The Best ADA Battery in the Army National Guard
Soldiers of the Fargo-based Battery C (Charlie), 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment were formally presented the 2019 Hamilton Award on July 27, 2020 at the N.D. National Guard’s Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake. This award is presented annually by the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch to an ADA battery in the Army National Guard that has demonstrated exceptional achievement and mission accomplishment through the course of the year. Read more at: N.D. Air Defense Soldiers Earn Top National Guard Award.
Top photo: The Hamilton Award was presented by Col. David Shank, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School Acting Commandant to Battery C, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA). From left, Lt. Col. Walyn S. Vannurden, commander, 1-188th ADA; Col. David Shank; Capt. Cody Brekken, commander, Battery C, 1-188th ADA; and 1st Sgt. David Saari, first sergeant, Battery C, 1-188th ADA. (U.S. Army National Guard photos and story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland)
EMT Refresher Course in Minot
The 5th Medical Group hosted a EMT (Emergency Medical Technicians) refresher course at Minot Air Force Base for the 119th Wing Airmen on July 24, 2020. Air Guard medics must take this course every two years to stay current with national standards and renew their EMT license. (U.S. National Guard photos & Story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland)
Left, Staff Sgt. China Bailey, and Tech Sgt. Roman Gaughan, both of the 119th Wing, listen to comments from an instructor during EMT refresher training on July 24.
COVID-19 Testing in Belcourt
The N.D. National Guard assisted in mobile COVID-19 testing at Sky Dancer Casino and Resort in Belcourt, on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation on July 16, 2020. Spc. Kaitlyn Thompson, of the 142nd Engineer Battalion, explains why she volunteered to work with COVID-19 testing. (U.S. National Guard Story by Sgt. Michaela Granger)
Protecting the Hooligans
N.D. National Guard Soldiers teamed up with Airmen to test 119th Wing members at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo on July 24, 2020. Routine COVID-19 testing at the air base helps ensure readiness by protecting the force through constant vigilance. The personnel administering the tests were wearing personal protective equipment to help prevent spread of the virus. (U.S. Air National Guard photos and story by David H. Lipp)
Capt. Dustin Czapiewski, 119th Medical Group, takes a nasal sample from a COVID-19 test participant at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo on July 24.
Capt. Samantha Nuenthal, of the 119th Medical Group, takes a nasal sample from a COVID-19 participant at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Fargo on July 24.
Task Force for Military Issues in North Dakota
Members of the Task Force for Military Issues in North Dakota (TF MIND) executive council met at the state capitol and virtually on July 28, 2020. TF MIND meets bi-annually, usually in the spring and fall to develop and implement a statewide strategic approach ensuring the continued relevance of military forces, bases and missions within the state. (U.S. National Guard photos and story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland)
Improving GT Scores for Future Officers
The three-day score improvement prep course for the Army's Officer Strength Manager Armed Forces Classification Test (OSM AFCT) was conducted at the Aviation Readiness Center in Bismarck July 18 to 20, 2020. The course culminated with 11 of the 12 participating students testing on July 20. The goal of the course is to help Soldiers improve their GT score to at least 110 so they are eligible to pursue commissioning and warrant officer programs. This course is conducted bi-annually to help students improve their GT scores. Sgt. 1st Class Levi Long, who has been an integral part of teaching this courses for many years, is scheduled to retire this November. (U.S. National Guard photos and story by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steve Hoikkala)
Command Chief Shares Baseball Experiences
Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller, the N.D. Air National Guard state command chief, addressed players and coaches at the opening ceremony of the N.D. State 13-15 Babe Ruth (Class B) Baseball Tournament, in Kindred, N.D. on July 30, 2020. Miller was chosen to be the keynote speaker because of his vast experience as a baseball coach at many levels in the local area. Miller discussed leadership, teamwork and work ethic while recounting many of the successful teams he led to state and regional titles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo and story by David H. Lipp)
Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Miller, North Dakota Air National Guard state command chief, address players and coaches at the opening ceremony of the N.D. State 13-15 Babe Ruth (Class B) Baseball Tournament, in Kindred, N.D. on July 30.
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