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TAG Line July 29, 2022

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment return to Grand Forks International Airport after completing their year-long mission assisting with the protection of the airspace over the National Capital Region, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022. From left to right, Sgt. Erin Brooks, Sgt. Stephen Brooks, Spc. Cal Carnell and Staff Sgt. Alexander Bryson. (National Guard photo by Capt. Eric Edwardson, 1-188th ADA)

Air Defenders Return Home after D.C. Mission

A banner at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center welcomes N.D. Soldiers home from their mission in Washington, D.C., Fargo, July 23, 2022. (National Guard photo by Spc. Jasmyn Lenz, N.D. National Guard Service Member and Family Support)

About 214 Soldiers assigned to the N.D. National Guard's 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-188th ADA), returned home July 23, 2022 after completing their year-long mission assisting with air defense of the National Capital Region. (National Guard story by Capt. Eric Edwardson, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)

After nearly a week undergoing demobilization at Fort Bliss, Texas, 122 Soldiers arrived in Fargo and 81 in Grand Forks via chartered flights. Another 11 Soldiers flew home to other locations. The unit officially relinquished mission responsibility on July 14, 2022 to the S.C. Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

Family and friends of Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, wait for Soldiers to deplane at the Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022. (National Guard photos by Capt. Eric Edwardson, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment)

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment are welcomed home by family and friends at the Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment are welcomed home by family and friends at the Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Votava, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment was greeted by his family upon his return to Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022.
Spc. Ty Boucher, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was greeted by family members upon his return to Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Brad Shambaugh, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was greeted by his family at the Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Air Defenders arriving in Grand Forks were greeted at the airport while those arriving at Hector's International Airport in Fargo were greeted by family and friends at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, are welcomed home by a family and friends at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022. (National Guard photos by Spc. Jasmyn Lenz, N.D. National Guard Service Member and Family Support)

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, enter the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center where family and friends wait to greet them after their year-long air defense mission in Washington, D.C., Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022. (National Guard photos by Spc. Jasmyn Lenz, N.D. National Guard Service Member and Family Support)

Sgt. Brittany Ragan, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, is welcomed home by her nephew at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022.
Master Sgt. Shannon Kliniske, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, is welcomed home by his wife Emily at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Family and friends gather at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo to greet Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment upon their return from a year-long air defense mission in Washington, D.C., July 23, 2022. (National Guard photos by Spc. Jasmyn Lenz, N.D. National Guard Service Member and Family Support)

Spc. Justin Moreau, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, is welcomed home by his daughter at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Spc. Ian Dhaners, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, is welcomed home by a friend at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022.

Sgt. Andrew Mark, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, is welcomed home by his sons at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., July 23, 2022.

219th Security Forces Squadron Defenders Train at Ripley

About 85 Airmen of the N.D. Air National Guard's Minot Air Force-based 219th Security Forces Squadron conducted their annual force-on-force training at Camp Ripley Minn., July 25 through July 29, 2022. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Airman Christa Anderson, 119th Wing Public Affairs Office)

A 219th Security Forces Squadron Airman runs toward cover at Camp Ripley, Minn. during military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) training, July 26, 2022.

These security force Airmen, called defenders, conducted training at Camp Ripley's military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) village. This training fulfills annual training requirements, keeps Airmen ready for mobilizations, and helps build leadership skills under simulated combat conditions.

219th Security Forces Squadron's Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mcelyea points while providing overwatch as Tech. Sgt. Kasey Taylor operates the MK19 machine gun during stationary firing training held at Camp Ripley Minnesota, July 26, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Jacob Faith, 219th Security Forces Squadron, N.D. Air National Guard, adjusts the sight on a MK 19 machine gun at Camp Ripley Minnesota, July 26, 2022
Tech. Sgt. Wayne Bahr, 219th Security Forces Squadron, red hat, provides overwatch and instruction for Senior Airman Mary Andrzejek, 133rd Medical Group, as she operates an MK19 machine gun during stationary turret training at Camp Ripley Minnesota, July 26, 2022.

