Guard Wins National Family of the Year (UNCLASSIFIED)

Contacts: 
Billie Jo Lorius at 701-333-2288 (office) or 701-426-5205 (cell)
 
N.D. Guard Wins National Family of the Year
 
BISMARCK, N.D. - For the first time ever, North Dakota's Army Guard Family of
 the Year has won the award on a national level. Sgt. 1st Class Richard, first
 sergeant for the 816th Engineer Company and Tess Haugen, of Dickinson, and
 their three children, are the recipients of the Army National Guard Family of
 the Year. 
 
"The Haugen family is deserving of this national recognition for their
 dedication to volunteerism and to supporting North Dakota's National Guard
 members and their families," said Gov. John Hoeven. "Their service
 exemplifies the outstanding contributions of our National Guard, as well as
 the extraordinary support that exists for our Guard men and women within
 communities, businesses and families across the state."
 
The Haugen's were selected from among approximately 50 Army National Guard
 Families representing states, territories and districts. The Haugen's will be
 recognized at the National Volunteer Conference in New Orleans this August. 
 
"North Dakota has high caliber volunteers that support our professional
 Soldiers as they deploy around the world and within our communities," said
 Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general.
 He said, "This family has gone above and beyond, and I am proud that they
 were recognized on a national level. Families are a huge reason why we are
 able to be successful as an organization."
 
The Haugen family went to nationals after first winning the state level
 award, being nominated by their peers due to their support of the Guard as
 well as their activities and volunteer efforts. 
 
According to the nomination form, "Richard volunteers for additional duties
 to include: Suicide Intervention Officer, Casualty Notification Officer,
 Equal Opportunity Representative as well as teaching 'mini-lessons' to local
 Elementary School students. Joining Richard in demonstrating genuine care and
 concern is his wife Tess. As the leader of the Family Readiness Group, she
 has been instrumental in organizing activities for the Soldiers', spouses'
 and children year-round. Care, concern, devotion and training are all great
 attributes for one to have. Finding a family where these attributes are
 shared by all, make them a great choice." 
 
Haugen said he and his family were honored to be recognized. "It means a lot
 to us. We are in this together. It's all about being part of a great National
 Guard family," he said. 
 
--
 Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard
 has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support
 of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about 800 North Dakota Guardsmen
 are serving overseas. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen,
 sufficient forces remain in the state for emergency response and homeland
> defense.
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Cutline
 100320-A-4234H-010 2010 Family of the Year: Sgt. 1st Class Richard, first
 sergeant for the 816th Engineer Company and Tess Haugen, of Dickinson, and
 their three children, are the recipients of the Army National Guard Family of
 the Year.
 
For more information:
 N.D. National Guard News Release (3/20/2010)
 Both Air and Army Guard Family of the Year are Awarded
 http://www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil/news/Pages/GuardFamilyoftheYear.aspx