Leadership

Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber

Deputy Adjutant General

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn

Commander, Land Component Command

SOURCE OF COMMISSION OCS

EDUCATIONAL DEGREES

2002, Minot State University, BS, Criminal Justice, Minot, North Dakota

2019, United States Army War College, Masters, Strategic Studies, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania

MILITARY SCHOOLS ATTENDED

1998, Ordnance Officer Basic Course, In Residence, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

2009, Military Police Officer Advanced Course, In Residence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

2012, United States Army Command and General Staff College (Intermediate Level Education), By Correspondence, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

2016, United States Army Command and General Staff College (Advanced Officer Course), By Correspondence, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

2019, United States Army War College, In Residence, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania

FOREIGN LANGUAGE(S)   None Recorded

PROMOTIONS            DATE OF APPOINTMENT

Second Lieutenant              17        August         1997

First Lieutenant                   17        September   1999

Captain                              19        December    2002  

Major                                  26        June            2009  

Lieutenant Colonel              30        December    2014  

Colonel                               20        March          2020  

Brigadier General              17       November     2024

ASSIGNMENTS 

1. December 2024-Present, Land Component Commander, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
2. May 2024-November 2024, Chief of Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck, North Dakota
3. October 2023- April 2024, G3, Joint Force Headquarters, Bismarck, North Dakota
4. September 2019 – September 2023, Commander, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fargo, North Dakota
5. July 2018 – June 2019, Student, United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania
6. October 2016 – June 2018, Battalion Commander, 231^st Brigade Support Battalion, Valley City, North Dakota
7. April 2015 – September 2016, Battalion Commander, 188^th Air Defense Artillery Battalion, Grand Forks, North Dakota
8. October 2014 – March 2015, S3, 141^st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fargo, North Dakota
9. October 2011 – September 2014, Executive Officer, 164^th Engineer Combat Battalion, Minot, North Dakota
10. July 2009 – September 2011, Training Officer, 68^th Troop Command, Bismarck, North Dakota
11. March 2009 – June 2009, Commander, 191 Military Police Company, Fargo, North Dakota
12. January 2008 – February 2009, Commander, 191^st Military Police Company, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq
13. September 2007 – December 2007, Commander 191^st Military Police Company, Fargo, North Dakota
14. June 2005 – August 2007, Maintenance Officer, 68^th Troop Command, Bismarck, North Dakota
15. July 2004 – May 2005, Assistant Operations Officer, 68^th Troop Command, Bismarck, North Dakota
16. March 2004 - June 2004, Commander, 3662^nd Maintenance Company, Devils Lake, North Dakota
17. February 2003 – February 2004, Commander, 3662^nd Maintenance Company, Operation Enduring Freedom, Fort Riley, Kansas
18. September 2002 – January 2003, Commander, 3662^nd Maintenance Company, Devils Lake, North Dakota
19. August 2001 – August 2002, Platoon Leader, Detachment 1 132^nd Quartermaster Company, Bottineau, North Dakota
20. August 1998 – July 2001, Platoon Leader, Detachment 1 3662^nd Maintenance Company, Devils Lake, North Dakota

SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS

None

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

1.  January 2008 – February 2009, Commander, 191^st Military Police Company, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq

2.  February 2003 – February 2004, Commander, 3662^nd Maintenance Company, Operation Enduring Freedom, Fort Riley, Kansas

US DECORATIONS AND BADGES

Legion of Merit

Bronze Star Medal

Meritorious Service Medal (with 1  Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Army Commendation Medal (with 2  Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)

Army Achievement Medal 

Air Force Achievement Medal                                      

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 1  Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

National Defense Service Medal (with 1  Bronze Service Star)

Iraq Campaign Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

Global War on Terrorism-Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Silver Hourglass Device and M Device)

Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon

Air Force Overseas Training Ribbon

Air Force Training Ribbon

North Dakota National Guard State Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

North Dakota National Guard Commendation Ribbon

North Dakota National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon (with numeral 5)

