Your "Extended Family," Live from the USO

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NDNG News Release 09-139: N.D. National Guard General Receives Second Star (UNCLASSIFIED)

)

 

N.D. National Guard General Receives Second Star

Promotion Comes with Assignment in Korea

 

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota National Guardsman Dennis E. Jacobson was recently promoted to major general as he begins a new, two-year assignment as the U.S. Forces Korea deputy chief of staff for Restationing and Tour Normalization Facilities.

 

The only other active major general — or "two-star general" — in the North Dakota National Guard is Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, the adjutant general.

 

With the promotion and assignment, Jacobson assumes responsibility for overseeing the policy development, master planning, execution, coordination and status reporting of several areas: the Yongsan Relocation Program, Land Partnership Plan, facilities required for Tour Normalization and the U.S. Forces Korea theater master stationing and movement plan.

 

"I am in charge of restationing U.S. forces from their current locations to two hubs near Peyongtaek and Daegue," Jacobson said. "This is one of the biggest projects the Corps of Engineers has undertaken since the Panama Canal."

 

It's also the largest U.S. base relocation in U.S. and Korean history, transforming Humphreys Garrison into a U.S. Army installation that will be home to 44,000 military members, families and civilian employees — three times the current base population. Multiple bases across South Korea will be consolidated at Humphreys, which is about 40 miles south of Seoul. As part of the Yongsan Relocation Plan, the majority of U.S. forces along with United Nations Command headquarters will be relocated to Humphreys, although a residual force will remain in Seoul to support the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission's operations.

 

"I believe my military and civilian experience in North Dakota has prepared me well for this assignment," Jacobson said. "It is a very complex project development mission, which is heavily influenced by engineer considerations. More importantly, the U.S. military has to work very closely with the ROK military and civilian government to move the project forward. This cross-government interaction is an everyday occurrence in North Dakota but it is an experience that not many active-duty officers get."

 

The Land Partnership Plan, which Jacobson also oversees, is a second major bilateral agreement between the United States and Korea. It consolidates and relocates U.S. forces outside of the Seoul metropolitan area, provides U.S. forces time on Korean training areas and ranges, and ensures safety easements are provided and enforced.

 

Tour Normalization — or allowing service members to serve in Korea for two to three years and bring their families — was approved by the Department of Defense in December 2008. As part Korea's transitions, Jacobson also will be involved in overseeing the development of the necessary facilities for Tour Normalization.

 

"I congratulate Dennis Jacobson on his promotion and assignment to this important position," Sprynczynatyk said. "He has effectively served the North Dakota National Guard for many years, and I have the greatest confidence in his abilities to represent our state well as he serves in a key leadership role with United States Forces Korea."

 

Since August 2006, Jacobson has served as the vice director of Operations, Plans, Logistics and Engineers for the United States Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. In this role, he was responsible for the reserve components' force structure and overseeing policies that affect those components.

 

Jacobson's first military assignment came 35 years ago, when he became the assistant operations officer for the North Dakota Army National Guard's State Area Command. He has since served in numerous leadership positions within the North Dakota National Guard, to include the assistant adjutant general and land component commander from February 2004 through July 2006.

 

Jacobson earned bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D. He also holds a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

 

In his civilian career, Jacobson worked as a transportation engineer with the North Dakota Department of Transportation for 28 years and for four years as a research engineer at North Dakota State University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer.

——

Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 2,800 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recent months, nearly 2,000 North Dakota National Guardsmen were mobilized for flood fighting missions all across North Dakota. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, we have sufficient forces available to provide emergency response and homeland defense.

 

-30-

For more information:

United States Forces Korea:  www.usfk.mil

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers News Release: Engineering rice paddies into prime real estate at Humphreys garrison:  http://www.pof.usace.army.mil/news/news2008-01.htm

 

 

Major General DENNIS E. JACOBSON

 

Deputy Chief of Staff for Re-stationing,

U.S. Forces Korea

Seoul Korea

Since:   July 2009

Major General Dennis E. Jacobson is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Re-stationing, US Forces Korea, Seoul Korea.  The Deputy chief of Staff for Re-stationing & Tour Normalization facilities is responsible for overseeing the policy development, master planning, execution, coordination, and status reporting for the Yongsan Relocation Program (YRP), The Land Partnership Plan (LPP), Facilities required for Tour Normalization, and USFK theater master stationing and movement plan.

