BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, announced April 18 that Lt. Col. Rick J. Smith assumed duties as the Public Information Officer for the North Dakota National Guard. Smith replaces Capt. Dan Murphy who is slated to lead the public affairs efforts for the upcoming Kosovo mission later this summer.
"Rick Smith is a perfect choice to lead our public affairs team during Murphy's deployment to
Kosovo," said Sprynczynatyk. "His background in public relations combined with 19 years of
successful military experience in the North Dakota National Guard provides him a solid foundation
to excel in this important position."
Smith, a native of Bismarck, joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1990 excelling in various
staff positions and successful company command. Smith was deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008 as an operations and liaison officer with the Engineer Brigade serving in support of the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. Smith is a 1990 graduate of the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Public Relations and received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Murphy has served in various capacities with the North Dakota National Guard including both 1st
Sergeant and commander of the 1/129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. He is currently assigned
as the commander of the 116th Public Affairs Detachment and was deployed in support of the global war on terrorism serving in Qatar from 2006 to 2007.
"Dan Murphy's performance has been simply outstanding" added Sprynczynatyk. "He has
successfully led our public affairs efforts ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information
regarding North Dakota National Guard missions and activities. His efforts in facilitating and
guiding media affairs during our recent and still ongoing flood operations have been particularly
noteworthy."
Murphy will concentrate on preparing for the Kosovo mission in the ensuing months prior to the
mobilization slated for later this year. The North Dakota Army National Guard is expected to
deploy about 700 Soldiers in support of this mission.
| Date Taken: | 04.18.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.18.2009 04:12 |
| Story ID: | 32537 |
| Location: | BISMARCK, US |
| Web Views: | 345 |
| Downloads: | 312 |
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