon

Chief Master Sgt. Merri J. "MJ" Filloon

119th Wing Command Chief

CMSgt Merri Filloon is the Command Chief, 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard, Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota. She advises the commander on a wide range of topics including the health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well-being, career progression, professional development, and recognition of the more than 1,100 men and women assigned to the 119th Wing in Fargo and its geographically separated unit located at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

Chief Filloon joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in February 1990 while a junior in High School in Bismarck, North Dakota. She served as an 88M, Motor Transport Operator, retraining to a 75B, Administrative Specialist in 1992. She served in the 816th, 957th and 142nd units throughout her North Dakota Army National Guard tenure. In March 1999 she transferred to the North Dakota Air National Guard and was assigned to the 119th Military Personnel Flight as a Personnel Specialist. In 2000 she was hired as the full-time base Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, transitioning to the NCOIC of Enlistments and Relocations in 2002. In 2005 Chief Filloon was selected for special duty assignment as the 119th Wing Retention Manager and went on to complete the Air Force Recruiting course at Lackland Air Force Base in 2008. She was selected as the Recruiting Flight Chief for the 119th Force Support Squadron in 2012 and the North Dakota Air National Guard State Recruiting and Retention Superintendent in 2018. Prior to her current position, Chief Filloon served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 119th Medical Group, 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard.

EDUCATION

1991 88M Advanced Individual Training, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
1993 75B Administrative Specialist Course, Aberdeen, S.D.
1995 Associate of Arts Degree, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D.
1997 Primary Leadership Development Course, Camp Williams, Utah
1999 Personnel Journeyman Course; Correspondence
2000 Airman Leadership School; Correspondence
2004 Personnel Craftsman Course; in residence by satellite, Fargo, N.D.
2005 Manper-B Systems Course; 133 AW, St. Paul, Minn.
2005 Retention Manager Basic Course; McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn.
2005 Professional Selling Skills Course; McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn.
2006 Professional Selling Skills Applications; McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn.
2007 Basic Leadership Training Course, Fargo, N.D.
2008 ANG Advanced Retention Course, McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn.
2008 Air Force Recruiting Course, Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Texas
2008 IMPACT Selling System Training Course; Brooks Group, Raleigh, N.C.
2008 Associate of Applied Science Degree, Human Resources Management, Community College of the Air Force
2010 Diversity Champion’s Course; Fargo, N.D.
2011 Tri-Metrix Certification Program; Brooks Group, Raleigh, N.C.
2012 USAF Senior NCO Distance Learning Course

2012 IMPACT Leadership and Sales Management Clinic; Brooks Group, Raleigh, N.C.
2012 Recruiting and Retention Management Course, McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn.
2012 Designated Officer Recruiting Course, McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn.
2014 AFRISS Total Force Training Program; Randolph AFB, Texas
2015 Train the Trainer and Tri-Metrix Certification Training; Brooks Group, Raleigh, N.C.
2019 Recruiting & Retention Leadership Development Course; 175th Wing, Baltimore, Md.
2019 Contemporary Base Issues Course; Langley AFB, Va.
2021 Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course; virtual course via ANG Readiness Center
2022 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, (JKO) by correspondence

ASSIGNMENTS

1.February 1990 – June 1990, North Dakota Army National Guard Trainee, Bismarck, N.D.
2.June 1990 – August 1990, Student, Basic Military Training, Fort Dix, N.J.
3.June 1991 – August 1991, Student, Advanced Individual Training, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
4.August 1991 – February 1992, Motor Transport Operator, 816th Engineer Company, Bismarck, N.D.
5.February 1992 – July 1995, Personnel Administration Specialist, 957th Engineer Company, Bismarck, N.D.
6.July 1995 – March 1999, Personnel Administration Specialist,142nd Engineer Combat Battalion (HVY), Fargo, N.D.
7.March 1999 – January 2000, Personnel Craftsman, 119th Mission Support Flight, Fargo, N.D.
8.January 2000 – January 2002, Base Readiness NCOIC, 119th Mission Support Flight, Fargo, N.D.
9.January 2002 – May 2005, Enlistments and Relocations NCOIC, 119th Mission Support Flight, Fargo, N.D.
10.May 2005 – July 2011, Retention Office Manager, 119th Mission Support Flight, Fargo, N.D.
11.July 2011 – March 2018, Recruiting Flight Chief, 119th Mission Support Flight, Fargo, N.D.
12.March 2018 – April 2020, Recruiting and Retention Superintendent, NDNG Joint Force Headquarters, Fargo, N.D.
13.April 2020 – March 2023, Group Senior Enlisted Leader, 119th Medical Group, Fargo, N.D.
14.April 2023 – Present, Command Chief, 119th Wing, Fargo, N.D.


MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal Air Force

Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

Army Achievement Medal Air Force

Outstanding Unit Award with 13 oak leaf clusters

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters

Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

 

STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

North Dakota State Commendation Ribbon with oak leaf cluster

North Dakota State Achievement Ribbon

North Dakota ANG OCONUS Ribbon

North Dakota NG Emergency Service Ribbon

 

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

2006 FY06 Region II Retention Manager Director’s Challenge Winner

2007 FY07 Region II Retention Manager Director’s Challenge Winner

2009 Outstanding Sales Performer; Air Force Recruiting Course

2009-2012 Region II Retention Field Advisory Council Representative

2010 Region II Retention Office Manager of the Year

2016 119th Wing Senior NCO of the Year

2019 Region II Recruiting and Retention Superintendent Field Advisory Council Representative

 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Senior Airman March 6, 1999

Staff Sergeant Aug. 16, 2000

Technical Sergeant Aug. 21, 2002

Master Sergeant Aug. 25, 2004

Senior Master Sergeant April 11, 2018

Chief Master Sergeant May 6, 2020

 

(Current as of April 2023)