North Dakota Army National Guard Commissions New Officers

Members of the 61st Officer Candidate School (OCS) class officially joined the North Dakota Army National Guard's officer ranks during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 18 at the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute (RTI). Seven Soldiers were awarded diplomas for completing the intensive officer training program, which is administered by staff and cadre from the RTI's 2nd Training Battalion (Modular) at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Officer candidates may elect to defer their commission upon graduating OCS, dependent on personal preference or the availability of an officer position within a unit. Four graduates of this OCS Class accepted their commissions as second lieutenants. They will now go on to lead platoons in Guard units across the state.

The keynote speaker for the event, Col. James Olson, commander for the Bismarck-based 68th Troop Command, rendered remarks and offered advice to the graduates. Olson began his military career in 1986 when he enlisted into the 164th Engineer Battalion as a unit armorer. He received his military commission through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at North Dakota State University in 1990.

"I am tremendously proud of this program and the officers it produces. I am honored to welcome you to the officer corps," Olson said to the graduates. "Accept the challenges that face you, do so willingly and continue to learn." 

The 2nd Training Battalion's (Modular) 61st OCS graduating class includes:
* Gerald M. Bond, of Minot, North Dakota
   Daniel P. Carpenter, of Bismarck, North Dakota
   Mitchell A. Evink, of Moorhead, Minnesota
 * Toby C. Kuhn, of Mandan, North Dakota
 * Christopher A. Roach, of Fargo, North Dakota
    Timothy Simmons, Mandan, North Dakota
 * Evan C. Thomas, Felton, Minnesota

                (*) indicates acceptance of commission