LTC Santiago Bueno

Professor of Military Science

  LTC Santiago G. Bueno III was born in February 1969 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and was commissioned in May 1993 as an Armor Officer.

  After completion of the Armor Officer Basic Course, Scout Platoon Leaders Course, and Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander's Course, he joined the 2d Squadron, 1st Cavalry at Fort Hood, Texas as part of the 2d Armored Division (now 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division). During the three and a half years at Fort Hood, he served as a M1A1 Tank Platoon Leader from April 1994 - August 1995, Scout Platoon Leader from August 1995 - June 1996, Troop Executive Officer from June 1996 - March 1997 and Squadron Maintenance Officer from March 1997 to October 1997.

  After completing the Armor Officer Advanced Course in April 1998, he was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, The Devil Brigade. LTC Bueno became the assistant Brigade Training Officer. He held that position until January 2000 when he was assigned as Commander, D Troop, 4th Cavalry.

  In April 2001, LTC Bueno was nominated and selected for the Office of the Secretary of Defense Internship Program. He served as an Action Officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs, African Affairs Office. In July 2002, He began his second year of his internship in the Directorate of Collective Training, Headquarters, Department of the Army.

  After completing a year at the US Air Force Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama in August 2004, LTC Bueno was assigned to the US Army European Command. He served as a plans officer in the USAREUR G3 Future Operations Division. In July 2004, LTC Bueno became the Executive Officer for the 1st Battalion, 35th Armor in Baumholder, Germany. He deployed to Kuwait and eventually Ramadi, Iraq with Task Force 1-35 in November 2005. In July 2006, He became the S-4 Officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Bagdad, Iraq.

  Upon returning to the United States in July 2007, LTC Bueno became the South East Regional Support Team Chief at Joint Task Force North, Fort Bliss Texas. In August 2010, LTC Bueno was named the Professor of Military Science at North Dakota University, Fargo, North Dakota.

  His military education as an officer includes: Armor Officer Basic and Advance Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School (CAS3), Air Force Command and Staff College, Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS) Joint Professional Military Education - Phase II (JPME-II), US Army Airborne School, Scout Platoon Leaders Course and the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander's Course. LTC Bueno earned a Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science with a concentration in Logistical Operations from the US Air Force Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

  LTC Bueno's awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), the National Defense Service Medal (1OLC), the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist Badge. LTC Bueno is also authorized to wear the 1st Armor Division Combat Service Identification Badge, the Order of Saint George Medal and Order of Saint Barbara Medal.

  LTC Bueno is married to the former Honey Diebel of San Antonio, Texas, and they have a daughter, Shelby, and a son, Santiago.

CPT Randall Sumbles

Assistant Professor of Military Science / Executive Officer

  CPT Randall S. Sumbles was born in June 1983 in Paragould, Arkansas. His military service began in July 2000, when he joined the Arkansas Army National Guard while attending Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Arkansas. During his senior year, he received a 2-year Army ROTC scholarship under the Early Commissioning Program to attend Georgia Military College. He earned an Associate of Science in General Studies and was commissioned in May 2003 as an Infantry Officer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas in May 2006.

  He was assigned to multiple Rifle Platoon Leader positions within the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from May 2003-June 2006. He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant in June 2005. In August 2005, he participated in Operation Katrina, the disaster recovery response to Hurricane Katrina. In June 2006, he changed branches to become an Ordnance Officer. He went on to serve as the Maintenance Control Officer from June 2006-October 2007. After completing his Ordnance Basic Officer Leader Course in April 2007, he was mobilized and became the Battalion Maintenance Officer for 2ND Battalion, 153RD Infantry Regiment. During his deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served as a Battle Captain and Executive Officer for Charlie Company, 2ND Battalion, 153RD Infantry Regiment.

  Upon his return from deployment, he returned to his previous assignment as the Maintenance Control Officer from January 2009 to May 2009. He was then assigned as the Operations Officer (Support Operations) in the 39TH Brigade Support Battalion, 39TH Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in August 2009. He attended the resident Combined Logistics Captains Career Course from October 2009-March 2010. In September 2010, he was assigned as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the 441ST Ordnance Battalion, Alabama Army National Guard.

