818th Engineer Company Lands on U.S. Soil

FORT BLISS, Texas  Mar 12, 2013 — Almost a year after the community hosted a send-off in their
honor, nearly 100 Soldiers with the North Dakota National Guard’s 818th Engineer
Company (Sapper) are back on U.S. soil tonight. The Soldiers arrived at Fort Bliss,
Texas, at 7:40 p.m. Central time.

The Soldiers served as combat engineers in Afghanistan, where they cleared routes of
improvised explosive devices to protect coalition forces, ensuring safe movement and
mission accomplishment.

“This is a great day as we welcome the members of the 818th Engineer Company back to
the country they have so honorably and courageously served this past year,” said
Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “They did an outstanding job while deployed to Afghanistan, and
we are grateful for their distinguished service. Sadly, two of the unit’s members
did not return home with them. We will never forget Sgt. 1st Class Darren Linde and
Spc. Tyler Orgaard and their families for the ultimate sacrifice they have made on
our behalf.”

Linde and Orgaard were killed in action Dec. 3. Spc. Ian Placek was injured in the
attack and recently returned to Bismarck to continue his recovery.

“I know today comes with mixed emotions. You’re finally back in the United States
and soon will be reunited with your friends and family. At the same time, I know the
absence of two of your brothers is still very much felt,” said Maj. Gen. David
Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, who traveled to Texas to welcome the
Soldiers. “Just as you did on your missions, continue to carry their memory and
legacy with you as you return home. Honor their service and sacrifice with how you
continue to live.”

Capt. Robert Bohl, of Flasher, N.D., commands the unit, which is based in Williston
with a detachment in Hazen. Sgt. Maj. Rashad Schaffner, of Dawson, N.D., serves as
the unit’s senior enlisted leader. Nearly half of the Soldiers in the unit had
previously deployed. A third volunteered to join the unit specifically to serve on
the Afghanistan deployment.

The Soldiers will take part in a series of post-deployment briefings and medical
appointments at Fort Bliss into next week. The North Dakota National Guard Public
Affairs Office will release information regarding the Soldiers’ scheduled return to
North Dakota as soon as it’s available.
—
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has
mobilized more than 3,900 Soldiers and about 2,400 Airmen in support of the Global
War on Terrorism. About 70 percent of all members serving today have joined since
that time. Currently, more than 150 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas
while more than 4,000 remain in the state for emergency response and national
defense. For every 10,000 citizens in North Dakota, 65 serve in the North Dakota
National Guard, a rate that’s more than four times the national average.