BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota National Guard’s Military Service Center in Bismarck will hold an open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16 for the public, veterans and current military service members. The open house is to encourage military families and veterans to become familiarized with the programs and services that the organization provides.
The open house will feature the Vet Center Mobile Unit, the Burleigh and Morton County veteran service officers, N.D. Job Service Veterans Program, TRICARE will be some of the outside agencies on site to assist service members, veterans and their families. Free credit reports will be provided to service members as well as school supplies for military children. Lunch will be provided for visitors between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Military Service Center concept in North Dakota was launched in January 2009 in Bismarck. The center’s success prompted a second center to open in Fargo, where it is also staffed by military and civilian employees of the North Dakota National Guard. Last year alone, the Bismarck MSC had 2,980 individuals come in for assistance. Thousands of others were contacted through events and activities provided by the center’s staff.
Besides military ID cards, the MSC also provides assistance to military families and youths, Military Outreach Services to connect veterans with resources and benefits, and information on TRICARE health insurance, life insurance, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and military records requests. Other services that can be accessed through the MSC include a military family life counselor, a personal financial counselor, Military OneSource assistance, transition assistance, the help of licensed social workers and chaplains, and members trained in assisting with sexual assault response and suicide prevention.
WHO: North Dakota National Guard’s Military Service Center
WHAT: Open House
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 16
WHERE: Military Service Center at 1850 E. Bismarck Expressway
MEDIA: Media is encouraged to visit between 11 and 1 p.m. If on-site coordination is required, please call 333-4800.
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized nearly 3,900 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. About 70 percent of all members serving today have joined since that time. Currently, about 150 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas while about 4,000 remain in the state for emergency 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.