Happy Hooligans to be awarded 17th ‘Air Force Outstanding Unit’ Award, former commander to be promoted to Brigadier General

  • Published
  • By North Dakota National Guard Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Office
  • North Dakota National Guard
FARGO, N.D. --  One of the most-awarded U.S. Air Force units in the nation, will be honored again for its exceptional service, commitment and mission accomplishment this Saturday.

The North Dakota National Guard's 119th Wing, known as the "Happy Hooligans," will formally receive its 17th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Immediately following the award presentation, one of the Airmen who has contributed significantly to the success of the unit over many years, Col. Robert Becklund, will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He is a former 119th Wing commander and currently serves as the chief of staff for the North Dakota Air National Guard.

Media is invited to report on these events but asked to arrive at the front gate to the base no later than 8:45 a.m. Saturday for an escort through security. Maj. Penny Ripperger (701-212-8710) will be on site to assist.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, will present the unit award and preside over Becklund's promotion during a 9 a.m. ceremony Saturday at the Happy Hooligan's air base at 1400 32nd Ave. N., Fargo, N.D.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, will also be present at the ceremony.

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award recognizes units across the active-duty Air Force, Reserves and Air National Guard that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement, including successful involvement with combat operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.

Becklund, who began his military career by enlisting in the N.D. Air National Guard in May of 1982 as a flight simulator technician, has been a member of the Happy Hooligans for all but three of the 16 awards they've received so far. The 119th Wing previously received the award in 1973, 1974, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2014.

Since the start of the Global War on Terrorism, about 2,600 North Dakota Air National Guard members have mobilized, with 49 of those Airmen deploying to multiple locations through 100% volunteerism in just the last year.

Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 4,200 Soldiers and over 2,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. About 70 percent of all members serving today have joined since that time. Currently, about 20 North Dakota Guardsmen are mobilized for overseas and domestic service. With a total force of about 4,100 Guardsmen, the North Dakota National Guard remains ready for stateside 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.