North Dakota ESGR

06/12/2026

ND ESGR Boss Lift Provides Grand Forks and Minot Employers a First-Hand Look at the Nation’s Nuclear Deterrence Mission

North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) hosted 22 civilian employers on a Boss Lift aboard a North Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter based out of Fargo.

Eleven employers from the Grand Forks area flew to Minot, where they joined 11 employers from the Minot region for a unique opportunity to learn about one of the nation’s most critical defense missions.

The event was hosted by the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron based at Minot Air Force Base, whose members work alongside active-duty Air Force personnel to help secure the intercontinental ballistic missile force and ensure the protection of America’s nuclear deterrence mission.

The day also provided a rare opportunity for employers to better understand the scale and complexity of the missile field mission, including the 24/7 alert posture maintained by missile combat crews operating from underground launch control centers spread across thousands of square miles of North Dakota.

Due to weather and wind conditions, safety requirements necessitated a change in the flight plan. The Grand Forks employers were unable to continue on to the Missile Alert Facility (MAF). Safety is always the top priority in aviation operations, and the decision ensured the Black Hawk crew could safely return passengers to Grand Forks and Fargo.

The 219th Security Forces Squadron quickly adjusted and provided the Grand Forks group with a briefing on the unit’s history, mission, and the weapons and equipment used in protecting the missile field. This ability to shift plans midstream reflected the 219th’s agility, discipline, and professionalism in responding to changing mission requirements in real time.

Meanwhile, the Minot-area employers continued on to the MAF, where they toured the site from top to bottom. This included access to secure operational areas and the underground launch control center where missile combat crews maintain continuous 24/7 readiness in support of America’s strategic deterrence mission. NOTE: Due to security, we were not allowed to take photos!

The experience offered employers a deeper appreciation for the training, responsibility, and commitment required of their Guard and Reserve employees, who balance civilian careers with military service in support of national defense.

Boss Lifts give employers a firsthand understanding of the military duties performed by their Guard and Reserve employees and highlight the essential role employers play in sustaining military readiness. The National Guard and Reserve mission simply cannot be accomplished without strong employer support and partnership.

North Dakota ESGR extends its sincere appreciation to the North Dakota Army National Guard, the 219th Security Forces Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, and all participating employers for making this memorable and educational event possible. Together, they demonstrated that national defense is truly a team effort—supported not only by those in uniform, but also by the employers and communities that stand behind them.

MINOT EMPLOYERS
Dustin Mayer: Integrity Outdoor Living
Courtney Marshall: Heart of America Medical Center
Maria Mollenhauer: Vets For Vets
Jarid Lundeen: Trusted Tire
Pamela Hopkins: Trinity Health
Brady Wheeler: Wheeler Construction, Inc.
Coltin Gleave: Borsheim Crane
Ellen Knutson: Gate City Bank
Jamie Williams: Ward County Sheriff’s Dept.
Rachelle Schlieve: Heart of America Medical Center
Keli Rosselli-Sullivan: Minot Area Chamber EDC

GRAND FORKS EMPLOYERS:
Brandon Boespflug: ND ESGR
Richard Hinkle: Insurance Design Network LLC
Kimberly Strom: The Chamber GF/EGF
Brett Johnson: Grand Forks PD
Robert Everson: Grand Forks County Sheriff
Charles Marcott: Grand Forks Fire Dept.
Christopher Wolf: Lunset Plumbing & Heating
Adam Nelson: Nelson Auto
Holly Benjamin: Altru Health System
Harold Narlock, Minnkota Power Cooperative
Jared Gowan: Gowan Construction Inc.

06/10/2026

🪖 Outstanding day at Camp Grafton! 🚁

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in partnership with the North Dakota Army National Guard, hosted an ESGR Bosslift at Camp Grafton on June 6. Business leaders from the Devils Lake area were invited to gain an inside look at Guard training and operations and experience a flight aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

U.S. Army Capt. Nash Bettenhausen and Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Miller, 188th Engineer Company, provided an overview of obstacle course training, unit projects, and a demonstration of how the Forward Repair System is loaded onto the Palletized Load System.

Attendees also had the opportunity to test their courage by rappelling down the Camp Grafton rappel tower under the expert guidance and instruction of Sgt. 1st Class David Feilen, 815th Engineer Company, and Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Wendland, Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

Thank you to all the employers who attended and for your continued support of our Guard and Reserve members!

