Heitkamp Highlights Importance of ND Army National Guard at Camp Grafton Training Center

Press Release

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today toured the North Dakota National Guard's Camp Grafton Training Center and highlighted how critical the facility is in helping to keep North Dakota and the country safe.

During her visit, Heitkamp learned about the educational courses and innovative technology available to train soldiers from the North Dakota Air National Guard and from across the country. She also toured the maintenance support facilities at the training center and interacted with several cutting-edge simulation systems, including weapons, virtual convoy, and vehicle rollover training simulators. Heitkamp toured Camp Grafton with Colonel Lee Nordin, Director of Domestic Operations for the North Dakota National Guard and Commander of the 164th Regional Training Institute based at the camp.

"The North Dakota Army National Guard plays a vital role in protecting communities throughout our state -- whether on the front lines abroad or helping with disaster recovery in North Dakota. We have to give our soldiers the resources they need to keep us safe and make sure they are protected while doing their jobs," said Heitkamp. "Camp Grafton is a shining example of the kind of training facilities that are critical to helping these men and women learn how to perform their jobs effectively and be prepared for any situation. North Dakotans serve in the National Guard at a rate more than four times the national average and perform key missions every day, and I'll continue to support investments in our state's servicemembers as they work to keep our communities strong and safe."

As a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has consistently worked to find constructive solutions to improve conditions for our nation's servicemembers, their families, and the communities they serve. National Guardsmen and women play an important role in supporting and protecting communities across North Dakota, other states throughout the country, and abroad. Heitkamp has continually pushed to improve support and resources for our nation's servicemembers, including maintaining national defense missions through the North Dakota National Guard and the state's two Air Force bases in Minot and Grand Forks.

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