North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

FARGO, N.D. — Gov. John Hoeven, Fargo mayor Dennis Walaker, Maj. Gen. David
Sprynczynatyk and other leadership came together this afternoon to thank nearly 350 members of the South Dakota Army National Guard for their service here during the flood.

"You in South Dakota are really good friends, people we can count on," Hoeven told the three
company formations from South Dakota. "I don't think any of us ever doubted that ... and from all of us we want to say thank you."

The South Dakota Guard was called up a week ago on March 26 through the Emergency Management Assistance Contract.

"South Dakota responded within minutes, and I know some of you got the call in the middle of the night and you were at the armory by 7 in the morning," Sprynczynatyk said. "... That made a huge difference in our ability to fight the flood and prevent the loss of lives and property."

He presented commander's coins of appreciation to about 40 South Dakota Soldiers and told them they all also would receive the Federal Humanitarian Service Medal and the State Emergency Service Ribbon.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker thanked the Soldiers for their assistance, as well, saying, "I hope
everyone goes back and understands completely how much you are appreciated."

The units are done with duty today and leaving North Dakota.

Dr. Tim Mahoney, Fargo deputy mayor, and Pat Zavoral, Fargo city administrator, also were on
hand to say thank you.

"One thing I've learned is you don't take knives to a gun fight and you don't fight floods without the Guard," Mahoney said.

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