Business leaders in attendance:
Randy Leadbetter – Randy’s Electric
Ruth McBride – Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce
Carmen Simone & Scott Schwab – Lake Region State College
Kristi Tollefson – Lake Region Human Services Center
Brandon Sailor – Jerome Wholesale
Taylor Schwab – Lake Region Vet Clinic

ESGR’s Bosslift Program provides employers with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by National Guard and Reserve service members. Through experiences like these, employers gain valuable insight into the leadership, skills, and commitment their Guard and Reserve employees bring to the workplace, as well as the demands of military training and deployments. This awareness helps foster stronger support and flexibility, making it easier for service members to balance their civilian careers with their military responsibilities.

06/10/2026

North Dakota ESGR volunteer Roy Martinez recently presented an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support to Carlos Rodriguez and Tamara Huesers of Minot Vets for Vets, recognizing their commitment to supporting members of the National Guard and Reserve, veterans, and their families throughout North Dakota.

Minot Vets for Vets is a veteran-led nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans with peer support, resources, wellness programs, and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow veterans. Their mission of veterans helping veterans strengthens communities and provides a valuable support network for those who have served our nation.

The ESGR Statement of Support is a public pledge from employers and organizations to support employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve by recognizing the value of military service, encouraging open communication, and complying with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Please join us in thanking Carlos, Tamara, and the entire Minot Vets for Vets team for their dedication to serving veterans and supporting those who continue to serve in the Guard and Reserve.

To learn more about Minot Vets for Vets and their programs, visit:
🌐 https://peervisionnd.org/vets-for-vets

Thank you for standing with those who serve!

06/09/2026

🪖 Camp Grafton ESGR Bosslift Resounding Success!! 🚁

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) volunteers, in collaboration with the ND Army National Guard, hosted an ESGR Bosslift on June 6 at Camp Grafton for business leaders from Wahpeton, Carrington, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck. Individuals attending had the opportunity to fly in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Fargo to Camp Grafton, where they received a firsthand insight into training, equipment, and capabilities of National Guard service members.

U.S. Army Capt. Nash Bettenhausen and Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Miller, 188th Engineer Company, briefed employers on unit projects and provided an up-close look at military equipment and operations. Employers then stepped outside their comfort zones by rappelling down the Camp Grafton rappel tower under the expert guidance and instruction of Sgt. 1st Class David Feilen, 815th Engineer Company, and Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Wendland, Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, who expressed their appreciation for the dedication expressed by the service members and ESGR volunteers.

• “This was a great experience seeing our soldiers in training! Loved the Black Hawk ride.”
• “This opportunity has been one of the best I have had in a while; to be able to see them in their everyday work and training was truly a wonderful experience. Every soldier we have talked to is high-spirited, proud, and confident.”
• “Great experience to get to see how our soldiers live and train. Thanks for the helicopter ride and welcoming us into your environment!”
• “Thank you so much for this opportunity! I have never been to Camp Grafton, so it was great to see all the amazing training taking place. The ride on the Black Hawk was awesome.”

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a tremendous success and for supporting our Guard and Reserve members!

Business leaders in attendance:
Kyle Armitage & Rod Flannigan – North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton)
Benjamin & Nicholas Beach – Heartland Ready Mix (Carrington)
Reed Kunnanz – Glass Doctor Auto of Fargo
Brady Johnson – Scheels (Fargo)
Ryan Olson & Christian Marker – Rogue Plumbing and Heating (Grand Forks)
Connor Wilkens – Wilkens Brothers LLC (Bismarck)

06/08/2026

Check out this week's edition of the North Dakota National Guard TAG Line!

Featuring:
~ Bronze Star
~ 2026 Region VI Best Warrior Competition
~ New Fitness Center
~ Security Forces Train
~ Gold Cycle Run
~ And more!

A story told with Adobe Express

06/08/2026

North Dakota ESGR Ombudsman Jerald Engelman joined volunteers from across the country for advanced training on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), mediation skills, and ESGR’s Ombudsman mission.

ESGR Ombudsmen serve as neutral volunteer mediators who help employers and service members understand USERRA requirements, improve communication, and resolve workplace issues informally before they escalate. For North Dakota employers, this training strengthens support, reduces confusion, and helps ensure faster, clearer resolution of employment matters involving Guard and Reserve service.

