Maj. Gen. Alan DohrmannAdjutant GeneralMajor 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.
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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 |
Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber
Deputy Adjutant General
Brig. Gen. Jon Erickson
Commander, Land Component Command
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
Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte
Chief of Staff – Air, North Dakota
Brigadier General Robert Schulte is the Chief of Staff for Air, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard. General Schulte provides guidance and direction necessary to ensure State and Federal missions are accomplished by assigned Air National Guard units.
Brigadier General Robert J. Schulte was born in Mandan, N.D. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from Chicago Medical School, Illinois, and Doctorate of Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah. He was commissioned in the Biomedical Science Corp in 1993 and served three years Active duty with the 55th Medical Group, Offutt AFB. Following his active duty commitment, he was assigned with the 934th Airlift Wing - Air Force Reserve – Minneapolis, MN (1996-1999). In 1999, General Schulte joined the North Dakota Air National Guard and has served in a variety of positions within the medical group. He was the Medical Group Commander from 2012 – 2019. General Schulte is the CEO/Owner of an orthopedic and sports physical therapy practice. He is also an associate professor at the University of Mary, Bismarck ND while being a primary research investigator with 10 disseminated research publications. General Schulte was appointed the Chief of Staff – Air in September 2019.
EDUCATION:
1993 Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy, Chicago Medical School, Ill
1996 Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), University of Nebraska, Lincoln
1997 Physical Therapy Residency, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
2002 Doctor of Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah
2003 Sports Certified Clinical Specialist, ABPTS, Alexandria, Va.
2006 North Dakota National Guard Leadership Development Course, Camp Grafton
2012 Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. July 1993 - August 1993, Student, MIMSO, Lackland, Air Force Base, Texas
2. August 1993 - June 1996, 55th Medical Group Physical Therapist, Offutt AFB, Neb.
3. July 1996 - June 1999, 934th Medical Group Physical Therapist, Minneapolis, Minn.
4. July 1999 – July 2012, 119th Medical Group Physical Therapist, Fargo, N.D.
5. August 2012 – August 2019, 119th Medical Group Commander, Fargo, N.D.
6. September 2019 – Present, Chief of Staff – Air, Bismarck, N.D.
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
AF Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with star device
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
AF Longevity Service four oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol)
AF Training Ribbon
CIVILIAN OCCUPATION:
Associate Professor, University of Mary.
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant July 14, 1993
First Lieutenant July 14, 1995
Captain Oct. 1, 1999
Major Feb. 8, 2004
Lieutenant Colonel March 1, 2008
Colonel May 23, 2013
Brigadier General Sept. 7, 2019
Col. Deb Lien
Chief of Staff - Army
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)
State Command Sergeant Major
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock
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.
Cmd. 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.
Chief Master Sgt. Levi J. Heller
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
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)