Awards & Nominations

North Dakota Roughrider Award Winners

Our Highest Honor: Presented to 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 Officers and Enlisted.

2025 – Lt Col (Ret) Brent Ehrichs – Posthumously
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

For nearly a decade, Lt Col Brent Ehrichs served as the Executive Director for the National Guard Association of North Dakota prior to turning over his duties in 2012. During his tenure, Lt Col Ehrichs was instrumental in advocating for all North Dakota National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and Retirees. For his dedication to both the National Guard Association of North Dakota and the National Guard Association of the United States, Brent was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in 2011. Brent passed away May 18, 2023, but will always be remembered for his contributions to both the North Dakota Air National Guard and the National Guard Association of North Dakota.

(Left to Right) Brent’s son Matthew and wife Renai accept the Roughrider Award on his behalf. Also pictured are NDNGEA President Shane Amundson and NGAND Chairman Josh Roller.

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

Outstanding Field Grade Officer – Air

Maj Jordan Wobbema | 178th Attack Squadron

Major Jordan Wobbema serves as the squadron Director of Operations, overseeing continuous 24/7 MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft operations. During the year, he led Persistent Attack and Reconnaissance missions delivering more than 4,200 hours of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance across two Combatant Commands, directly supporting the protection of U.S. and allied forces. He directed aircrews conducting over 50 strike missions during Operations POSEIDON ARCHER and ROUGH RIDER and supported freedom of navigation efforts tied to approximately operations tied to 20 percent of global trade. While deployed to INDOPACOM, Maj Wobbema led a five-member team addressing manning gaps and developing ISR tactics, techniques, and procedures for emerging systems. As the sole USAF RPA representative on a Joint Training Team, he coordinated with partner nations to integrate unmanned systems into joint planning. At the wing level, he helped streamline the pilot accession process, reducing timelines and enabling 21 selections. Maj Wobbema also mentors Airmen and emphasizes team well-being alongside mission execution.

Outstanding Company Grade Officer – Air

Capt Rebecca Peterson | 176th Intelligence Squadron

Captain Rebecca Peterson serves in key leadership roles across intelligence, targeting, and readiness functions. She led the squadron’s first-ever 33-member mobilization, directing intelligence production across five mission shops and enabling the delivery of more than 1,200 intelligence products supporting four Combatant Commands. While deployed to Shaw Air Force Base, Capt Peterson served as the Air Forces Central Chief of Target Development, leading a 27-member joint team and managing a portfolio exceeding 7,000 target products. She coordinated short-notice training that created new unit capability and enabled the production of 46 target development products supporting Operation ROUGH RIDER. At home station, she serves as Wing Intelligence Program Manager, ensuring 205 deploying or traveling members receive tailored intelligence briefings. As ISR Group Self-Assessment Program Manager, she mentors Airmen selected for inspection teams and strengthens evaluation readiness. Capt Peterson also mentors flight commanders, leads professional development initiatives, and supports military families through community engagement and fundraising efforts.

Outstanding Field Grade Officer – Army

LTC Bradley Hoff | ND Medical Readiness Detachment

Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Hoff served as the 142nd Engineer Battalion Surgeon during the Southern Border Mission, providing medical leadership across 33 dispersed work sites spanning more than 300 miles. He sustained medical readiness for 420 Soldiers, maintaining readiness rates at or above 90 percent throughout the deployment. LTC Hoff authored Battalion Medical Standard Operating Procedures, established MEDEVAC and CASEVAC plans, and served as the primary medical advisor to the command team. He coordinated a battalion-wide influenza vaccination mission for 121 Soldiers and oversaw sustainment and advanced training for combat medics, including trauma and envenomation response. His medical policies and training programs were later adopted at higher echelons, improving standardization and responsiveness across the formation. In his civilian role, he serves as a rural medical provider, supporting emergency and hospital care while mentoring fellow clinicians.

Outstanding Company Grade Officer – Army

CPT Rhea Goulet | 141st MEB

Captain Rhea Goulet served as the Company Commander of the 3662 Support Maintenance Company while simultaneously supporting large-scale operational planning efforts. She ensured her unit was trained and resourced to execute a diverse set of mission essential tasks while providing critical maintenance capability to the State. As the full-time action officer for Exercise Cyber Shield, CPT Goulet coordinated planning and execution for over 900 participants from 42 states and 15 multinational partners. She executed multiple planning conferences including Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI) as well as contracting and lodging coordination. Her disciplined planning resulted in cost savings exceeding $700,000 while responsibly executing more than $400,000 in exercise funding. She is also a strong advocate for leader development and Soldier wellness, mentoring junior officers and warrant officers and promoting fitness and engagement through Team Red, White, and Blue initiatives.

Outstanding Warrant Officer – Army

CW2 Eric Blumhagen | 142nd ENGR BN

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eric Blumhagen serves as a technical expert and leader within the 142nd Engineer Battalion, providing hands-on support to training, infrastructure, and Soldier development. During the year, he supported weapons maintenance, Sensitive Key Organization inventories, and qualification training, serving as Officer in Charge for unit zero-range operations to ensure safe and accountable execution. CW2 Blumhagen designed and constructed a land navigation course at the Wahpeton Armed Forces Reserve Center and developed a survey stake-reading class that improved junior Soldiers’ understanding of grading and surveying fundamentals. He also led multiple construction efforts, including overseeing approximately 2,000 feet of concrete sidewalk placement, improving facility safety and long-term functionality. Outside the military, he serves as a volunteer firefighter, 4-H leader, and youth archery instructor, exemplifying the Citizen-Soldier ethos.

NGAUS Awards

Meritorious Service Award

Lt Col Gregory Ames

Meritorious Service Certificate

MAJ Justin Johnson

Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers

CPT Nicholas Kindelspire
Capt Kyle Knutson

Eagle Rising Award for Warrant Officers

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Nelson