This past week, four Dickinson State University faculty members took part in an unforgettable hands-on experience with the North Dakota Army National Guard as part of the annual Educators Tour. Stefanie Aulner, Tracie O'Donnell, Danielle Harper, and Tim Daniel joined more than 70 educators from across the state for a day of immersive military training and demonstrations at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake.
The purpose of the tour was to provide North Dakota educators with an inside look at the opportunities available to students through service in the North Dakota Army National Guard. The group departed Dickinson bright and early, boarding a Black Hawk helicopter for a scenic flight east to Camp Grafton.
Upon arrival, participants were welcomed by National Guard personnel who provided a mission briefing and safety orientation. The DSU team then traveled with Southwest North Dakota recruiting officer Staff Sgt. Kane to their first challenge of the day: a 35-foot rappel tower. After learning proper techniques and commands, each of the four educators successfully rappelled from the tower. O’Donnell and Harper impressed the group by tackling the tower a second time, with Harper even demonstrating a sideways rappel on her descent.
Following their climb, the educators sampled a classic military Meal, Ready-to-Eat, or MRE, complete with a meal heater, an orange drink and what some called “questionable” gum. The afternoon included a virtual weapons simulation experience, where participants had the opportunity to operate a variety of digital weapon systems, including a grenade launcher, .50-caliber machine gun, AR-15 and 9 mm handgun. The simulation culminated in a field target competency test.
The tour wrapped up with an exciting ride on the National Guard’s new bridge erection boats. Powered by twin diesel engines and capable of spinning 360 degrees, the boats offered a thrilling ride across the water at speeds up to 36 miles per hour.
Before heading home, the group gathered for a debrief, question-and-answer session and group photo. The return trip to Dickinson featured a special flyover of the city before the Black Hawk helicopter touched down safely.
“The experience was not only exciting but incredibly eye-opening,” Aulner said. “It gave us a much deeper appreciation for the training, discipline and resources our National Guard offers and how those can translate into meaningful career and educational paths for our students.”
The DSU team thanks the North Dakota Army National Guard for the opportunity and encourages fellow educators to consider participating in future outreach events.