Major General Jacobson is a Registered Professional Engineer.  Major General Jacobson spent 28 years as a Transportation Engineer with the North Dakota Department of Transportation and four years as a Research Engineer with North Dakota State University prior to his retirement from state service in 2003.  His last assignment in the North Dakota National Guard was Assistant Adjutant General and Land Component Commander.  General Jacobson has commanded two Major Army Commands, an army Medical Department and all Army Guard Recruiting and Retention Activities for the State of North Dakota.

EDUCATION:

1972 North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Fargo, North Dakota

2001 North Dakota State University, Master of Science, Civil Engineering, Fargo, North Dakota 

2001 U.S. army War College, Master of Strategic Studies, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

ASSIGNMENT:

FROM	TO	ASSIGNMENT
August 1974	August 1976	Assistant Operations Officer G-3, State area Command, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
August 1976	December 1976	Platoon Leader, Company A, 164th Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Mandan, North Dakota
January 1977	July 1978	Executive Officer, Company A, 164th Engineer Battalion, North Dakota army National Guard, Mandan, North Dakota
August 1978	June 1979	Platoon Leader, Company A, 164th Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Hazen, North Dakota
June 1979	November 1980	Commander, Company A, 164th Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Mandan, North Dakota
December 1980	July 1981	Utility Engineer, Headquarters, Headquarters, Detachment, 164th Engineer Group, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
August 1981	September 1986	Civil Engineer, Headquarters, Headquarters, Detachment, 164th Engineer Group, North Dakota Army National Guard Bismarck, North Dakota
September 1986	October 1986	Manpower/Resource Manager, Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 164th Engineer Group, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
October 1986	August 1990	Operations Officer, 141st Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Valley City, North Dakota
September 1990	October 1991	Executive Officer, 231st Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
October 1991	August 1992	Executive Officer, 164th Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Minot, North Dakota
August 1992	May 1993	Training Officer, headquarters, State Area Command, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
June 1993	August 1996	Commander, 164th Engineer Battalion, North Dakota army National Guard, Minot, North Dakota
August 1996	August 1998	Commander, 142nd Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard, Fargo, North Dakota
August 1998	November 1999	Executive Officer, Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, North Dakota army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
November 1999	April 2000	Executive Officer, Headquarters, North Dakota army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
April 2000	September 2001	Deputy Commander, Headquarters, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
September 2001	February 2004	Command Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
February 2004	July 2006	Commander, Land Component command, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota Army National Guard, Bismarck, North Dakota
August 2006	July 2009	Vice Director J-3/4 United States Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia
July 2009	Present	Deputy Chief of Staff for Re-stationing, US Forces Korea, Seoul Korea.

 

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

 

Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Army Achievement Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Army Component Achievement Medal (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 4 Bronze Oak Clusters)

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 1 Silver Hourglass Device)

Army Service Ribbon

Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Army Engineer Association Bronze DeFleury Medal

 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:

 

Promotions	Date of Appointment
Second Lieutenant ARNG	18 Aug 1974
First Lieutenant ARNG	17 Aug 1977
Captain ARNG	23 Aug 1979
Major ARNG	22 Sep 1986
Lieutenant Colonel ARNG	9 Sep 1992
Colonel ARNG	16 May 2000
Brigadier General (LINE) ARNG	28 Apr 2005
Major General	25 June 2009

(Current as of July 2009)

 

Amy Wieser Willson

Deputy Public Information Officer

Joint Force Headquarters

Founder's Notes

 