219th Security Forces Squadron's Staff Sgt. William Tilton operates an a 40mm MK19 machine gun, as Staff Sgt. Pedro Mangual-Rivera provides overwatch during mobile turret training, Camp Ripley Minnesota, July 26, 2022.

Training exercises included firing one of the defenders' key weapon systems, the 40mm MK19 (pronounced Mark 19) machine gun. This weapon, mounted in the mobile turret of the M1097 Heavy HMMWV (Humvee), provided excellent realistic training from a moving vehicle.

Staff Sgt. Pedro Mangual-Rivera, 219th Security Forces Squadron, right, provides overwatch during MK19 machine gun training at Camp Ripley Minnesota, July 26, 2022.

219th Security Forces Squadron defenders, Senior Airman Thomas Schauer, standing, Staff Sgt. Jacob Faith, gunner, and Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mcelyea, kneeling, fire the MK 19 machine gun at Camp Ripley Minnesota July 26, 2022.

“Firing the MK19 machine gun from the stationary and moving turret provided excellent opportunities to familiarize Airmen with this weapon system ensuring they can engage real world situations with confidence,” said Tech Sgt. Seth Allen, 219th Security Forces Squadron.

Staff Sgt. Pedro Mangual-Rivera, 219th Security Forces Squadron, right, provides overwatch as Staff Sgt. William Tilton fires the MK19 machine gun at Camp Ripley Minnesota, July 26, 2022.

“This great training provides us a lot of capability, improving our ability to successfully accomplish our assigned missions. It's a a good force multiplier helping us maintain the security of our nuclear assets. It also prepares us to provide base defense when we deploy overseas,” said Tech Sgt. Seth Allen of the 219th Security Forces Squadron.

Army Aviators Train for Wildland Fire Suppression

The North Dakota Forest Service, (NDFS) as part of their Fire Management Program, partnered for training with N.D. Army National Guard aviation crews, July 26 and July 27, 2022. (U.S. National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

North Dakota Forest Service fire fighters direct a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on water placement during training at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, July 27, 2022.

The training began on July 26 with classroom instruction at the N.D. National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility. The instruction led by NDFS included safety response, fire line control and other useful information on fire fighting suppression techniques employed on the ground. Also discussed was wildland fire behavior, employment of emergency fire shelters, and a recap of the busy 2021 fire season which saw employment of N.D. National Guard aviation and ground assets in fire suppression assistance.

Ryan Melin, Fire Management Officer, N.D. Forest Service, instructs N.D. Army National Guard aviation crews on wildland fire suppression techniques, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, July 26, 2022.

After a day of classroom briefing, pilots and crew members boarded their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to practice their water distribution skills using the 600-gallon Bambi bucket over MacLean Bottoms near the Missouri River, south of Bismarck, N.D.

North Dakota Fire Service vehicles at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, N.D., July 27, 2022.

NDFS fire fighters prepared targets for the helicopter crews to aim water placement and took turns directing the aircraft into position.

North Dakota Fire Service fire fighters direct aircraft during fire suppression exercises at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck on July 27, 2022.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter distributes water on a simulated wildland fire during training at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, July 27, 2022.

North Dakota Fire Service fire fighters direct aircraft during fire suppression exercises at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck on July 27, 2022.

According to their website, NDFS programs support the state’s 378 fire departments, which are essential for enhancing firefighting capabilities and public safety.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter distributes water on a simulated wildland fire during training at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, July 27, 2022.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter distributes water on a simulated wildland fire during training at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, July 27, 2022.

A North Dakota Forest Service fire fighter directs a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during wildland fire fighting suppression exercises at MacLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, N.D., on July 27, 2022.

The NDFS Fire Management Program focuses on the protection of lives, property and natural resources from wildfire.

Monthly Friday 5K

N.D. Guard Soldiers along with some family members got together to participate in a 5k run/walk at Sertoma Park in Bismarck, July 29, 2022. (U.S. National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)

N.D. Guardsmen and family members at the Friday 5k run at Sertoma Park, Bismarck, July 29, 2022.

