BISMARCK, N.D. — A Dickey, N.D., native, currently the readiness noncommissioned officer for the North Dakota National Guard’s 816th Engineer Company (Horizontal), based out of Dickinson, N.D., recently received the Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary service in the past seven years as a readiness non-commissioned officer. He now lives in Bismarck after residing in Dickinson for the past 7 years.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian E. Schmoker was commended for his role in successfully preparing the unit for equipment inspections, his active involvement in the community, his knowledge and expertise and his strong leadership skills.

The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service.

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Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 3,800 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, nearly 300 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.