BISMARCK, N.D. - This past year, the North Dakota National Guard has been engaged in multiple missions, dotted with a number of first-time achievements that marked the year as unforgettable. A look back at the year illustrates the varied events, achievements and awards that the NDNG took part in as well as the skills that were needed to meet the missions with success.
Reflecting on the past provides insight on where the North Dakota National Guard may be engaged in the future.
"Even as we look ahead and where our organization needs to go in the coming years, 2011 is a year to be remembered. Looking back on 2011, I am humbled by the talents and skills of our soldiers and airman. Each person collectively makes us an outstanding force that I am proud to lead," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "This year we've celebrated many important dates, marked milestones as well as accomplished outstanding feats."
A look back at the Top 10 Highlights from 2011:
No. 1: Flooding in Central and Eastern N.D.
In 2011, during an unprecedented stint of support for a single-kind of natural disaster, the NDNG responded in force to historical flooding across North Dakota. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded 22 communities that experienced record crests, and more than 3,000 Guardsmen served on flood duty.
Soldiers and airmen worked side-by-side with local, state and federal agencies, as well as volunteers and impacted residents, to hold back floodwaters across the state. After an initial flood response in eastern North Dakota that spanned 32 days during which time more than 600 Guardsmen were on duty in a single day, a short reprieve turned the citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen back to help, but this time in the central part of the state.
The response increased dramatically during round two. Beginning April 5, and extending well into the summer season, over 3,000 individual Guard members served a record 142 duty days on state active duty, assisting communities battling statewide flooding for the third consecutive year. In total, more than 67,000 soldier and airman days of State Active Duty were recorded by the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard. Toward the end of the summer, Minnesota National Guard sent approximately 220 soldiers to provide assistance and relief to the NDNG Guardsmen. Also, about 100 Minot Air Force Base airmen contributed to the fight.
"Our men and women in uniform have become extremely skilled and proficient at flood fighting in recent years," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "This year, that experience was needed more than ever. We saw some of our state's largest flooding events ever, some expected and some not. Each time the waters rose, our Guardsmen were there to work alongside local, state and federal responders and community members. Their families stood beside them as their soldiers and airmen missed more events and summer vacations, and their employers showed an incredible amount of support as they managed duties without an employee or more. We can't thank them all enough."
By the numbers - complete 2011 flood response (Includes Red, Sheyenne, Souris and Missouri rivers)
* 3,047 personnel supporting flood response through the National Guard for at least one day this year
* 114 calendar days spent on flood duty
* 66,983 work days (calendar days multiplied by number on duty for each specific day) devoted to flood response operations
* 169 aviation missions flown in North Dakota National Guard
No. 2: As deployment pace slows, the NDNG reflected on decade of GWOT
As the year began, only about a dozen Guardsmen were deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. That has since changed, as about 275 North Dakota Guardsmen are currently serving overseas. Fifty-five soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support) left in September to serve on a yearlong mission as part of Kosovo Force 15, a NATO peacekeeping operation. The month prior, about 160 soldiers with the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) left for a yearlong mission in Kuwait.
Most recently, about 50 North Dakota National Guard Airmen arrived in Southwest Asia for a six-month deployment. It's an unusual mission for the Happy Hooligans, who typically deploy overseas individually or in very small groups. Lt. Col. Dan Bertsch, a JAG officer with the North Dakota Air National Guard, returned from his 15th deployment in September 2011. He has volunteered to deploy more than any other NDNG member.
This year, the NDNG reflected back on the previous 10 years and a day that is forever memorialized in American history. Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized nearly 3,800 soldiers and more than 1,800 airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Nearly 5,600 Guardsmen have served in GWOT, which is compared to 3,700 who served during World War I, 3,199 during World War II, 2,404 for the Korean War and 1,090 for the Mexican Border Incident of 1916-17. Fewer than 1,000 ND Guardsmen mobilized for the Berlin Crisis (1961-62), Philippine Insurrection (1898-99), Persian Gulf War (1990-91) and Balkan Operations (1997-2000).
The North Dakota National Guard has had 12 soldiers killed supporting the Global War on Terrorism. However, the GWOT memorial that was dedicated in front of Fraine Barracks on Sept. 11, 2009, honors 24 service members from North Dakota who lost their lives since that fateful day a decade ago.
Currently, the NDNG has about 200 North Dakota Guardsmen mobilized outside of the state in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
This year also saw the end of mission in Iraq after almost a decade of war and deployments that began in 2003. As eight years of missions drew to a close in December, North Dakota Guardsmen reflected on their service more than ever. It's about the people - the service members who gave their lives for the cause, the Guardsmen with whom they've formed an indelible bond, and the Iraqis, whom they hope are living a better life because of the military's efforts.