Dear Soldiers' Angels, Our hearts are with our deployed heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it has once again been a tough week for our warriors and their allies.  Here at home we're working on big and small ways to show them our love and support. YOU Are Needed in Afghanistan! Hard Fighting & Tough Living The heaviest fighting right now is in Afghanistan, with conditions like the very beginning in Iraq—tents or even sleeping on the ground, monthly mail, no showers, no PX for basic needs, etc.  There is also a higher ratio of females.  Please help by joining the Ladies of Liberty team, donating items, adopting a hero, or helping with postage for the 5,000 packages sent out each week.  Help make sure our heroes know they're in our hearts as they face these trying conditions!  They need us! [more]   Fingertip Support 3 Ways to Help Heroes! We're in the final push for the Communicause contest to win a "Social Media Makeover" for SA.  We also have a great young patriot who is competing for $5,000 to help her support military families, and it's the final days for a deployed hero and wonderful leader to win a new car.  All it takes is a few key strokes to make a BIG difference.  Click to find out how! [more] Meet the Angel Leadership--Band of Volunteers Elaine Hodges, CTL, Menlo Park VA Elaine lives in San Jose, CA and has three adult children with her husband of 28 years.  She started supporting the troops after 9-11 through Operation AC, but when she heard about Soldiers' Angels on a talk show, it "grabbed" her heart and she began adopting heroes.  In 2007, deeply mourning her eldest brother's death, Elaine heard about VA Team CTLs; she jumped into the role and found healing.  When you are grieving, she says, "Reach out and help others who hurt and grieve.  Giving of yourself in love, comp the Menlo Park Team focuses on the Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) unit, holding bi-monthly activities for patients: a movie night with refreshments, and a home-cooked dinner with bingo or gift exchange.  Each visit, the grateful veterans in the unit welcome them with happy shouts of, "There's our Angels!"  Elaine speaks for her team when she says, "It's a lot of work, but it is truly a labor of love because we are dealing with those most precious men and women who have seen the worst of war." If you're very busy, the Angel Store (www.angelsstore.org) is a great way to support the troops.  There you'll find pre-made care packages and other gifts that deployed troops appreciate, and all funds raised go right back into Soldiers' Angels projects!  This week, in honor of Blankets of Belief, premade blanket kits are 50% off (use discount code ANGELS50). Please join us as we support our deployed heroes.  As I said above, they need us so much right now.  Please visit soldiersangels.org, spread the word, and see how you can help! Wingtip to Wingtip,  Patti Patton-Bader Soldiers' Angels Founder and CEO

     
 

etter to the Editor

"A man who serves his country," President Roosevelt once stated, "is the highest compliment and honor that can be bestowed upon a man." The brave men and women who serve our country, know no fear. They serve the United States of America with pride, knowing that there might indeed come a day when they don't return home. 
 
Minnesota recently took a tragic turn in the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq in regards to casualites with six residents Killed-in-Action thus far in the month of July. As a North Dakota neighbor, I would like to take the time to honor these fine heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.
 

Spc. Chester W. Hosford, 35, of Hastings, Minn. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill. Operation Enduring Freedom died July 6 in Konduz, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.
 
 
Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn.; Spc. James D. Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn.; and Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, Minn. died July16 in Basra of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using indirect fire.
All three soldiers were assigned to the 34^th Military Police Company, 34^th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minn.
 
 
Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn., died July 17 in a F-15E crash near Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
 
 
Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died July 18 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington of wounds suffered July 10 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. 


We must never forget our heroes. This is the highest compliment we can pay to these ordinary men who fought for our country and gave their lives, thus becoming anything but ordinary citizens. In parting, I would like to share the Soldiers' Angels poem that I send to the families of the heroes Killed-in-Action.
 
 
When you were born, an angel smiled.
As you became a child, an angel sat on your shoulder.
When you became a teen, an angel held your hand.
As you went to war, an angel walked down the road with you.
And, when you died, another angel got their wings.
 
 
Rest in peace dear neighbors, rest in peace.
 
Shelle Michaels
Soldiers' Angels
National Communication Officer
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
(218) 779-7271

Grand Forks, ND
 
 
Shelle Michaels
 
"May No Soldier Go Unloved"
 
Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
www.SoldiersAngels.org
 
Ladies of Liberty Team Director
LadiesofLiberty@SoldiersAngels.org
www.SoldiersAngelsLadiesOfLiberty.com
 
ACT NOW. GIVE MORE. SHOW SUPPORT.

