Military Affairs Committee - Williston Basin

05/29/2026

Veterans, families, friends pay respect to local heroes

05/25/2026

Today, on Memorial Day, the Military Affairs Committee pauses to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America.

Over the past days and weeks, we have shared the stories of North Dakotans from every generation of service — from the trenches of World War I, to the beaches and skies of World War II, the mountains and jungles of Korea and Vietnam, and the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. These were not just names in history books. They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, classmates, neighbors, and friends.

Men like Leonard Check, a decorated Navy ace from Williston lost over the Pacific.
Young soldiers like Cody Wentz, who never returned home from Iraq.
Marines, sailors, airmen, and soldiers who answered the call and paid the ultimate price.

Memorial Day is more than the start of summer. It is a day of remembrance.

Today, we encourage everyone to pause for a moment:
🇺🇸 Visit a cemetery or memorial
🇺🇸 Place a flag or flower
🇺🇸 Attend a ceremony
🇺🇸 Share the story of a fallen service member
🇺🇸 Teach the next generation why we remember

Their sacrifice gave us the freedoms we enjoy today. May we never take that for granted.

From all of us at the Military Affairs Committee, we honor and remember our fallen heroes.

🇺🇸 “All gave some. Some gave all.” 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Today, we remember Specialist Cody L. Wentz of Williston, North Dakota, who gave his life in service to our nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cody served with Company A, 141st Engineer Battalion, North Dakota Army National Guard. On November 4, 2004, at just 21 years old, he was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle while on patrol in Iraq.

A proud member of the Williston community, Cody was known for his determination, his love of weightlifting, and his passion for working on old cars.

As Memorial Day approaches, we honor Specialist Cody L. Wentz and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage, their stories, and their legacy will never be forgotten.

🇺🇸 “Freedom is never free.” 🇺🇸

Source: North Dakota National Guard and North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

05/24/2026

Today, we remember Lieutenant Commander Leonard Joseph Check of Williston, North Dakota, who gave his life in service to our nation during the Second World War.

A native of Berwick and later of Williston, Lt. Cmdr. Check served as a naval aviator and commanding officer of Fighting Squadron 7 aboard the USS Hancock. Over the course of the war, he became a World War II ace, credited with shooting down twelve enemy aircraft in the Pacific Theater.

On January 4, 1945, during operations over Luzon in the Philippine Islands, Lt. Cmdr. Check was lost following a mid-air collision with his wingman. He was later declared killed in action.

His extraordinary heroism and leadership were recognized with some of the nation’s highest honors, including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Purple Heart. His actions in combat—marked by courage, skill, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemen—helped protect Allied forces and turn the tide in critical moments of the Pacific War.
As Memorial Day approaches, we honor Lt. Cmdr. Leonard J. Check and all those who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Their legacy lives on in the communities they called home and the nation they served.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Source: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

05/23/2026

Memorial Day is a time to come together.

Beyond differences and debates, we share a common responsibility—to honor those who gave their lives in service to this nation. Their sacrifice is not political. It is personal, it is profound, and it is something that unites us all.

Today, let us set aside division and stand together in remembrance. In doing so, we honor not only their service, but the ideals they gave everything to defend.

05/22/2026

Thank you 660 KEYZ News Radio for helping us to continue to advocate for the true spirit of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day In Williston: A Time For Reflection And Remembrance

05/22/2026

Today, we remember Private Ross E. French, who gave his life in service to his country during the First World War.

Pvt. French served in the United States Army during World War I and died on October 2, 1918, from wounds received in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive — one of the deadliest campaigns involving American forces in the war. He is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France.

More than a century later, his sacrifice still echoes across generations. In Williston, the old Ross E. French VFW Post carried his name, ensuring that his memory and service are not forgotten.

As Memorial Day approaches, we honor Pvt. Ross E. French and all those who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Their sacrifice remains part of the enduring story of our nation and our community.

🇺🇸 “Lest we forget.” 🇺🇸

Source: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

05/21/2026

Yesterday, members of the Military Affairs Committee coordinated with Williston VFW Post 12169 in preparation for Memorial Day and the upcoming Memorial Day Ceremony by cleaning up Veterans Plaza and the Freedom Monument at Riverview Cemetery.

Military Affairs Committee members, VFW members, and their families came together to help ensure these important spaces are ready to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and effort in remembrance and service. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

Today, we remember Private Charles Vernon Little, a soldier connected to Williston and Williams County, North Dakota.

Born April 24, 1894, in Hampton, Iowa, Charles made his way to Williston, where he worked as a carpenter before answering the call to serve. He enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard in 1917, becoming part of Company E, 1st Infantry—later the 164th Infantry Regiment.

Deployed overseas during World War I, Charles saw heavy combat in some of the war’s most intense fighting, including the Aisne-Marne Offensive. He was wounded and gassed in June 1918, yet continued in service.

On July 22, 1918, he died of wounds received in action in France.

For his bravery and meritorious service, he was cited for gallantry and awarded the Silver Star—recognition of a soldier who went above and beyond in the face of war.

Today, he rests among his fellow Americans at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France, far from home—but never forgotten.

We remember Charles Vernon Little.
We honor his sacrifice.

Source: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Ancestry.com

05/20/2026

Today, the Military Affairs Committee remembers Private First Class Richard Denzil Gill Jr. of North Dakota, who gave his life in service to our nation during the Vietnam War.

PFC Gill served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), U.S. Army. On November 17, 1965, during the fierce fighting of the Ia Drang Campaign in South Vietnam, he was killed in action while engaged against enemy forces. He was 21 years old.

The Battle of Ia Drang marked one of the first major engagements between U.S. forces and the North Vietnamese Army and came at a tremendous cost to many young American soldiers. PFC Gill was among those who answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice far from home.

As Memorial Day approaches, we honor the memory of Richard Denzil Gill Jr. and all those who never returned home from war. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty remain forever remembered.

🇺🇸 “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” 🇺🇸

Source: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs