News Releases for April 2009
April 17, 2009
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Hoeven Appoints Brig. Gen. Terry Robinson State Recovery Officer
FARGO, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today named North Dakota National Guard Brig. General Terry L. Robinson to lead the state's flood recovery efforts starting immediately. Robinson will be working with FEMA and other federal agencies, along with cities, counties and townships to coordinate flood recovery efforts.
"It is critical that we have someone in charge to coordinate federal, state and local assistance for our people and businesses as we work to recover from severe flooding this season," Hoeven said.General Robinson's experience in managing emergency situations and crisis response will provide vital support for the citizens of North Dakota throughout the course of the recovery effort.
Robinson has served in several capacities during emergency operations throughout North Dakota. He was the Task Force Commander in Grand Forks during the flood of 1997. He also commanded two Task Force operations working with the Spirit Lake Tribe near Fort Totten, N.D., constructing housing units on their reservation.
"His leadership both in the North Dakota National Guard and civilian organizations will contribute significantly to the flood recovery efforts and will provide a cohesive transition between federal, state and local agencies," Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk said. "Terry's determination will be a valuable asset to the state and the National Guard during this recovery phase.
Robinson also worked with Homeland Security and the state of North Dakota conducting training exercise in conjunction with the ND Association of Counties. The exercises were designed to help train first responders and local community support personnel in response to terrorist activities that may occur within North Dakota at high value targets identified by Homeland Security officials at both the state and federal levels.
"I am honored to serve in flood recovery efforts to help North Dakota. Only through partnership and determination can we unite and assist those who need help," Robinson said.
Colonel Robinson spent 35 years in uniform, starting with his enlistment into the U.S. Navy in 1970. He received his officer commission from the North Dakota National Guard Officer Candidate School in 1973 and went on to serve in the U.S, Army Reserve and the North Dakota National Guard retiring from the military in 2003.
He was born in Eau Claire, Wis., in August 1948. He graduated from Mandan High School, Mandan, North Dakota, in 1966 and went on to graduate from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor Degree in 1970, majoring in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College
Colonel Robinson and his wife Joyce have been married for 40 years. They have two children and seven grandchildren. They currently reside in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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