 

Queensrÿche’s touching ballad “Home Again" LOOKING for SOLDIER AND DAUGHTER ---

 
 
 
Queensrÿche's touching ballad "Home Again" from their latest album American Soldier has really struck a chord with the military community and now the band wants your help making a video. Queensrÿche is asking members of the military to submit pictures of themselves with their families to be featured in the upcoming music video for the song "Home Again."
Photos can be uploaded photos from 7/14/09 - 7/26/09. One grand prize winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries. No purchase necessary
 

About "Home Again"
Like all the songs on American Soldier, "Home Again" is based on a real soldier's story as told to singer Geoff Tate. The song features a rare duet between Geoff and his 11-year-old daughter Emily and examines the emotional toll of war from two perspectives - Geoff singing from the soldier's point of view and his daughter singing from that of the child left behind.
"This song is inspired by a series of letters between a soldier and his young daughter back at home. He was laughing about how he thought it was really cute to him that in the letters, they were both saying the same things and even using the same terminology," says Tate. "There is a lot of emotion attached to this song. The whole idea of separation between loved ones is one of my favorite topics, perhaps because I live and breathe it being away from my kids and my wife while touring. You miss them so much, and it's like you live two separate lives. When you're a soldier and you're away, it's very difficult to bridge those two worlds."
To enter simply submit your photo as an email attachment to:
queensrychevideocontest@gmail.com
 
To ensure proper entry be sure to place your full name in the email subject line. In your email, please include first name, last name, street address (no P.O. Box numbers accepted), city, state, zip code, email address, and telephone number.
No purchase necessary. By submitting a photo to queensrychevideocontest@gmail.com and being entered into the Queensryche Home Again Video Contest, you affirm that you are a legal resident of the U.S./D.C. (excluding Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam), 18 years of age or older (or if a resident of AL or NE, 19 years of age or older) at time of entry and that you are in compliance with the Official Rules.
 
http://www.queensryche.com/2009/07/14/home-again-video-contest/
 
 
YOUTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMCvNY_zqP0 (NOT PERFORMANCE QUALITY)
 
 
LYRICS:

 It's harder than I thought,
to be so far away.
So I thought I'd write this letter to you and explain.
For me it wasn't easy to raise the flag and leave.
But I thought that you should know how
much you mean to me.
I won't be there to see you dance and hear
you sing the songs we love.
So please be strong and it won't be long till
I'm home again.
You know you make me proud
because you're the one that I depend upon.
And when I return, I promise,
I'll never leave you alone again.
It's harder than I thought and you're so far away.
So I thought I'd write this letter to you and explain.
It was only a moment.
I turned my head to wipe my eyes and
when I looked again I saw your smile that
said goodbye.
Mama says don't worry
because Daddy's brave and he's coming
home. But if I could change one thing,
I'd never let you go.
I want you here to see me dance and sing
along to the songs we love.
So I'll be strong. It won't be long till you're
home again with me.
When it feels too much to take,
I want you to know that I'm thinking about
you, making plans for when I'm home.
Why aren't you here?
I wake up every night.
I check the front porch light,
making sure it's shining bright.
And I'll be there to shine the light
So you can find your way to me.
I'm feeling strong, but don't take too long.
Please come home to me.
I'll be there to see you dance and hear you
sing the songs I love.
It won't be long.
It won't be long till I'm home again!
Why aren't you here?
I'm coming home!

 

Send-off ceremony held in Bismarck for Soldiers heading to Kosovo (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Send-off ceremony held in Bismarck for Soldiers heading to Kosovo

 

By Staff Sgt. Billie Jo Lorius

 

BISMARCK, N.D. —A send-off as well as a transfer of colors ceremony was held today at the Bismarck Civic Center for the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) of the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG). Approximately 700 members of this unit will soon begin their deployment to Kosovo to participate in an ongoing NATO peacekeeping mission in the Balkan country.

 

The 141st MEB Chaplain (Maj.) Maury Millican opened up the ceremony with a benediction, saying, "We love freedom, we love peace and we are strong. We are ready to make a difference. Separation from our family is hard, but the reward is a safe a secure Kosovo, which means a safe and secure world. It is an honor to be sent on this mission."

 

Approximately 2,000 friends, family, employers and community members joined in the ceremony to wish the Soldiers a safe mobilization. They were joined by Gov. John Hoeven, Senator Byron Dorgan, Mayor John Warford, Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, 141st MEB Forward Commander Brig. Gen Alan Dohrmann as well as many other officials and dignitaries.