This monthly event is open to all N.D. Guard members and families. Participants may run, walk, bike or roller skate. The next 5k is scheduled for August 26.

ESGR Boss Lift

Nine Minot area employers of N.D. National Guard members experienced what its like to be a Guardsman first-hand during a Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Lift, July 8, 2022. (National Guard story by Rob Keller, ESGR Volunteer) (National Guard photos by retired Master Sgt. Paul Stroklund, ESGR volunteer)

Boss Lift participants before their flight on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the Minot international Airport, Minot, N.D., July 21, 2022. ESGR volunteer, retired Master Sgt. Paul Strocklund (hat) accompanied the employers.

The Department of Defense established the ESGR program in 1972 in order to promote cooperation and understanding between employers and their reserve component service members employees. The Boss Lift program allows employers to ride aboard military aircraft and experience military training and environment to improve their awareness of their service.

Minot employers participating in the ESGR Boss Lift receive a tour of the 164th Regional Training Institute' Vertical MOS classroom, Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, July 21, 2022. Courses taught here include the U.S. Army (MOS 12R) Interior Electrician.

The employers began their experience at the Minot international Airport where they received a briefing by retired Master Sgt. Paul Stroklund, ESGR volunteer. Later the employers flew to Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, N.D., in a N.D. National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

Minot employers participating in the ESGR Boss Lift receive a briefing in the soils testing lab at the 164th Regional Training Institute, Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, July 21, 2022.

Employers fire M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun in a Engagement Skills Trainer, Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., July 21, 2022.

Employers represented on the boss lift included City of Minot, Minot Area Chamber EDC, Verendrye Electric Co-op, KMOT TV, Ackerman-Estvold: Civil Engineers and Architects, BNSF Railway, Epic Companies, and Circle Sanitation.

Lisa Jundt, City of Minot, fires the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun in the Engagement Skills Trainer, Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., July 21, 2022.

Dan Ruby, Circle Sanitation, fires a M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun in the Engagement Skills Trainer, Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D., July 21, 2022.

Not only is employer support important for the well-being of National Guard and Reserve component members they employ, it’s also important for emergency readiness at the state and local level as well as the nation’s military readiness.

Guard History on Display

The N.D. National Guard's historical team recently discovered two outstanding pieces of history in the attic of the Guard's headquarters at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck. These historical pieces, over 100 years old, were mounted for display in the headquarters building on July 27, 2022. (National Guard story by retired Lt. Col. Shirley J. Olgeirson, N.D. National Guard historian, National Guard photos by Russell Larson, N.D. National Guard assistant historian)

The flags are displayed in the main back hallway of the N.D. National Guard headquarters, building #30, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, July 27, 2022.

Pat Webelow, N.D. National Guard facilities management, carefully measures to ensure the flags are mounted properly at the N.D. National Guard headquarters, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, July 27, 2022.
Darrell Schafer, N.D. National Guard facilities management, checks alignment of the colors designating the N.D. Army National Guard at N.D. Guard headquarters at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, July 27, 2022.

This Infantry flag is a rare version of the regimental colors that depicts the eagle with upright wings for the First North Dakota Infantry. The previous version of the colors that were carried by the regiment during the Spanish American War/Philippine Insurrection depicts the eagle with outspread wings. That flag formed the pattern for the North Dakota State Flag.

North Dakota state flag.

During World War I, all Army units nationwide were renumbered and the First N.D. Infantry Regiment became the 164th Infantry Regiment. These colors would have seen limited service in the 1910s, as it appears the regiment was fond of the old pattern and carried it through the Mexican Border Incident in 1916 to 1917.

The State Coat of Arms represents the distinctive unit insignia for the N.D. Army National Guard. The crest is shaped like an arrowhead with the motto “Strength from the Soil”. When used as a flag or pennant, it must be mounted on a green background. Often called the “N.D. National Guard flag”, because it's the most frequently used by Guard, it is also authorized for use by other agencies as defined in the N.D. Century Code.

N.D. Governor's flag.

When used by the Governor, this flag is emblazoned with a white star on each corner.

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CREATED BY
Charles Highland
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