News
Indianapolis, Ind. — The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing, also known as the Happy Hooligans, were honored with multiple awards at the 148th annual National Guard Association of the United States Conference and Exhibition held August 28-31, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The 119th Wing was awarded the Air National Guard Spaatz Trophy, presented in honor of Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, the first Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. The award is presented annually to the top flying unit in the Air National Guard and recognizes overall excellence and combat readiness. This marks the fourth time 119th Wing has earned this prestigious honor, winning in 1950, 2020, and 2022.
"The Spaatz Trophy is a testament to the amazing efforts of our Airmen and their commitment to performing at a high level every day," said U.S. Air Force. Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander. "The standard of excellence that our Airmen bring to every aspect of our mission is what makes the North Dakota Air National Guard one of the most capable and mission-ready units in the nation.”
FARGO, N.D. —U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ayers was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a promotion ceremony in Fargo on July 20.
Ayers currently serves as the Chief of Staff for Air, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard. In this role, he provides strategic guidance and direction to ensure that Air National Guard units successfully execute state and federal missions.
BISMARCK, N.D. — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Benjamin Cleghorn, commander of the Army component of the North Dakota National Guard, hosted a change of responsibility ceremony for the state command sergeant major. Command Sgt. Maj. Kendall Struxness will assume the duties of the senior enlisted Soldier for the North Dakota Army Guard from Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kachena during a ceremony on June 12 at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck.
As state command sergeant major, Struxness will be the principle senior advisor to the Army commander on enlisted affairs for the nearly 3,000 Soldiers of North Dakota Army National Guard. He will enforce policies and standards of performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted Soldiers. He also will advise senior leadership on an array of topics, including recruiting, retention, training, resiliency, family support, community events, education and employment for the NDARNG.
BISMARCK, N.D. – The state of North Dakota, in its role as an employer, signed a U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program agreement with the North Dakota Army National Guard today at the state Capitol connecting soldiers to civilian workforce opportunities.
The PaYS Program brings together the U.S. Army and a diverse network of private industry, academic institutions, and state and local public organizations. Through the program, soldiers are offered job interviews and potential employment opportunities upon completion of their initial entry training to help them prepare for their futures
Press Release 24-24
For Immediate Release August 8, 2024
Contact: Nathan Rivard (701) 333-2129
North Dakota Military Gallery Architectural Design Development Drawings Unanimously Approved
BISMARCK, N.D. – In a significant milestone for the North Dakota National Guard, the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission unanimously approved the architectural design development drawings for a new military gallery addition on Tuesday, Aug. 6. This will be located on the south side of the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.
DEVILS LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES
07.29.2024
Story by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger
North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. David Hooge, 231st Quartermaster Platoon, North Dakota National Guard, rescued a woman from a sinking car in Devils Lake, North Dakota, July 29, 2024.
North Dakota is striving to become the most military-friendly state in the nation and many of you are eligible to receive money back when you file your state income tax return.
About 100 members of the Wahpeton-based 188th Engineer Company returned home yesterday after a monthlong mission to support operations near the U.S-Mexico border. The Soldiers were a part of Operation Lone Star, a joint operation between the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Military Department.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A North Dakota Army National Guard unit has received an alert for mobilization. The Grand Forks-based Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion,188th Air Defense Artillery (1-188th ADA) Regiment, will deploy to the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of operations sometime early fall 2023.
Bismarck, ND. - Three officers with the Fargo Police Department were shot during an on-duty incident on Friday, July 14. Officer Andrew Dotas, who was injured during the incident, and Zach Robinson, who was involved but uninjured, are both master sergeants with the North Dakota Air National Guard’s Fargo-based 119th Wing. Dotas is being treated for his injuries at Sanford Hospital in Fargo and is in critical, but stable, condition.