During the conference, ESGR National Chair John F. Sampa presented graduation certificates to attending Ombudsman trainees. Sampa, a retired U.S. Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major and former Texas State Trooper, leads ESGR’s nationwide network of more than 2,300 volunteers supporting service members and employers.

The training brought together ESGR volunteers from across the nation to enhance consistency, capability, and collaboration in supporting the Guard and Reserve community.


Linda Larson Engelman

06/06/2026

D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of N**i-occupied France during World War II.

More than 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in one of the largest amphibious military operations in history. The success of the invasion helped turn the tide of the war in Europe and ultimately led to the defeat of N**i Germany.

ND ESGR honors D-Day because it represents extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom. The men and women who participated faced overwhelming odds, and many gave their lives to secure liberty for future generations. Their service remains a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of preserving it.

06/02/2026

Congrats to the 119th Wing , ND Air National Guard. One again the Guard and Reserve are proving their professionalism in supporting the Active Duty installations and their respective missions.

05/29/2026

Supporting those who serve at home and on the mission!

The North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) had the distinct honor of presenting the Department of War "Patriot Award" to leadership at the North Dakota Public Service Commission at the State Capitol.

Congratulations to Commissioners Randy Christmann, Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, and Jill Kringstad, as well as PSC Executive Director Brian Johnson.

These leaders were nominated by Major Chris Martens, the Commission's Legal Counsel and a member of the 68th Troop Command of the ND Army National Guard.

Established by the Department of Defense in 1972 during the transition to an All-Volunteer Force, ESGR has operated on one constant principle: the strength of our military depends not only on those who wear the uniform, but also on the employers who support them at home.

As the agency’s attorney, Major Martens' military responsibilities mean his absences create real workload impacts and delays in adjudicating regulatory matters before the Commission. Yet, what we recognized today goes far beyond basic employment protections. It recognizes leadership, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to supporting military service even when it creates tough operational challenges.

Major Chris Martens shared:
"My supervisors continue to be supportive of my military service and recognize the importance of the National Guard mission. My supervisors go out of their way to accommodate my military mission and continue to treat me like a valued member of their team."

"The Patriot Award isn't just about acknowledging a policy; it's about honoring supervisors who choose to lead by example," said Rob Keller, ND ESGR Vice-Chair. "When a leadership team willingly shoulders the operational challenges and workload impacts of a deployment or training, they send a powerful message across their entire organization. They prove that supporting our nation’s defense is a shared responsibility, and that true leadership means taking care of those who serve.
Hearing directly from the service member reminds us what that support looks like in practice."

Following the presentation, the Commissioners and Director Johnson expressed how deeply appreciative they were of the gesture and the recognition. They shared that supporting military service is a vital part of their agency's culture and mission, and they were truly honored to receive the awards.

Thank you to the ND Public Service Commission for setting the gold standard for employer support of the Guard and Reserve in North Dakota.

Sheri Haugen-Hoffart
https://www.facebook.com/randychristmann
https://www.facebook.com/jill.steinwand
https://www.facebook.com/chris.martens.524/friends

05/28/2026

Thanks Ohio for sitting in on the ND ESGR training session. It was a great event and geared for Public Affairs training and how we can use social media to tell “the rest of the story”.

Ohio ESGR Public Affairs Director Jayni Sech joined the quarterly Public Affairs Zoom call this afternoon alongside fellow Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Public Affairs Directors from across the country. The discussion focused on ways to strengthen outreach efforts and increase awareness of ESGR’s mission through effective communication and social media engagement.

Volunteerism continues to play a critical role in the success of ESGR, and opportunities exist for individuals from all professional and personal backgrounds who are looking for a meaningful way to serve their communities and support those who serve our nation.

A special thank you to Robyn Keller and Kristy Wangler from North Dakota ESGR for facilitating an outstanding presentation on maximizing impact through social media. Their ideas and practical tips provided valuable takeaways for the national Public Affairs team.

Volunteer organizations thrive when people are willing to step forward and share their time and talents. If you’ve ever considered getting involved with ESGR, don’t let the fact that you may not have military experience hold you back. Your skills and passion can still make a meaningful difference.

Message us and we can find a role that fits your expertise.

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