April 25, 2017
Fellow Patriots,
Supporters of the 818th Engineer Company are collecting donations to host the first North Dakota National Guard 818th Company Sapper Reunion, ata weekend family friendly campouton the Orgaard Farm, north of Bismarck, ND, on June 24-26, 2017.
It’s been nearly 4 years since the soldiers with the North Dakota National Guard’s 818th Engineer Company (Sapper) returned from Afghanistan. The soldiers served as combat engineers, where they cleared routes of improvised explosive devices. While deployed, Sgt. 1st Class Darren Linde and Spc. Tyler Orgaard were killed in action on 3 December 2012. Sgt. Ian Placek was also wounded in this attack.
The Sapper Strong Reunion will provide an opportunity for the soldiers of the 818th Engineer Company, along with their families and friends, to reminisce, reconnect, and enjoy a weekend together under the sky of the state and country these soldiers served. Guests of Honor will be the Orgaard, Linde and Placek families.
Your contribution to the Sapper Strong Reunion will provide approximately 150 veterans and their families with 3 days of fellowship and fun.
We are looking to provide meals, condiments, utensils, paper products, water, toilet facilities, hygiene products, trash bags, ice, a large canopy, temporary lighting, games, inflatables, activities, t-shirts, can koozies. Those attending will be responsible for theircamping gear, tents, RV’s, sleeping bags, camping chairs lanterns and other personal items. Organizers are also looking at utilizing the skills of the combat engineers attending by providing them the tools and materials to build a large stage as a central location for music and other activities. The event is intended to become an annual one, so this type of infrastructure would be used for many years.
We would be honored to have you join us in support of our active military and veteran families with a contribution to the 2017 Sapper Strong Reunion. With your contributions and/or material donations, you will be thanking our soldiers and their families for their sacrifices to keeping us safe, defending our country, and providing them all a weekend to remember.
Donations will be taken until June 1, 2017 at all Cornerstone Bank locations. Checks can be written out to: 818 Reunion.
Any excess funds will be directed to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Josie Orgaard at 701-319-1981, or Lori Long at 701-770-3600.
We Thank you in advance~
The families of the 818
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