Awards & Nominations

North Dakota Roughrider Award Winners

This award is given to someone who is recognized by the contribution of an individual who has given back to not only their respective association, but has put in the time and effort to better both organizations, therefore impacting the lives of Guardsmen both Officer and Enlisted.

2024 – CSM Eric Binstock
2023 – MG Alan Dohrmann
2022 – SFC Chuck Votava
2021 – SMSgt (Ret) Chuck Kasin
2020 – Maj Gen (Ret) Michael Haugen
2019 – CPT (Ret) Randy Fuss
2018 – Carroll E. Quam
2017 – Col Christopher Domitrovich
2016 – MG (Ret) David Sprynczynatyk
2015 – SGM (Ret) Roger Johnson – Posthumously

NGAUS Awards

Meritorious Service Award

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.

Lt Col Gregory Ames
Lt Col Ames demonstrated extraordinary leadership and initiative with the 119th Operations Group. Lieutenant Colonel Ames was responsible for leading over 70 members across multiple shifts during continuous 24-hour MQ-9 operations in an evolving, contested operational environment. Furthermore, he led the successful transition to Satellite Launch and Recovery operations both within the Operations Group and with Joint and Total Force partners. Finally, Greg played a key role in overseeing the largest Continuation Training program in the Air National Guard by enabling live-fly MQ-9 training for six squadrons.

Meritorious Service Certificate

MAJ Justin Johnson
MAJ Johnson is recognized for exceptional leadership and dedication as a key member of the 164th Engineer Battalion. His guidance as Officer-in-Charge, Executive Officer, and Commander—particularly supporting the C2CRE-B mission—ensured soldier safety, successful validation exercises, and a perfect rating on all Mission Essential Tasks. Beyond his military service, Major Johnson’s community involvement with the Military Affairs Committee and the National Guard Association of North Dakota has amplified the National Guard’s positive impact, evidenced by national publications and recruitment successes.

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 Nicholas Kindelspire
CPT Kindelspire is recognized for exceptional leadership as Commander, Battery B, 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Battalion during a historic deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility. He expertly oversaw the battalion’s largest asset movement and led the battery’s first successful engagement of enemy aircraft. CPT Kindelspire’s dedication to his Soldiers, families, and community, demonstrated through both military service and his work as a firefighter, exemplifies courage and integrity.

Capt Kyle Knutson
Capt Knutson demonstrated extraordinary initiative and diligence throughout the year as he pioneered numerous firsts for the 119th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group. Captain Knutson supported both the Air Force Targeting Enterprise and the greater Intelligence Community providing signals intelligence expertise enabling the discovery of multiple new and unique signals of interest as part of a high-priority Headquarters Air Force mission. Furthermore, his contributions directly resulted in the 177 Intelligence Squadron receiving a 100% compliance rating during the inspection along with a rarely given “best seen to date” accolade from the inspection team.

Eagle Rising Award for Warrant Officers

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Nelson
CW2 Nelson distinguished himself through exceptional leadership and technical expertise while serving as a Property Book Officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 142nd Engineer Battalion. During the Southern Border Mission and throughout his deployment, CW2 Nelson processed 25 damage statements and FLIPLs, saving significant man-hours and ensuring accurate accountability of over $730,000 in equipment. He further enhanced readiness by providing over 50 hours of training to supply sergeants across Task Force Southwest and expertly supported the 817th Brigade Support Battalion’s demobilization. Demonstrating a commitment to service beyond the military, CW2 Nelson actively volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion, strengthening community ties.

NGAND reaches fifth consecutive 100% membership Status

The NGAND team accepts their fifth consecutive 100% membership award at the National NGAUS Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23, 2025.

Accepting the award were (left) Brig Gen Mitch Johnson, The Adjutant General, and (right) Maj Brett Nelson, Executive Director.

2025 ANG Unit Award

The 119^th Wing received the Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch Safety Trophy at the National NGAUS Conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Pesch Award is presented annually to two flying units judged to have demonstrated the highest standards of flight safety.

Col Chris Domitrovich, 119^th Wing Commander, (center-right) accepts the Pesch Trophy from Maj Gen Duke A. Pirak, the acting director of the Air National Guard, (center-left). Also pictured are Col Kevin Dacy, 119^th Operations Group Commander, (left) and retired Maj Gen Ondra Berry, the NGAUS vice chair-Air (right).

NGAND Outstanding Officers of the Year

CW2 Brandon Nelson, 142 EN BN
Capt Kyle Knutson, 177 IS
CPT Nicholas Kindelspire, 1-188 ADA
MAJ Justin Johnson, 164 EN BN
Lt Col Gregory Ames, 119 OSS