GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Hundreds of people streamed into the Alerus Center today, but it wasn’t for a show or sporting event; it was to honor about 75 North Dakota National Guard soldiers who served their country for a year in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Freedom Salute Ceremony drew praise from Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk for the members of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
“The members of the 1-188th have again served this state and nation with pride and distinction, and have completed yet another successful mission in the Global War on Terrorism,” Dalrymple said. “We are proud of their distinguished service and grateful to them and their families for so valiantly and selflessly defending this great nation and the ideals for which it stands.”
The Soldiers deployed in three groups in November 2009. A small group of eight, led by Sfc. Michael Kraft, served in Iraq, where they operated the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar. A group of 25 performed the same mission in Afghanistan. It was the first time North Dakota National Guardsmen had used the Sentinel Radar, which can alert short-range air-defense weapons to sites of hostile targets, in a combat situation.
“Know that you made NDNG history by being the first from North Dakota to use the Sentinel Radar,” Sprynczynatyk told the soldiers. “Just as you’ve perfected the RAID mission, you took the Sentinel Radar mission and made it your own, saving countless lives in the process.”
The third group consisted of 39 Soldiers in Afghanistan who operated the RAID (Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment) system. It was the fourth time North Dakota Guardsmen had carried out that mission overseas, dubbing it RAID IV. Capt. Walyn Vannurden, of Cavalier, N.D., and 1st Sgt. Gregory Brockberg, of Moorhead, Minn., led the groups serving in Afghanistan.
Vannurden and Brockberg were both honored during the ceremony with the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth highest Armed Forces combat award.
The 1-188th is based in Grand Forks, with detachments in Bismarck and Fargo. Unit members honored today hail from more than 30 communities, though. More than half had previously deployed.
It wasn’t just the soldiers who were honored today. Their family members also were recognized and thanked, as were employers and military supporters.
“I especially thank the families for their service,” Sprynczynatyk said. “You have one of the toughest jobs, and I can’t thank you enough for how you’ve supported your service member and the North Dakota National Guard. Know that I truly appreciate all that you’ve done.”
Soldiers placed lapel pins on their spouse or parent, and their children received “Future Soldier” packs and Youth Service Medals during the ceremony.
Awards recognized those who supported the soldiers throughout their deployment. The Center of Influence Award, a Minuteman statue, was presented to Jennifer Vannurden, who led the unit’s Family Readiness Group during the deployment. The Distinguished Center of Influence Award, a framed mural, was presented to Megan Anderson, who ensured Families were looked after in the unit’s absence.
The Freedom Salute Campaign began in December 2003 and quickly became one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It was designed to publicly recognize soldiers, and takes place about three months after troops return from a deployment, which allows time for reintegration weekends with their families.