No. 3: 14th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award The North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing was again named one of the best in the nation. The wing was presented with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in August 2011. It was the 14th time the unit has taken home the award, a nearly unheard of feat with other units earning an average of three to five such designations.
Each year, the 119th Wing competes with similar units across the nation for the distinction, and only four out of 31 units earn the honor annually.
The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is presented to units that have made achievements of national or international significance, including successful involvement with combat and military operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. Among the many accomplishments cited in the 119th Wing receiving the award for the 2010 fiscal year (October 2009 through September 2010) are its combat and support operations for Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Global Strike Command. During 2010, 36 of North Dakota's citizen-airmen deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism, homeland defense missions and stateside emergency support.
The 119th Wing also extended its exemplary flying record to more than 38 years encompassing 206,667 flying hours and 108,811 mishap-free flights.
Additionally, the 177th Airlift Squadron was named the 2009 Joint Operational Support Airlift Squadron of the Year while the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron became the first unit to receive nuclear certification for securing intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The 119th Wing earned the same honor in 1973, 1974, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Also in 2011, the 219th Security Forces Squadron, which is stationed at the Minot Air Force Base, received the distinction of 2010 Air National Guard Security Forces Squadron of the Year. That places the unit as the best out of 86 such squadrons in the United States. With about 140 airmen assigned, the 219th is the second-largest Security Forces Squadron in the Air National Guard; the 105th Security Forces Squadron in New York is the largest.
No. 4: 957th Wins Itschner Award
In 2011, the 957th Engineer Company in Bismarck, N.D., received the coveted 2010 Itschner Award, an award given to the single best engineer unit in the nation in each military component. It is presented each year to the most outstanding active duty, Reserve and National Guard Engineer units throughout the Army. The 957th won in the National Guard component, and was awarded the honor during an Engineer Regimental Awards luncheon held April 9 in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
The Itschner Award is named in honor of Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner, the 39th chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In order to be eligible for the Itschner Award, a unit must be selected at every level, from their battalion, to their brigade and finally their major command. Once they are approved, they advance to the Army level where the Engineer branch evaluates the nomination packets and selects a winner.
The 957th was serving in multiple locations during 2010, the year for which the award was given, 58 percent of the unit served in North Dakota and 42 percent served in a multi-national peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. While in Kosovo, the Liaison and Monitoring teams conducted more than 4,800 missions - and were the eyes and ears of the leadership providing information on the concerns and issues within the local populace.
Meanwhile, the 957th soldiers back in North Dakota were fielded two new bridge systems - the largest fielding of new equipment in the history of the North Dakota Army National Guard, to include a full complement of the new Improved Ribbon Bridging System and the Dry Support Bridge System.
No. 5: Guard soldier gives kidney to battle buddy
In the most simplistic military sense, it was a reallocation of assets. More than that, it was an act of camaraderie from one battle buddy to another. In 2011, the story of how one North Dakota Guardsman's kidney now filters the blood in his battle buddy's body made headlines. Spc. John Chase wasn't feeling the best when he came home on a two-week leave from his second deployment to Afghanistan in May 2010. He took his family on vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, but just before he was to return to his fellow Guardsmen with the North Dakota National Guard's 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, he discovered what was ailing him: his kidneys were failing.
Sgt. Francisco "Cisco" Raatz donated one of his healthy kidneys to his brother in arms. Raatz had been on two deployments with Chase. The young, healthy Soldier had never had a surgery in his life, but volunteered for the painful process to help his friend and fellow soldier, whom he said goes out of his way to help others.
"Part of me thought maybe it's about time somebody tried to help him for all of his efforts," Raatz said.
Against all odds, Raatz was a perfect match. Oftentimes, 70 or 80 donors are tested before a match is found, the Guardsmen say, especially in a case such as Chase's; he was adopted and had no family available for a potential donation. Now, one of Raatz's kidneys is in his battle buddy's body, which saved Chase's life.
No. 6: Lindberg named Best Warrior in all of ARNG
Spc. Ryan Lindberg, 23, was named the "Best Warrior" out of all enlisted soldiers in the entire Army National Guard, an incredible achievement that put him head-to-head with the top soldiers from Army divisions around the world. He qualified for the competition after being named the best in his unit - the Jamestown-based 817th Engineer Company (Sapper) - and then the best at brigade level, followed by the best in the state and then the best in the eight-state region. That's how he ended up at Fort Lee, Va., competing against regular Army soldiers in what's been coined the "Super Bowl of Army competitions."
In all, he has spent 15 months studying, training and competing to prepare for this event. After a week of intense competition against the best soldiers in the entire U.S. Army, the North Dakota National Guard's Spc. Ryan Lindberg didn't walk away the best in the nation, but he was close. It's the first time a North Dakota Guardsman has ever qualified to compete at this high of a level.
