FARGO, N.D. — After just a few months in Fargo, the new Military Service Center welcomed its 1,000th customer this week. Provided by the North Dakota National Guard, the center’s unique concept serves military service members, veterans and military families from all service branches and eras of service.

On Monday, just six weeks after the center’s grand opening, Tech. Sgt. Allan R. Garnett and his daughter, Bailey, of East Grand Forks, Minn., walked into the building at 2219 12th St. North, becoming the 1,000th and 1,001st customers. The MSC’s soft opening was Oct. 24, 2011.

“We can obviously tell that the grand opening ceremony and word of mouth campaign has been able to reach military members and their families who need assistance with issues,” said Officer Candidate Matthew Mitzel, the Yellow Ribbon reintegration specialist at the Military Service Center.

“Our MSC has had the luxury of being supported by the 119th Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard, the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the North Dakota Army National Guard and other military organizations, which helps us to reach outside of the Fargo-Moorhead area and link up with individuals needing assistance.”

That was the case for the Garnetts, who traveled about 70 miles to the MSC for military ID cards.

“The Grand Forks (ID card) machine has been down for a while, and we heard that you guys are always up and running,” Allan said.

Besides military ID cards, the MSC also provides assistance to military families and youths, Military Outreach Services to connect veterans with resources and benefits, and information on TriCare health insurance, life insurance, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and military records requests.

Other services that can be accessed through the MSC include a military family life counselor, a personal financial counselor, Military OneSource assistance, transition assistance, the help of licensed social workers and chaplains, and members trained in assisting with sexual assault response and suicide prevention.

“The reaction from our customers is relief as they now have a place where they can get assistance in person instead of by calling a phone directory,” Mitzel said.

The MSC is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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