The North Dakota Air National Guard’s top officers, noncommissioned officers and Airmen of the Year were recognized on March 4, 2023, during a ceremony in Fargo, N.D. From left, Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Maria Sornsin; Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. Taylor Wolford; Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Erica Carruth; Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st Lt. Cody Chick; and Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Daniel Sly. (National Guard photo by Senior Airman Christa Anderson, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Contents
- Airmen of the Year
- Schulte Retires After Three Decades of Service
- Legislator Engagement
- Professional Development
- Air Guard Recruiting Visit
- Guard Members - Help Fill Our Ranks & Earn $1000
- From the Field Campaign
Airmen of the Year
The North Dakota Air National Guard’s (NDANG), 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” recognized the organization’s top officers, noncommissioned officers and Airmen of the Year on March 4, during a ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo, N.D. (National Guard story by Senior Master Sgt. Mike Knodle, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Airmen were nominated for the awards based on their military and civic service throughout 2022. The Outstanding Airman Program annually recognizes officers and enlisted members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.
Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Daniel Sly, 119th Mission Support Group.
Maj. Daniel Sly joined the NDANG in 1999 and commands the 119th Communications Flight. His 2022 accomplishments include helping build a mobile STARLINK communications kit which significantly improved communications in support of domestic operations in remote areas of North Dakota. He led the design, engineering and installation of a vastly improved communications infrastructure to include a core fiber optic mesh network that is more robust, resilient and faster than legacy systems. Sly served as an expert panel member for two separate Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce cyber events, serving to educate small business and community leaders on cyber network security. He led the design and creation of a research and development network now used by the U.S. Coast Guard to test improved search and rescue capabilities. Sly volunteers as a coach for Moorhead Youth Football and the Moorhead Crush Softball program. He also serves as a volunteer at the Christ the King Church in Moorhead leading the Call Committee.
Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st Lt. Cody Chick, 119th Mission Support Group.
1st Lt. Cody Chick joined the NDANG in 2009 and serves as the operations officer for the 219th Security Forces Squadron in Minot, N.D. Prior to his current role, Chick served as a fire team leader, training instructor, training noncommissioned officer in charge, and support operations officer.
His 2022 accomplishments include successfully leading 80 Airmen in performing 24/7 nuclear security operations for Global Strike Command at Minot Air Force Base. Chick is the only ANG member certified as a Nuclear Convoy Commander and only one of six in the entire U.S. Air Force. During this time, he commanded 25 nuclear weapon convoys and securely transferred over $672M worth of nuclear war assets over a combined distance of 1,700 miles. He participated in the 119th Wing Strategic Planning Team, developing goals and objectives to support the Wing’s priorities. He volunteers his time and home as a host family sponsor for the Minot State University Women’s Hockey Team, providing a home and support for non-local women to play college hockey and get an education.
Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Erica Carruth, 119th Mission Support Group.
Senior Master Sgt. Erica Carruth joined the NDANG in 2005, and currently serves as the flight chief, Military Personnel Flight in the 119th Force Support Squadron.
Her major 2022 accomplishments include deploying as the personnel support for contingency operations team chief at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. There he led the collaboration to create the first ever 119th Wing Strategic Plan and developed an online platform for wing personnelists to track training. Additionally, she was recognized as a superior performer by the 119th Wing Inspector General for her efforts in creating intricate scenarios for a mass casualty exercise. Carruth recently became a certified hot yoga instructor and teaches fitness classes at Inspire Health and Wellness. She is a member of the Harwood American Legion and the Enlisted Association. She is also an active member of her parish, Holy Spirit Catholic church, where she volunteers with her husband. Her most memorable NDANG moment was in August 2021 when she was deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait and directly supported the citizens and military members that were evacuating Afghanistan. She led a Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team that worked around the clock to track and aid Noncombatant Evacuation Operations.
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. Taylor Wolford, 119th Operations Group.