"It's really surreal for the most part, but it's an honor for me to not only represent our unit but the state and the entire United States National Guard," said Lindberg, who has served more than six years in the Guard.
No. 7: Last Vietnam vet retires from NDNG
When Master Sgt. Alan K. Peterson of West Fargo, N.D., retired in November 2011, he ended an era in both the Army and Air National Guard in the state.
He was the last serving combat Vietnam War veteran in the North Dakota National Guard. There's believed to be only one remaining Vietnam vet nationwide in the Air Force, and while it's unknown, there are presumably very few left in the Army.
"His retirement marks the end of an era for the North Dakota National Guard, bringing to a close the exemplary service and leadership of a generation of patriots who served in the Vietnam War. We are grateful to Master Sgt. Peterson and all of our Vietnam veterans for their noble and courageous service," said Gov. Jack Dalrymple
In June 2011, the last North Dakota Air National Guardsman retired after nearly 40 years as a "Happy Hooligan." Chief Master Sgt. James E. Clemenson was the last enlisted airman to have been stationed in Vietnam to retire from the Air National Guard.
No. 8: Winter Storm Response
Gov. Jack Dalrymple proclaimed a statewide winter storm emergency, March 12, 2011, based on a severe winter storm that impacted most of North Dakota and directed the North Dakota National Guard to support search and rescue efforts for stranded motorists.
The storm system produced blowing and drifting snow, whiteout conditions, slippery road surfaces and high winds that left motorists stranded on roadways.
Rescue efforts continued throughout the night to reach hundreds of motorists who were stranded in blizzard conditions across North Dakota. Through a partnership with other North Dakota agencies, 70 soldiers with the NDNG worked through the night to provide rescue and recovery efforts for stranded motorists. More than 500 vehicles were abandoned on highways within 50 miles of Bismarck. More than 800 individuals were at shelters along I-94 and Highway 83.
No. 9: Hemphill receives NATO Medal
A NDNG member was awarded a medal that has adorned no other North Dakota Guardsmen's uniform ever: the NATO Meritorious Service Medal. Sgt. Sam Hemphill, of Bismarck, N.D., received the award from Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, who commanded international forces during KFOR 12, a Kosovo Force mission from 2009-2010.
Fewer than 50 military and civilian personnel from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's 28 member countries are selected each year for the prestigious award.
A 14-year National Guard veteran, Hemphill served as a squad leader with Company A of the 231st Brigade Support Battalion while deployed to Kosovo.
While conducting a foot patrol the evening of Dec. 1, 2009, Hemphill's squad came across an accident where a pedestrian had been seriously injured when hit by a passing truck.
Hemphill quickly assessed the situation, determined the man would likely die without intervention and that no local first responders were yet available.
He separated his squad into teams so that traffic and onlookers could be controlled while medical treatment was provided.
As Hemphill conducted the medical assessment, the injured man began choking on his blood. Hemphill pulled off his undershirt and made a makeshift neck brace to stabilize the man before rolling the victim on his side to clear the airway.
In the details for the award recommendation, Lt. Col. Lee Nordin, battalion commander, described what happened once Hemphill realized that the backed-up traffic would prevent local medical providers from arriving in time to save the man's life.
"The squad had limited medical supplies, but Sgt. Hemphill was undeterred," Nordin wrote. "At this point, he made a second life-saving decision. He secured a riot control shield from his vehicle and ordered his squad to use it as a makeshift backboard. Under the direction of Sgt. Hemphill, the squad secured the victim to the shield with their rigger belts and prepared him for transport."
Hemphill then coordinated with a civilian on site for transportation and had his squad clear the road and provide escort to the hospital.
Despite the level of trauma, the story has a happy ending. "We checked in with the local Kosovo police, and they were able to give us a full report," Hemphill said. "The man spent a few weeks in Pristina and made a full recovery."
No. 10: Biathlon Team Success
North Dakota National Guard Biathlon Team members skied and shot their way to a 3rd place finish in a national competition after winning the Central Region Biathlon champions at the annual competition. The Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships pitted North Dakota, previous year's overall champions, against other biathlon powerhouses, including Vermont, Minnesota and Utah.
The competition saw strong individual performances by North Dakota Guardsmen.
Two North Dakota Guardsmen competed well enough to earn a place on the prestigious All-Guard Team, an elite group comprised of the top biathletes in the entire National Guard. Capt. Eric Nordgren, a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, and 2nd Lt. Blake Hillerson, who serves with the North Dakota Army National Guard's 426th Signal Network Support Company, both are repeat team members. This was Hillerson's fourth year qualifying for the team and Nordgren's second.
As part of the team, they'll again have the opportunity to train with top-level coaches and compete internationally. All-Guard Team members also have competed with the U.S. Winter Olympic Biathlon Team. One of those former Olympians competes on the Vermont team, which shows the talent and skill North Dakota was up against during the competition.