 

Gov. John Hoeven presented a North Dakota flag to each of the company's within the Brigade and lauded the experience of the group because approximately half have been deployed before, and for some, it is their third or fourth deployment. "We have a veteran group here. We know you'll do a fantastic job." Looking out into the crowd of deploying Soldiers, he said, "Know that you'll be in our hearts and prayers every single day until you get home."

 

The North Dakota National Guard has known for two years about the Kosovo deployment. It is the first time this much advance notice was given for deployment. The hope is that it gives Guard members the opportunity to take care of personal responsibilities before leaving.

 

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan also referenced the strength of the North Dakota Soldiers. "This new mission for the North Dakota Army National Guard is being given to the best National Guard unit in America," he said. "Their selection to command a large, multi-national NATO force to provide stability in a sensitive region of Eastern Europe is a great tribute to the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard. I salute them for their service, and I pray for the safety of their mission."

 

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk addressed the crowd, praising the family and community who attended the event. "What a grand day – all of you represent what we are all about. We are the Guard family." Assuring the family's that they will be supported while their Soldier is gone, he said, "Our reputation precedes us. When North Dakota goes, they know they can trust that the job will got done and done well. You are the most well-trained, well-equipped and well-led Soldiers in the world."

 

As the ceremony was about to conclude, Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, commanding general of Task Force Falcon 12, the American contingent of the NATO mission in Kosovo, said, "I am honored to be on this mission and proud to serve as your commander." Echoing the thoughts of many in the crowd, he said, "We are ready. It is time to go."

 

While in Kosovo, the Guard members will be making their presence known by being out in the communities and talking to people, mostly through interpreters. The Guard members will be deployed for 12 months. There still will be about 3,000 North Dakota National Guard members in the state after deployment.

 

 

——

Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 2,800 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recent months, nearly 2,000 North Dakota National Guardsmen were mobilized for flood fighting missions all across North Dakota. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, we have sufficient forces available to provide emergency response and homeland defense.

 

-30-

 

Cutlines

High-resolution photos available on our FTP site:

 

FTP Server: ftp://ftp.state.nd.us

ID: ndngftp

Password: PIO2493 (case-sensitive)

 

 

 

20090712-A-6861K-055.jpg

Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, 141 MEB Forward Commander, accepts a flag signifying command from Brig. Gen. Bill Seekins, Land Component Commander.

 

20090712-A-6861K-145.jpg

Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, Gov. John Hoeven, Sen. Byron Dorgan, Mayor John Warford, Command Sgt. Maj. Cripe, and the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk holds a state flag given by Hoeven.

 

For more information:

N.D. National Guard News Release

 

Photos, Videos & Other Updates:

• www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
• www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
• www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
• Facebook page: North Dakota National Guard

 

 

LTC Rick J Smith
Public Information Officer
North Dakota National Guard
701-333-2007 Office
701-426-0190 Blackberry
701-400-3000 Personal Cell
rick.j.smith@us.army.mil

www.ndguard.com
www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
"North Dakota National Guard" on Facebook

"Make a Difference in Someone's Life Today"

 "Ready, Relevant & Respected"
> Official Use Only - This message/communication may contain personal
> information which must be protected IAW DOD 5400.11R from unauthorized
> access/disclosure.  Public Affairs (PA) is strongly committed to
> maintaining the privacy of personal information. With respect to the
> collection, use and disclosure of personal information, PA makes every
> effort to ensure compliance with applicable federal laws including,
> but not limited to, the Privacy Act of 1974, as codified at 5 U.S.C.
> 552a, and the Freedom of Information Act.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