  In March 2011, CPT Sumbles was assigned to 4TH Battalion, 415TH Regiment (SROTC) in the United States Army Reserve as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Georgia Military College. In June 2012, CPT Sumbles was ordered to active duty (AGR) and assigned as Assistant Professor of Military Science at North Dakota State University Army ROTC.

  His awards include the Army Commendation Medal w/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal w/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with 1 campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ Mobilization device, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

  He is married to the former Ms. Emily Corinne Johnson and they have two children Lillian and Samuel.

CPT Ryan Schulz

Assistant Professor of Military Science / National Guard Liaison

  Captain Ryan Andrew Schulz was born April 24th 1984 in Bismarck, North Dakota. He attended Bismarck High School in Bismarck, ND graduating in May of 2002, upon completion he joined the North Dakota National Guard and attended Basic Training and AIT in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Captain Schulz then attended North Dakota State University where he studied Physical Education and minored in coaching. While attending he completed ROTC training through North Dakota State University, graduating and receiving his commission on May 9th 2008. Captain Schulz serves in the North Dakota Army National Guard through which he attended the Engineer Officer Basic Course in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

  Captain Ryan Schulz is currently in the 141 MEB Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in the North Dakota Army National Guard and is also an Assistance Professor of Military Science at North Dakota State University. Captain Schulz's previous assignment was serving as the Detachment Commander of the 188th Engineer Company (v). While serving in the 188th EN CO (V) he deployed to Kuwait in Operation of Enduring Freedom from Aug 2011 to 2012. CPT Schulz started his military career as an enlisted member in the 957th Multi Role Bridge Company out of Bismarck, ND with the North Dakota Army National Guard.

MSG Chad Gooding

Senior Military Science Instructor

  MSG Chad Michael Gooding was born in Fort Bragg, NC, and grew up in St. Louis, Mo. Attending DeSMET Jesuit High School, he graduated in 1987. He participated in football, baseball, and tennis. He attended the University of Quincy, in Illinois, where he achieved 121 hours while continuing to play football and baseball in his collegiate career.

  MSG Gooding joined the Army Reserves in May of 1989 on the split option. He departed to Fort Jackson, SC, for Basic Training and then onto Fort Sam Houston, TX, for AIT as a 91A (Combat Medic) the following year. After three years in the Reserves with the 303rd Field Hospital, MSG Gooding made the transition to the Active Army on 8 August 1992. His first assignment was Fort Carson, CO, in the 3/29 Field Artillery Battalion Aid Station. He deployed to Kuwait in 1995, and then transferred to the 64th Forward Support Battalion as the Evacuation NCO.

  In 1998, MSG Gooding was assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), in Germany, serving as a flight medic, Team Sergeant, and the Training NCO deploying to Lithuania and Kosovo/Macedonia.

  In 2001, he was assigned as the S-2 Intelligence NCO for the 36th Medical Evacuation Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. He also served as the Assistant Platoon Sergeant, deploying to Iraq in 2003 for OIF I and again in 2004 for OIF II with the 507th Medical Company (AA), Fort Hood Texas. Upon his return from his second tour in 2005, he was re-assigned as the NCOIC and managed the largest DoD clinic, the Thomas Moore Health Clinic, with over 130 civilian and 10 Military staff members.

  In 2007 he was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the 101st Airborne, 3/187 Infantry. While serving as the Platoon Sergeant of the Medical Platoon consisting of 35 medics, he deployed to Iraq in 2007 for a 14 month tour. He currently serves as Senior Military Science Instructor at North Dakota State University in the ROTC Department.

  MSG Gooding has played Rugby for 14 years competing in 5 National Championships, played one year in a semi-pro football league and has participated in numerous military softball teams, reaching the Military Championships on two occasions.

  MSG Gooding's awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Air Medal (5), the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (6), the Army Good Conduct Medal (5), the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal (4), the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), the Army Service Ribbon(2), the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Medic Badge, the Expert Field Medic Badge, the Aviation Crewmember Badge, and the Wheel Driver's Badge. The Units that he has been assigned to have earned the Presidential Unit Citation, the Presidential Unit Citation - NATO, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Army Superior Unit Award. He has attended the Field Sanitation Team certification course, SERE Training, the Security Manager's Course, Sling Load Inspectors Certification, the WLC, BNCOC, ANCOC, and is certified as an EMT-B with CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

  MSG Gooding has been married for 19.5 years to his wife, Susan. They have seven children - five girls and two boys ranging from 31 - 9 years of age.

