Signing on the dotted line

  • Published
  • By Capt. Penny Ripperger
  • 119th Wing Public Affairs Office
MINOT, N.D. --  Brian Olson had no idea that he would be making Hooligan history when he decided to enlist into the N.D. Air National Guard on Feb. 5.

At the age of 37, Olson is the oldest non-prior service enlistee to join the Happy Hooligans. As a very active man, an avid triathlon competitor and two-time Iron Man athlete to be exact, Olson is used to being mistaken for being younger than he looks. The good-spirited attention he received about being the oldest enlistee was a new experience for him.

"I never thought of myself as old, but now...I'm not so sure," laughed Olson during the enlistment ceremony.

Olson is the first enlistee to take advantage of the new incentives for the 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) in Minot, N.D. He heard about the opportunities from his future recruiter, Tech. Sgt. Tina Sly, at a career fair as a career services advisor at Rasmussen Business College in Fargo.

Rasmussen is a newly approved college eligible for tuition assistance at the N.D. Air National Guard.

"I wanted more information about the benefits of joining the Air Guard for my students. But as I talked to Tina, my questions went from inquiring on behalf of my students and more for myself," Olson said.

A college graduate with a degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota, Olson is back in school at North Dakota State University working on a degree in elementary education.

"I've always wanted to work with kids. I hope to get into coaching someday," he said.

He described how a close family friend, retired Happy Hooligan Tech. Sgt. Scott Breidenbach, talked to him about joining the Air Guard.

"Scott described his time with the Happy Hooligans as one of the best experiences of his life," Olson said. "That says a lot about this place and it helped my wife and I make my decision about joining."

Olson will leave for Basic Military Training in August. He's looking forward to the physical and mental challenge of the training.

"I'm definitely not going into this thinking it will be easy. I just want to get as much out of this experience as I can,"
Olson said.

Following Basic Military Training, Olson will complete 13 weeks of security forces technical training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and 95 days of follow-on training at Minot Air Force Base (AFB).

Unlike Brian, Airman or Soldiers who decide to transfer into the 219th SFS may not have to attend technical training based on their previous military training; however, they would still be required for the training at Minot AFB since it is specific to that unit.

Maj.Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general, sent a letter to all N.D. National Guard members in February that explained the benefits for Soldiers and Airmen who decide to transfer into the 219th SFS.

"Brian is a great example of someone taking advantage of the incredible opportunities available at the 219th," said Master Sgt. Tanya Augdahl, 219th SFS recruiter.

"Prior Service members can earn a $20,000 bonus with a six-year commitment or a $12,500 bonus with a three-year commitment if they transfer to the Air Guard. Current members of the 119th Wing can earn a $5,000 bonus. Non- prior members, like Brian, can earn a bonus up to $25,000," Augdahl added.

With his optimistic attitude, Olson is looking at his enlistment as his next new adventure. His current passion involves triathlons and he is already looking at ways to mold his interests into the next phase of his life.

"When I would run in marathons, I always admired the athletes who wore the military jerseys. I'm excited that pretty soon I will get to wear one too," Olson said. "I already checked out the Air Force jerseys the last time I was at Scheels."

For more information on recruiting opportunities available at the 219th SFS, contact MSgt Tanya Augdahl at 701-723-3276, 866-422-1198 or Tanya.Augdahl@minot.af.mil.