Master Sgt. Taylor Wolford joined the NDANG in 2009 and currently serves as an operations intelligence flight chief in the 178th Attack Squadron. His major 2022 accomplishments include expanding relationships with the U.S. Special Operations Forces community by facilitating joint exercises and providing a Live Virtual Constructive training environment. This led to the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures integrating MQ-9 operations into the joint domain. Wolford has been deployed “in-garrison” supporting numerous contingency operations since 2013. He is honored to serve as an intelligence flight chief and relishes the role of “taking care of Airmen.” Taylor volunteers for the Salvation Army and serves as a coach for Tri-City Youth Soccer.
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Maria Sornsin, 119th Mission Support Group.
Senior Airman Maria Sornsin joined the NDANG in 2018, and currently serves as a services journeyman in the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Her major 2022 accomplishments include identifying 425 safety hazards resulting in the creation of 1,700 work orders for corrective action. Her efforts improved the quality of life for 7,200 joint coalition warfighters and earned her the U.S. Air Force Central Top Performer award. In July 2022, her humanitarianism took her to Medjugorje, Bosnia where she engaged in activities that provided shelter, necessary medical care, pharmaceutical treatment, nourishment, supplies and critical winter clothing. These efforts directly contributed to the health and wellness of the local community. Finally, Sornsin supported the movement of 825 total force students within 12 different career fields, from 25 visiting teams at the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Regional Training Site. Her most memorable 119th Wing moment was a deployment for training to Yokota Air Force Base, Japan.
“We are extremely proud of these Airmen and their continued dedication to excellence and service to our state and nation,” said Col. Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing commander. “Their contributions to the N.D. Air National Guard ensure that the Happy Hooligans’ outstanding reputation is maintained and enhanced throughout the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.”
Music in Honor of the Airmen of the Year
The 188th Army Band performed at the Airmen of the Year recognition banquet, March 4, 2023, in Fargo, N.D.
Two uniquely different ensembles performed. The "Cover Down Brass Ensemble" as well as the "No Brass No Ammo Woodwind Ensemble" supported the Happy Hooligan event. Their repertoire included the National Anthem and other patriotic music.
schulte Retires after three decades of service
The North Dakota Air National Guard bid farewell to Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte, during a retirement ceremony in his honor, March 5, at the Air National Guard Base in Fargo. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Airman Christa Anderson, 119th Wing Public Affairs)
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, presided over the ceremony witnessed by family, friends and fellow Happy Hooligans.
“Brig. Gen. Bob Schulte has faithfully served our state and country for three decades, and we are incredibly grateful,” said Gov. Doug Burgum, commander in chief of the North Dakota National Guard. “We honor and salute his dedicated work and leadership which has improved the lives of North Dakotans and contributed to the security of our citizens, state and nation. Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and First Lady Kathryn Burgum join me in wishing him continued success in his future endeavors.”
Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte, North Dakota National Guard. (Air National Guard photo by David Lipp, 119th Wing Public Affairs/released)
“Bob Schulte has dedicated his life to serving his community, state and nation, setting an example of what it means to be a Citizen-Airmen,” said Dohrmann during his remarks. “Under his leadership, North Dakota was able to rapidly increase COVID-19 testing capability from a couple of hundred to several thousand tests per day. His efforts brought piece of mind to our citizens and provided the data health officials needed to fight the pandemic.”
Serving as the North Dakota National Guard’s chief of staff for Air, Schulte provided guidance and direction necessary to ensure all state and federal missions assigned to the Air National Guard were efficiently accomplished on time and to standard.
Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, left, presents a North Dakota state flag to Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte, during his retirement ceremony March 5, 2023, at the Air National Guard Base in Fargo.
“Working with the great team of Soldiers, Airmen and civilians at the Joint Force Headquarters has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.” said Schulte. “The n.d. National Guard can accomplish any mission when our talented pool of service members work together”.