North Dakota National Guard Service Ribbon (with Silver Hourglass)

North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon

Army Meritorious Unit Commendation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Combat Action Badge

United States Army Excellence in Competition Badge-Rifle (Bronze)

United States Army Excellence in Competition Badge-Pistol (Bronze)

Brig. Gen. Tad Schauer

Assistant Adjutant General - Air

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

Colonel Patrick Flanagan

Chief of Staff – Army

Colonel Christopher M. Domitrovich

119^th Wing Commander

Colonel Christopher M. Domitrovich serves as the Commander, 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard. In this capacity, he commands nearly 1200 Air National Guard Airmen who train to, and 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. Domitrovich maintains qualification as a MQ-9 pilot and provides incident awareness and assessment as directed by the Governor, along with persistent attack and reconnaissance for combatant commanders.
Col. Domitrovich is a graduate of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D., and was commissioned in November 2003 through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tennessee. Col. Domitrovich has experience in a variety of operational assignments, contingency operations and headquarters staff assignments. He has flown combat sorties in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. He is a 2015 graduate of the National Intelligence University, Washington, D.C., and a 2020 graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, R.I. Prior to his current assignment, Col. Domitrovich served as the Deputy Commander, 119th Wing, Fargo, N.D. He is a native of Fargo, N.D.

Education
2001  Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Aviation, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.
2009  Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2015  Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence, National Intelligence University, Washington, D.C.
2017  Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2018  Accelerated Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2018  Squadron Commander’s Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
2020  Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
2021  Safety & Accident Investigation Board President Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
2022  Commander Leadership Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Assignments
1.   March 2004 – April 2005, Student, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2.   April 2005 – July 2005, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Sheppard AFB, Texas
3.   July 2005 – February 2006, F-16 Basic Operational Training Course, Luke AFB, Ariz.
4.   February 2006 – December 2006, F-16 Mission Pilot, Fargo, N.D.
5.   December 2006 – January 2010, C-21A Instructor Pilot, Chief of Squadron Scheduling, Fargo, N.D.
6.   January 2010 – August 2011, C-21A Instructor Pilot, Chief of Squadron Training, Fargo, N.D.
7.   August 2011 – July 2013, C-21A Instructor Pilot, Operations Group Commander Executive Officer, Fargo, N.D.
8.   November 2013 – July 2014, MQ-1B Mission Pilot, Assistant Flight Commander, Fargo, N.D.
9.   July 2014 – July 2015, Student, In-Residence Intermediate Developmental Education, National Intelligence University, Washington, D.C.
10. July 2015 – December 2015, Action Officer, Director, Air National Guard Action Group, Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
11. December 2015 – June 2016, Executive Officer to the Acting Director, Air National Guard, Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
12. June 2016 – July 2017, NGB A5/8/9 C2ISR Programmer, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, M.D.
13. July 2017 – December 2018, Maintenance Officer/MQ-9 Mission Pilot, Fargo, N.D.
14. January 2018 – July 2019, 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander/MQ-9 Mission Pilot, Fargo, N.D.
15. July 2019 – July 2020, Student, In-Residence Senior Developmental Education, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
16. July 2020 – March 2021, Deputy Commander, 119th Operations Group/MQ-9 Mission Pilot, Fargo, N.D.
17. March 2021 – January 2024, Deputy Commander/MQ-9 Mission Pilot, 119th Wing, Fargo, N.D.
18. January 2024 – Present, Commander, 119th Wing, Fargo, N.D.

Flight Information

Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: More than 2,800
Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38, F-16 A/B/C/D, C-21A, MQ-1, and MQ-9

Major Awards and Decorations
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster 

Aerial Achievement Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster                                                

Army Achievement Medal

Effective Dates of Promotion
Second Lieutenant Nov. 21, 2003
First Lieutenant Nov. 21, 2005
Captain Nov. 21, 2007
Major Aug. 22, 2012
Lieutenant Colonel May 24, 2017
Colonel June 24, 2021

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.

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.

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, 142^nd 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.

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)

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)