News Releases for February 2002
February 4, 2002
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Hoeven Convenes First Meeting Of Governor's Military Task Force
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced the creation of a Governor’s Task Force on Military Affairs to examine the possibilities for future military-force structure expansion and missions in North Dakota.
“We need to be proactive in building and enhancing all military entities in our state,” Hoeven said. “This military task force will help ensure the future viability of our military forces in North Dakota.”
Heading up the Task Force is Maj. Gen. Michael Haugen, Adjutant General for the North Dakota National Guard.
“The military in North Dakota is leading in homeland security, as evidenced by our military members serving at home and around the world,” said Haugen. “Our goal is to stay on the forefront and minimize competition and maximize cooperation for military resources within North Dakota.”
Additional goals of the Governor’s Task Force on Military Affairs will be to:
- Enhance economic development with federal military defense dollars to provide jobs.
- Develop military contracting opportunities in North Dakota.
- Establish long range plans to include private, corporate and civilian sectors.
- Identify initiatives that will increase economic growth.
- Coordinate missioning ties with active duty and reserve/guard components.
- Identify opportunities to attract seed money for new industries that have a tie to the military.
Current committee members include:
- Dr. Dale Anderson, Greater North Dakota Association
- Representative Wes Belter, Legislative Representative
- Cheryl Kulas, Executive Director of Indian Affairs Commission
- Jim Helphrey, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
- Maj. Gen. (Ret) Keith Bjerke, North Dakota State University
- Mark Jantzer, Minot Military Affairs Committee
- John Marshall, Grand Forks Military Affairs Committee
- Bruce Smith, University of North Dakota Aerospace
“The task force members bring a broad range of military and civilian skills to their mission,” Hoeven said“This is just another example of how solid partnerships between the public and private sector can work to benefit North Dakota.”
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