Four faculty members from Dickinson State University recently participated in the North Dakota Army National Guard’s annual Educators Tour. Stefanie Aulner, Tracie O’Donnell, Danielle Harper, and Tim Daniel joined over 70 educators from across the state at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake for a day of military training and demonstrations.
The tour aimed to provide educators with insights into opportunities available to students through service in the North Dakota Army National Guard. The group departed Dickinson on a Black Hawk helicopter, flying east to Camp Grafton.
Upon arrival, they were briefed by National Guard personnel before tackling a 35-foot rappel tower under the guidance of Staff Sgt. Kane. All four successfully rappelled from the tower, with O’Donnell and Harper making additional descents.
Participants sampled military Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) before engaging in a virtual weapons simulation experience featuring digital weapon systems like grenade launchers and machine guns. The simulation concluded with a field target competency test.
The day ended with rides on bridge erection boats powered by twin diesel engines, reaching speeds up to 36 miles per hour. Afterward, there was a debriefing session and group photo before returning to Dickinson via helicopter.
“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 expressed gratitude to the North Dakota Army National Guard for this opportunity and encouraged other educators to participate in future events.