SFC Jeffery O'Marrah

Military Science Instructor

  SFC O'Marrah was born in Bad Kreuznach, Germany and as an Army dependent was raised around the world. He graduated from Thornwood High School in Chicago IL, and joined the Army in July of 1991. SFC O'Marrah went through OSUT and graduated as an 11B at Fort Benning, GA.

  After completing OSUT and Airborne School, SFC O'Marrah was assigned to Bravo Company 1st-501st PIR at Fort Richardson, AK. There he served as a RTO, M60 Gunner, 60MM mortar assistant gunner and a Rifle Team Leader. In 1995 he ETSed from active duty and joined the IL National Guard and was reassigned to Charlie Company 1-131st Infantry, serving two years as a Weapons Squad Leader. He reentered Active duty in Dec of 1998 and was assigned to Charlie Company 3-327 INF, Air Assault Fort Campbell KY. There he served as a M249 gunner and Rifle Team Leader. In 2000, SFC O'Marrah reported back to Alaska this time to 2-1 INF Fort Wainwright. There he served as a Rifle Team Leader and Squad Leader. He deployed to OIF 1 in 2003 and served as a Coalition Military Adviser Training Team member, one of only five Americans in a 33 man International platoon. On his return in 2004 2-1 INF transitioned into the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He redeployed to Iraq in Aug 2005 and served as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant for the surge into Baghdad. After the extended tour of 16 months he was reassigned to United States Army Central Command 3rd Army Fort McPherson GA., where he served as the Operations Sergeant G3 Training, Exercise and Simulations. In Sep 2009 SFC O'Marrah was assigned to Bravo Company 1-8 CAV. Fort Hood TX., and served as Platoon Sergeant and Company 1SG. SFC O'Marrah was then assigned to North Dakota State University in Nov 2012.

  SFC O'Marrah's military education includes Airborne School, Combat Life Saver, Air Assault Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Unit Armor Course, Cold Weather Leadership Course, and Machine Gunners Leaders Course.

  SFC O'Marrah's awards and decorations include the MSM (1OLC), Joint Service Accommodation Medal, ARCOM (3 OLC), AAM (4 OLC), AGCM (6th Award), Humanitarian Service Medal, NDSM (with star), ICM (4 stars), GWTEM, GWTSM, NCOPD (Number 3), ASR, OSR (Number 3), the Valorous Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation (1 OLC), British and Thai Jump Wings, EIB, CIB, Airborne Wings, and the Air Assault Badge.

  SFC O'Marrah is married to the former Ms. Christina Perkins of Chugiak, AK. They have one son Liam.

Mr. Ronald Joyce

Recruiting Operations Officer

  Ron Joyce enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard Feb 1985 as a college student, played division two football and participated in the NAIA Division I national championship football playoffs twice. Ron was a Tri-Captain his senior year, played defense. Declining offers to sign with and play for different NFL and USFL teams. In 1989 he graduated from the Minnesota Military Academy where he attended the Officer Candidate School and commissioned in 1990 as an Infantry Officer. Has held positions of Infantry Platoon Leader, XO, 2nd BN 136th IN Co C, XO, Company Commander, Sr. Tactical Officer, MN OCS, Battalion Motor Officer, BN S-3 Air, 1st BDE S-3 assistant, 84th Troop Command S-3 asst, 84th Troop Command S-2, FA30 G-5 Planner for 34th Division G-7, IO/IE ,and G-7 Assessments Officer for the 34th ID. Ron's current assignment is with the 175th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) at Camp Ripley Minnesota as the S-1 officer.

  As of Sept 2000, has been a contractor for the Department of Defense through MPRI, and Comtechnologies, and The Ventura Group for NDSU Army ROTC. He has deployed 18 month to Afghanistan Feb 06 to July 07, Embedded Tactical Trainer 207th Corp and in Feb 09 he deployed to Iraq 15 months, Feb 2009 to April 2010. Mr. Joyce is currently the Enrollment Counselor and Freshman Instructor at North Dakota State University Army ROTC. He has participated in many different training missions with the Minnesota Army National Guard. He has trained with War fighter Ft. Leavenworth, multiple Simnets FT. Knox, FT. Hood, and 1996 CMTC Hoenfels and Grafenwoehr Germany during rotations for Bosnia and NATO training missions. He has achieved numerous military and civilian awards.