N.D.’s contribution to the Cold War

  COOPERSTOWN, N.D. — While President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev were negotiating a preliminary agreement this past week to further cut the American and Russian nuclear arsenals, Mark Sunlov was putting the final touches on a monument to North Dakota's contribution to the Cold War.
Sunlov is site manager of the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historical Site, a remote outpost known as Oscar-Zero on the edge of the scenic Sheyenne River Valley, surrounded by miles and miles of fields of wheat, corn and soybeans.
The site will open to the public for the first time at 10 a.m. Monday.
Oscar-Zero and November-33, a missile silo two miles east of Cooperstown, are the last remnants of the 321st Missile Wing, a cluster of intercontinental ballistic launch sites that were spread over a 6,500-square-mile area around the Grand Forks Air Force Base that stretched from near the U.S.-Canadian border to Interstate 94.
This missile launch control facility is one of 15 in eastern North Dakota that closed in 1997 as a condition of the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Each facility controlled 10 Minuteman III missiles armed with as many as three nuclear warheads aimed at the former Soviet Union,
"From a history standpoint, it's a gem," Sunlov said, as he straightened stacks of magazines — Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated and Sports Afield, all dated 1997 — in a recreation room setting of chairs, couches and a television.
"It's almost like a time capsule," Sunlov said. "The feeling was that they just picked up their personal bags and just left. Everything is here, and most of it is usable. The only trouble is the mice moved in when the Air Force moved out."
Nuclear deterrent
The process of preserving a nuclear missile launch facility has been in the works since before they closed, according to Al Berger, a military history professor at UND and current president of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
"It's much the same as preserving a site like Fort Totten," he said.
Fort Totten State Historic Site is one of four preserved military posts built in the 1860s in what is now North Dakota to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West.
In the Cold War period, the nuclear missiles served as fortification — modern-day forts — against the constant threat of war from the Soviet Union. Because of the missile fields, North Dakota commonly was called the world's third largest nuclear power.
"It represented a powerful deterrent against a power from attacking us with nuclear weapons," Berger said. "Ultimately, it was mutually assured destruction — the idea that whoever started throwing missiles first might destroy the target, but they most assuredly would be destroyed in the end. If you attack us, you will die. So, why commit suicide?"
The United States' nuclear weapon system was part of a complex formula to make that work, he said.
"In as sense, it's an ironic coincidence that we're opening it in the same month that Robert McNamara died," Berger said.
McNamara served as Secretary of Defense from 1961 to 1968, under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Besides being considered the chief architect of the Vietnam War, he was a key player in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when Soviet nuclear missiles were discovered in Cuba and the world teetered on the threshold of nuclear war for 13 days.
"The peace workers are part of the story of that missile center, too," Berger said. "There were critics of the nuclear weapon program, including here."
The Red River Valley Peace Workers was an organization formed after the 1982 UND Peace Conference for the purpose of informing and involving the public "in the quest for peace."
Over the years, small groups of nuclear war protesters conducted demonstrations at nuclear missile silos around the region.
In 1988, Nukewatch, a peace activist group based in Wisconsin published a book called "Nuclear Heartland: A guide to the 1,000 missile silos in the United States." The 96-page book featured roadmaps to the missile sites, which also were given nicknames such as "Peaceless", "Friendly Facism" and "We'll Help You Leave" missiles.
Missileer's life
Sunlov knows, as much as anybody, just how fresh history is here.
