Awards & Nominations

Recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the United States Government, the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard Association of the United States.

Maj Kimberly Nelson
Maj Nelson was responsible for and executed a 24/7, six-month operation in seamless coordination with the 603d Air Operations Center providing vital support for a EUCOM contingency response. As the mission lead for Operation ENDURING LOCATIONS, she spearheaded collaborative efforts with mission partners, enhancing the find, fix, track process for 4,200 real-world targets. Additionally, Kimberly demonstrated her commitment by deploying with one-weeks’ notice to US Army Garrison Wiesbaden for six weeks to fill a critical manning shortfall as a liaison officer with the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine. Finally, Maj Nelson’s volunteerism with local military and veteran events as well as leadership roles as a unit director and the scholarship committee chair in the National Guard Association of North Dakota set her apart from others.

LTC Benjamin Barille
LTC Barille has mentored and trained over 250 Soldiers in the CBRN Response Enterprise. Serving as the lead Project Officer for the 164 Engineer Battalion, he managed $1.8M in funding, organized training exercises, and facilitated the successful movement of equipment across states. His detailed planning and collaboration with various partners earned the battalion a T rating in all assigned Mission Essential Tasks. As a mentor and coach, he models mission command and servant leadership, fostering trust among teams. Active in his church, community, and Knights of Columbus, he volunteers with his wife for youth activities and his daughter’s gymnastics events. LTC Barille is the only Field Artillery Officer in the state of North Dakota. His passion for training on fire missions has led to success at Brigade Warfighters and unique opportunities for Soldiers in North Dakota and beyond.

Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers

Established to annually recognize the achievements and dedicated service of Army and Air National Guard junior officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism in their services to country and community.

CPT Amanda Tang
CPT Tang served as the 142 Engineer Battalion’s Anti-Terrorism Officer and Operations Security Officer, excelling in developing programs and measures for over 500 Soldiers at seven facilities. She earned the Emergency Service Ribbon for Operation Lone Star, demonstrating outstanding leadership as the Battalion Training Officer. Amanda volunteered as the National Guard Association of North Dakota’s co-director for her unit. She is recognized for mentoring Soldiers, promoting safety, and actively contributing to leadership conferences. CPT Tang’s unique leadership qualities position her as a driving force for change and a standard-bearer in the organization.

Capt Mitchell Mazaheri
Capt Mazaheri served as a pilot and deployed as a MQ-9 liaison officer supporting the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group—the first US Air Force officer to act in this role. Captain Mazaheri enabled over 60 Air Tasking Order missions and over 600 combat support hours for Carrier Strike Group 10 and United States Naval Forces Europe. Furthermore, Mitch established and sustained the Hooligan Retiree Appreciation Fund, which honors Hooligan accomplishments and dedication to service while increasing unit Esprit de Corps. Mitch’s officership traits are inspiring to his peers as he continuously proves his significant value to the 119th Wing.

Distinguished Service Medal

Recognizes an individual who, as a member of the Armed Forces (Active, Guard or Reserve), performed exceptionally outstanding service to the United States or to the National Guard Association of the United States.

MG Alan Dohrmann
MG Dohrmann distinguished himself as the North Dakota Deputy Adjutant General and the Adjutant General since his appointment in 2010. During his time in these roles, MG Dohrmann has advocated for and played a critical role in the passing of state legislation enhancing State Active Duty pay and benefits, exempting state income tax for current and retired military members, modernizing National Guard facilities, and supporting military families. His efforts have culminated in North Dakota’s status as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation. He has been a steadfast supporter of both the National Guard Association of the United States and the National Guard Association of North Dakota.

The NGAND team accepts their fourth consecutive 100% membership award at the National NGAUS Conference in Detroit, Michigan on August 24, 2024. Accepting the award were (left) Maj Brett Nelson, Executive Director, and (right) CW3 Steve Hoikkala, Chairman.

2024 ANG Unit Award

Col Chris Domitrovich, 119th Wing Commander, accepts the William W. Spruance Safety Award on behalf of the Airmen of the 119th Wing.