Photo By Sgt. Ann Knudson | The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, from Bismarck, N.D., presents...... read more read more
BISMARCK, N.D. - Command Sgt. Maj. Jack W. Cripe, Jr., Dickinson was honored by the North Dakota National Guard at a formal retirement ceremony April 3, at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck after more than 34 years of military service, with 29 of those years spent serving with the NDNG.
"Cripe is retiring after more than 30 years of active service, something only a handful of people achieve," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "During his career, he made a difference. He understands a leadership position means taking care of soldiers and their families; making sure they have the resources they need."
In 2005, Cripe was selected to serve as the North Dakota State Command Sergeant Major, a position he held until 2009. He deployed in August 2009 to Kosovo and served as the Command Sergeant Major for the Kosovo Force, a NATO lead multi-national force of over 2,200 soldiers and airmen from across the nation and five countries.
Cripe graduated from Dickinson High School in 1978 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1977 completing basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Okla. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th United States Infantry and 42nd Engineer Battalion, West Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany.
In 1982, Cripe transferred to the North Dakota Army National Guard and served with Company D, 164th Engineer Combat Battalion (Corps Wheeled) in key leadership positions culminating as first sergeant.
From 1994-2005, Cripe was assigned as operations sergeant for the 818th Medical Battalion and 68th Troop Command, and served as Command Sergeant for the 1-112th Command Aviation Battalion and 68th Troop Command, Bismarck, N.D.
At the retirement ceremony, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, presented Cripe the Federal Legion of Merit for his dedicated service to the North Dakota National Guard. During the ceremony, Cripe thanked his family, friends, leadership of the NDNG and all of the soldiers that serve.
"Soldiers, thank you for being part of the 1 percent [of the population] that put on a uniform and serve our country," Cripe said. "The position of state command sergeant major was both demanding and rewarding.. I missed many family events because of my military involvement, and I'd like to thank my family for their support through it all."
Cripe also received a United States flag and a plaque dedicated to him by all Command Sergeants Major and Sergeants Major in the North Dakota National Guard. Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Miller presented Cripe with the Keeper of the Colors, which is presented to Command Sergeants Major who attain the duty position of State Command Sergeant Major.
Cripe's military education includes Tactical Communications Systems Mechanic Course, Supply Sergeant Course, Communications Security Custodian Course, Master Fitness Trainers Course, Combat Medics Course, and Leadership Development Course. Cripe is also a graduate of the First Sergeants Course and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.
Cripe's military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Ribbon (7th award), Army Occupation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon (2nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, Kosovo Campaign Service Medal, Non Article 5 NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon (with Number 4), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, North Dakota Legion of Merit, North Dakota Army National Guard State Commendation Ribbon, North Dakota Army National Guard State Achievement Ribbon, and North Dakota Army National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon.
Cripe is married to the former Vaune Volesky, from Dickinson, N.D. Their family includes two children, Jack II and Haylee, daughter in-law Sara and grandson, Jaxon.
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2011 17:36 |
| Story ID: | 68270 |
| Location: | BISMARCK, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, N.D. Guard's top enlisted soldier retires, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT