News

by Sgt. Michaela C.P. Granger, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

The North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team (CST) is a homeland defense unit comprised of 22 Soldiers and Airmen specializing in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) analysis for responding to incidents across the state, region, and nation. The mission of the 81st CST is to identify CBRN incidents, counter weapons of mass destruction, assist during natural disasters, and to protect the people of N.D. and the nation. Federal, state, local, and civil agencies can turn to the unit for support in any of the areas they specialize in. They undergo hundreds of hours of training every year to prepare themselves to respond to emergencies.

By MAJ. Chance D. Schaffner, 164th REG RTI OIC/QA

The N.D. National Guard’s 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI-ND) at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D., has not allowed the COVID 19 pandemic to slow its strategic march forward. In adapting to a changing environment, the RTI-ND has postured itself to supporting immediate and future training needs of the Army. As initial shock set into the nation in mid-March and classrooms went empty in May, the staff continued planning restart procedures to receive students in a safe manner.

Stories from the North Dakota Air National Guard, by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp

Air Force’s 73rd Birthday Worship Service

POTUS Support at Fargo Air Base

Hooligan Colonel Retires

by Sgt. Michaela C.P. Granger, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Seventeen Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard competed in North Dakota's 2021 Best Warrior Competition (BWC) August 13-16, 2020 at Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, N.D. “The Best Warrior Competition takes character, confidence and commitment,” said State Command Sgt. Maj. Derek J. Heck. BWC challenges each Soldier to prove their military knowledge and strength and matches it against that of their fellow Soldiers in scenarios that replicate battlefield situations. Over the four days, N.D. Soldiers challenged themselves to prove that they were the best warrior in the state.

By Mr. Delton Steele, North Dakota ESGR State Chair

by Lt. Col. (retired) Shirley J. Olgeirson, NDNG Historian

Seventy-five years ago, North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers were arriving home from both sides of the globe. The 188th and 957th Field Artillery Battalions celebrated victory against a diabolical dictator and the 164th Infantry Regiment helped defeat an evil emperor. A mere five years later, many of the same Soldiers were again federalized for the “Korean Conflict”.

By Sgt. Taryn K. Benton, 188th Army Band

The 188th Army Band provided outstanding musical support to their fellow Soldiers and to the communities of North Dakota in 2020 despite the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unit adapted to N.D. Smart Restart guidelines to resume their training and operations. Continuing their rich tradition of service, the 188th AB used music to bring people together during a time of isolation and uncertainty.

by Sgt. Michaela Granger, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

N.D. National Guard (NDNG) Soldiers and Airmen worked with emergency services agencies to execute Vigilant Guard August 4-6, 2020. Vigilant Guard is a multi-agency exercise that took place across the state to refine each organizations understanding of operating procedures, evaluate their response capabilities, and improve inter-organization communication. This reflects the state’s response to real world events.

by Sgt. Michaela C.P. Granger, 116th Public Affairs Detachment

Summer 2019, Sgt. Grant Schafer, 816th Military Police Company, won the N.D. Best Warrior Competition (BWC) in the Soldier category, later earning the right to represent Region VI at the Army National Guard 2020 BWC at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center and Camp McCain Training Center in Miss. Note: Schafer began the competition before being promoted to sergeant, and therefore competed in the Soldier category.

By Mrs. Pamela Helbing-Schafer, Director North Dakota Veterans Cemetery

The N.D. Veteran's Cemetery was established by an act of the 1989 N.D. Legislative Assembly. The cemetery was opened in 1992, and is operated by the office of the adjutant general of North Dakota. It is located 6.5 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806 on a 70 acre tract of land near Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. This cemetery is dedicated to the men and women who have served this state and nation with distinction and honor. Today interments of military members and their dependents number 9,522. Of these 69% are male and 31% are female. Solders lead interments with 3,942 (62%) followed by Sailors 1,315 (21%), Airmen 732 (12%), Marines 349 (5%), and members of the Coast Guard 24 (less than 1%). According to the director, Pam Helbling-Schafer, the cemetery has enough space available for the next 23 years.