Kayla Noah Dean of Students | Dickinson State University
Kayla Noah Dean of Students | Dickinson State University
Four faculty members from Dickinson State University recently participated in the North Dakota Army National Guard's annual Educators Tour at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake. The event aimed to give educators insight into opportunities available to students through service in the National Guard.
Stefanie Aulner, Tracie O'Donnell, Danielle Harper, and Tim Daniel were among over 70 educators who experienced military training and demonstrations. The group traveled from Dickinson on a Black Hawk helicopter for their day at Camp Grafton.
Upon arrival, they received a mission briefing and safety orientation before tackling a 35-foot rappel tower under the guidance of Southwest North Dakota recruiting officer Staff Sgt. Kane. Each educator successfully completed the challenge, with O'Donnell and Harper opting for a second descent. Harper even demonstrated a sideways rappel technique.
Participants sampled a Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) before engaging in a virtual weapons simulation experience. They operated digital versions of various weapon systems, culminating in a field target competency test.
The tour concluded with an exciting ride on bridge erection boats capable of high-speed maneuvers. Before returning home, participants gathered for debriefing and posed for a group photo.
“The experience was not only exciting but incredibly eye-opening,” Aulner remarked. “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 expressed gratitude to the North Dakota Army National Guard for this opportunity and encouraged other educators to participate in future events.
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