The U.S. Air Force Academy graduate spent five years of his military career as a missileer, from 1998 to 2003, the last four years at Minot Air Force Base, which still has 150 nuclear missiles on alert for any potential nuclear threat.
Like other missileers, he spent shifts that lasted as long as four days living in a capsule 80 feet underground, just like Oscar-Zero, as a deputy commander and as a commander, the ones who might, at any time, be given the order to launch a nuclear warhead.
It actually takes four people at a minimum to launch a missile, two at the missile site and two at another one.
"The idea that one person could launch a nuclear missile is pretty far-fetched," Sunlov said. "It's even impossible for one crew to do it."
When he left the Air Force, Sunlov went to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a history and museum studies degree.
His first job out of school was at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston, N.D.
Then, the Oscar-Zero job was created.
"It's kind of a strange full circle for me," Sunlov said.
Eight people normally are stationed at a launch control facility at a time — two 3-person missileer crews, a cook and a facility manager. The topside or ground-level floor consists of living quarters with several bedrooms, a large kitchen, living room and recreation room.
The command post — capsule, as missileers call it — is located down a fortified elevator shaft, 60 to 90 feet below ground.
The command post is a concrete building, about 50 feet long and 30 feet wide, suspended in the ground by giant shock absorbers, which measure 2 feet in diameter by 20 feet in length. It is accessible only by elevator and through a 4-foot-thick concrete blast door equipped with steel rods that seal the unit once the door is closed.
One half of underground bunker contains the equipment and facility operations equipment, the other with the missile control center.
Inside the missile control center, the commander and deputy commander sit at seat-belt-equipped airline pilot-like captain's chairs in front of separate control stations filled with what look like ancient electronics boards. The station contains buttons, levers and lights labeled: "enabled," "Lch in process" and "Missile away."
Possibilities
The Cold War was thawing by the time Sunlov became a missileer. But nuclear threats still exist.
Sunlov was just about at the end of a four-day shift in an underground bunker in rural Minot on Sept. 11, 2001, when he and his deputy commander watched on television as the first airplane hit the Twin Towers in New York City.
"Then we watched the second plane hit," he said. "We had some procedures to go through, but it was just readiness. You do start to prepare the capsule for war. If you get the order, you're either ready or you're not."
He didn't leave the capsule until Friday – a full week in the underground bunker.
"You think about nuclear war quite a bit," he said. "Would you survive? What about your family? You don't dwell on it, but you definitely think about it."
He and his deputy also pondered the small round door high on a wall above the commander's station that leads to a last-chance escape hatch, a tunnel, filled with sand.
If they ever were stuck in the capsule during a nuclear attack, after a certain amount of time they were supposed to dig their way through the tunnel to the outdoors above them.
"We always wondered if the door would open," he said, "And if it did, where it would lead. We always joked it was probably paved over and we'd be stuck down there, forever."
These days, Sunlov is more than happy to spend time in that bunker, giving visitors a first-hand look at what it was like not only to live near nuclear missiles in the North Dakota soil, but to eat and sleep just inches from their controls.
Still, while Oscar-Zero and 14 other facilities like it in eastern North Dakota have been silenced, 150 other nuclear missiles barely 100 miles to the west remain on alert.
"It seems like we're halfway through a process that hasn't been completed yet," Berger said. "We've drawn down the tensions enough. We feel we need far fewer warheads than we had before.
"I suppose the most significance that you could contribute to the missile facility is that it's closed," he added, "that we don't need it anymore — or at least that's what the treaty says."
 
