Because supporting our military is a priority for us at The Chamber, coupled with the substantial impact local military operations have on our community, we want everyone to have the opportunity to learn more about military affairs.

Local military leaders

• Colonel Mitch Johnson, 119th Wing Happy Hooligans, ND Air National Guard (*Read a Q&A with him below!)
• Lieutenant Colonel Derek Kuntz, 141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, ND Army National Guard
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Sanganoo, MN Army National Guard
• LCDR Stevie Greenway, Navy Operations Support Center
• Major Thomas Ruyle, Military Entrance Processing Station
• Lieutenant Colonel Jason Evans, Air Force ROTC
• Lieutenant Colonel Matt Chitty, Army ROTC

The Air Guard has much to offer:

• Over 70 Available Jobs
• Up to $20,000 Bonus
• 100% Tuition Assistance
• $734/mo GI Bill + Kicker
• Paid and Accredited Training
• Training Credits Transferrable to Colleges/Universities
• Affordable Healthcare

Interested in learning more about the Air Guard opportunities available? Visit GoNDAir.com.

Military Affairs Committee
The Chamber’s Military Affairs committee is on a mission to foster a community of support for the men and women of our military and the missions they carry out on our behalf. To recognize these courageous individuals, the committee will plan activities to raise awareness in the community for the work that they do and provide opportunities for the community to thank them for their outstanding accomplishments. The committee also helps to promote public policies that advance our region’ military units. The committee is open to all employees of Chamber members.

If you are interested in joining the Military Affairs committee, reach out to Katie Mastel at kmastel@fmwfchamber.com.
 

---

 

*Meet the new Happy Hooligans Commander

Mitch Johnson
Colonel Mitch Johnson
119th Wing Commander
ND Air National Guard

Col Johnson accepts the 119th Wing unit flag, symbolizing his assumption of command, from Maj Gen Al Dohrmann, ND adjutant general, during a change of command ceremony on March 6.

What experiences led you to your new role at the 119th Wing?
My military career began when I commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 1997. I served in an array of roles in various flying assignments while on active duty, to include multiple deployments piloting AC-130 aircraft supporting overseas combat operations. I became a Happy Hooligan in 2009, and as a member the 119th Operations Group, I’ve piloted the C-21, MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircraft. Additionally, I’ve commanded at the squadron and group level. Prior to my current assignment, I served as the 119th Wing vice commander.

What initiatives or projects do you have in the works that you can share?
The 119th Wing is poised to sustain its 24/7/365 support to combat operations while continuing to advance intelligence missions and execute global expeditionary support capabilities. Additionally, construction on a $17.5 million consolidated operations building is scheduled to begin later this year.

What value does the NDANG base bring to our community?
The 119th’s annual economic impact to the region is nearly $100 million. The North Dakota Air National Guard supports over 400 full-time-equivalent jobs, which contributes to over $600,000 in property and local sales tax collections. Additionally, the nearly 1,200 unit members directly spend over $50 million annually in the FMWF area. Steady growth at the wing – a $7.3 million intelligence building constructed in 2017 and the previously mentioned consolidated operations building to be constructed later this year – will serve to provide sustained, long-term positive economic impacts to our local area.

What do you most want others to know about the work and mission of the NDANG?
The 119th Wing is a trailblazing unit in the Air National Guard, and continues to push innovative boundaries, achieving excellence through what we call “The Hooligan Way,” and is extremely relevant in all its mission sets.