Schulte’s military service began in the Biomedical Science Corp in 1993, serving three years with the U.S. Air Force’s 55th Medical Group, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Following his active duty commitment, he was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis, Minn. from 1996 - 1999. In 1999, Schulte joined the North Dakota Air National Guard serving in a variety of medical positions culminating as the commander of the 119th Wing’s Medical Group from 2012 – 2019. In September 2019 he was appointed as the North Dakota Air National Guard’s Chief of Staff – Air.
Legislator Engagement
Members and staff of the N.D. State Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee toured the N.D. National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility to learn more about the capabilities and uses of aircraft, Bismarck, March 9, 2023. (National Guard story by Maj. Jay Sheldon, N.D. National Guard strategy and policy officer)
Of particular interest to the legislators is how the aircraft and crews support emergency responses, like wildland fires and floods in North Dakota. The legisters also learned about pilot training and aircraft maintenance.
Lt. Col. Mike Green, left, discusses the capabilities of a UH-72A Lakota helicopter during a legislator and staff visit to the Army Aviation Support Facility, March 9, 2023, Bismarck. (National Guard photos by Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information)
Professional Development
Shirley Olgeirson, N.D. National Guard historian, conducted this month's professional development, March 8, 2023, at the Raymond J. Bohn armory, Bismarck, N.D. (National Guard story by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Olgeirson's briefing focused on N.D. National Guard lineage and heritage. She highlighted several unit crests explaining the significance of colors and symbols.
After Olgeirson's briefing, Capt. Vanessa Lennick, N.D. National Guard Visual Information provided an update on the N.D. Nation Guard's "From the Field" campaign. She encouraged the audience to grab their mobile phones and check out the submission website.
In addition to an in person audience, the briefings were livestreamed state-wide to all N.D. National Guard full-time members.
Members of the audience check out the "From the Field" campaign on their mobile phones during professional development, Raymond J. Bohn armory, March 8, 2023.
Air guard recruiting visit
Tech Sgt. Bradly Berthold, N.D. Air National Guard recruiter, visited with Center - Stanton junior and senior high school students, Center, N.D. March, 8, 2023. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Berthold highlighted the benefits and opportunities provided by membership in the N.D. Air National Guard especially for those preparing for college. He discussed the many careerfields Airman can choose.
For more information on the N.D. Air Guard contact Tech Sgt. Bradly Berthold at 701-500-5401 or visit the 119th Wing Recruiting Website.
guard members - help Fill Our Ranks & Earn $1000
The N.D. National Guard's (NDNG) "ND1000" incentive program pays N.D. National Guard members $1000 per qualifying new or prior service lead who enlists or accesses into the NDNG as a result of the referring member’s effort, mentorship, and assistance. (National Guard story and graphic by Mr. Jack Sitter, N.D. Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion marketing specialist)
From the Field Campaign
"From the sky to the ground, we've got you covered."
The N.D. National Guard's Task Force Cajetan first marketing campaign, "From the Field", is underway. (National Guard story by 1st Lt. Bruce Shields Jr., N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)
This campaign encourages Soldiers and Airmen to submit photos, both past and present, including videos of their National Guard experience. To submit Guard training, battle selfies, awards and great scenery use the QR code below or click on bit.ly/NDNG-FTF. Follow the simple instructions online.
Photo Submissions
Top Left: Soldiers of the 141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) fire on the Laser Marksmanship Training System (LMTS) during a Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI) course, March 11, 2023, Fargo, N.D. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ashley Johlfs, 141st MEB). Bottom Left: Lt. Col. Michael Green, State Army Aviation Officer, Joint Force Headquarters, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Dickmeyer, Company D, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (1-112th AVN), prepare for a night training flight in a UH-72A Lakota helicopter, Fargo, N.D., March 2, 2023. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Brett Reynolds, 1-112th AVN). Right: Sgt. Brent LaFontaine, 81st Civil Support Team (CST), conducts a joint hazard assessment team (JHAT) exercise at the Bismarck Events Center, March 9, 2023, as a practice for real-world missions. The team scanned multiple BEC areas to ensure the public would be safe while attending an event. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Keller, 81st CST)
Check back next week for more images from our Soldiers and Airmen!
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