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/126046/

Your American Legion Auxiliary e-News July 2009

 

 

American Legion Auxiliary e-News July 2009 63rd Annual Girls Nation Starts July 18 "The Girls Nation experience is one of both privilege and responsibility," said Mary Davis, American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation national chairman. "While it offers each girl amazing opportunities for personal growth, there is certainly the expectation that she will be energized to share all she learns with others in her local community." Davis, along with other Auxiliary volunteer leaders, will attend the conference and encourage the young senators to continue their community service by becoming members of the Auxiliary. Girls Nation program is a premier leadership conference designed to provide practical insight into the workings of government, to instill a sense of pride and loyalty in America and to create friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Follow Girls Nation on Facebook and Twitter!   Operation Comfort Warriors The U.S. government does a good job providing for the essential needs of the men and women recovering from war injuries in hospitals, but what about the so-called nonessentials--loose-fitting sweatsuits that can cover a soldier's healing body without adding pressure to the burns he suffered during an RPG attack in Ramadi? Or an iPod to help drown out the tinnitus that has plagued the medic ever since she drove too close to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan? The American Legion Family's Operation Comfort Warriors will provide some of these items. Contributing is effortless. No trips to the post office or packaging of comfort items are needed. The Legion Family will handle everything. You can use your credit card to make an online donation, or you can mail a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Many centers are not equipped to store large quantities of care packages, so monetary donations are best in order to purchase items that are truly needed. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors will be paid by The American Legion, so you can be sure that your entire donation will go directly to the troops. Auxiliary Announces Availability of AmeriCorps VISTA Positions The American Legion Auxiliary currently is recruiting 20 full-time AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers to join the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. The project will enhance the capacity of the Auxiliary to generate volunteer service targeted toward poverty alleviation by and for military and veteran families. Position duties vary and include responsibilities in the areas of volunteer development, program development, communications, fundraising, partnership development, management information system development, and field mobilization. Positions are available at the Auxiliary's National Headquarters in Indianapolis and in Auxiliary state offices in Denver, CO; Rocky Hill, CT; Orlando, FL; Lansing, MI; Albuquerque, NM; Albany, NY; Zanesville, OH; Wilsonville, OR; Lacey, WA; and Portage, WI. Veterans, relatives of veterans and military service members, and American Legion Auxiliary members are highly encouraged to apply. Position descriptions and information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program may be found here. Film Spotlights Maine Troop Greeters The Way We Get By is a deeply moving film about life and how to live it. Beginning as a seemingly idiosyncratic story about troop greeters--a group of senior citizens who gather daily at a small airport to thank American soldiers departing and returning from Iraq--the film quickly turns into a moving, unsettling and compassionate story about aging, loneliness, war and mortality. Read more about the film and watch the trailer here. National Headquarters Welcomes Your Visit Driving through Indianapolis on your summer vacation? Plan a visit to National Headquarters! Tours may be arranged by emailing us. Pictured is Melodee Hanes, daughter of Past National President Opal Glynn Hanes (1965-66). Melodee was passing through Indianapolis on her way to Washington, D.C., and stopped by National Headquarters to pose for a picture next to her mother's official national president portrait.   War and Musculoskeletal Injury Prompt Artistic Expression Wartime experiences not only affect military personnel and their loved ones but the physicians and medical teams who treat them. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has opened a call for entries to a unique, juried art exhibition titled Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements as a tribute to injured troops and families, civilians and the orthopaedic surgeons who are caring and have cared for them. Wounded in Action celebrates those heroes (injured troops and civilians) who have had orthopaedic injuries as a result of serving our country in war. The exhibition also recognizes those orthopaedic surgeons who, throughout history, have risked their own safety to care for our troops, to save lives and limbs, to advance medical treatments, and to conduct research and learn from war in order to better serve those who sustain orthopaedic trauma. To learn more about the exhibition and its call for entries, click here. Send Us Your Stories Auxiliary units and members should be proud of the wonderful things they do, yet many of their good deeds go unrecognized. Please consider letting National Headquarters be in-the-know by sharing your stories. In many cases, submissions are published in HomeFront magazine for all members to see. Does your unit have a newsletter? Please add National Headquarters to your mailing list! Email us or send information to Editor, 8945 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Please stay in touch with us about what's going on in Auxiliary units, and keep up the great work! We Appreciate Your Copy-and-Paste In its latest Auxiliary newsletter, the Department of Wisconsin published a promo directing members to the Auxiliary's National Headquarters on the Web, Facebook and Twitter. We encourage you to follow the Wisconsin Auxiliary's lead in your department and unit newsletter and Web site. Links on connecting to us may be found at the bottom of this edition of e-News. Patriotism Should Continue Beyond July 4 The Independence Day holiday may have passed, but our patriotism should still show. Please continue flying your American flag in appreciation of those who gave us the freedom we have today. To see FAQs on flag code, click here. Stock up! Flags are available for purchase through The American Legion's Emblem Sales. Your purchase directly supports American Legion programs that help America's children, veterans and military families. Auxiliary Generations to be Highlighted If you're a member of a multi-generational Auxiliary family, now is your chance to be in the spotlight in HomeFront. Send us a high-resolution JPEG photo, names of those pictured, unit(s) that members belong to, and number of years of combined membership along with your email address and daytime phone number. Then check out the photos in HomeFront Volume III that will focus on families. Send information here. The American Legion Auxiliary 2009-2010 Plan of Action (formerly named the Plan of Work) is now available online! The national leadership team has thoughtfully and diligently prepared the Plan of Action for each established Auxiliary program, recognizing the importance of focusing on objectives that will measure accomplishments for success. Let's reconnect with our heritage to strengthen our future! Questions? Email us.   ENERGIZE at the Auxiliary's 89th National Convention! August 21-27, 2009 * Louisville, Kentucky National Convention, held jointly with The American Legion and Sons of the American Legion, is a celebration of the great accomplishments members have achieved as well as a kickoff into the upcoming Auxiliary year. As one American Legion National Commander said in his welcome message, "Caring and commitment are two words that come to mind as hallmarks of service by the American Legion Auxiliary." We look forward to celebrating you in Louisville! Connect with the American Legion Auxiliary... ...on the Web ...by following the ALA on Twitter ...by becoming a friend on Facebook Pass it on: Encourage your friends to sign up for e-News for the latest updates on how the American Legion Auxiliary serves veterans, their families and their communities! The Auxiliary will never sell or share your email address with anyone. Period. So please help us grow our e-News. It's fast, informative and safe!