Ms. Sharon James

Human Resources Technician

  Sharon L. James was born in Linton, North Dakota, where she completed high school. She received an Associate Degree at Bismarck State College and Bachelor's Degree in Business Education at the University of North Dakota.

  Ms. James has been employed at the Department of Military Science at North Dakota State University since September 1980 where she has seen approximately 400 cadets become Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. She has worked for 12 Professors of Military Science (and she's not done yet!).

  Prior to employment at NDSU, Ms. James was an instructor at Interstate Business College in Fargo, North Dakota. She also taught adult education classes for several years in Moorhead, Minnesota and in Fargo. She was also previously employed by the telephone companies in Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota.

Mrs. Shyla Wesson

Assistant Professor of Military Science / Operations Officer

  Mrs. Shyla Wesson, was born in Huron, South Dakota. She completed high school in 1992, graduating from Redfield High School, Redfield South Dakota. She received a Bachelor's Degree at South Dakota State University and is currently working on her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling.

  Mrs. Wesson joined the Army National Guard in 1991. She spent the first ten years of her career as an enlisted soldier, making the rank of Sergeant/E-5. In 2001 she graduated from Officers Candidate School and was granted a commission in the South Dakota National Guard. Mrs. Wesson served as a platoon leader for the 740th Transportation Company, Milbank, SD. She was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004, serving a 16 month tour. Mrs. Wesson held a position as the Battalion Petroleum Officer until taking the Command of the 1454th Transportation Company, Concord, NC in 2007. She served as the Commander of the 1454th for over two years. After her command, Mrs. Wesson served as the Transportation Officer for the SOP section of the 113th Sustainment Brigade. Mrs. Wesson retired from the National Guard in 2011 with Twenty years of service.

  Mrs. Wesson is married to Joseph Wesson and they have three children; Alexis 7, Landry 6, and Ainsley 3.

Mrs. Ruth Wirtz

Administrative Assistant

  Ruth Anne Wirtz was born January 1978 in Ada, MN. She attended Ada-Borup High School graduating in May 1996. On April 30, 1997 she joined the US Army and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, SC and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, VA, where she was trained as an Automated Logistical Supply Specialist. Ruth was assigned to the 320th Engineer Company (Topographic) in Hanau, Germany from October 1997 - April 2001 where she was a Supply Specialist and Combat Lifesaver. After 4 years of Active Duty, Ruth came back to the United States and joined the Minnesota Army National Guard. She was as a Supply Specialist and New Recruit Instructor in Alpha Company, 434th Main Support Battalion at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. She also served as an Ammunition Supply Specialist for 4 years during the summer months. In December 2005, Ruth was Honorable Discharged from the Minnesota Army National Guard as a Specialist.

  Ruth's awards include Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Minnesota National Guard Commendation Medal, Minnesota National Guard Good Conduct Medal, Minnesota National Guard Service Medal.

  In May 2006, Ruth graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. While attending college she was an officer in the Criminal Justice Club, a member of the Psychology Club, attended ROTC classes, and played Rugby.

  Ruth has been married for 9 years to Michael and they have 2 girls, Lillian (6 Yrs) and Lucille (5 months). They also have 3 dogs; Toby, Trevor, & Tanner.

Mr. Shawn O'Donnell

Supply Technician

  Mr Shawn O'Donnell was born in Fargo North Dakota in March of 1980. He was raised in Dilworth and Moorhead Minnesota and now lives in Fargo, North Dakota. Shawn graduated from Moorhead high school in 1999 and continued his education at the Minnesota Community and Technical College in Moorhead Minnesota for three years. He studied Information Technology router and switch troubleshooting, maintenance and programming. Shawn also studied Computer hardware maintenance, webpage design and administration as well as email and server administration. While Shawn was attending college he worked full time as the Head of Security in the West Acres Mall in Fargo North Dakota. He also worked part time for the Department of Aerospace Studies at North Dakota State University as a Storekeeper and Supply Technician for several years.

  In July of 2005 he was employed full time as a Storekeeper/Supply Technician and supports both the Departments of Military Science and Aerospace Studies. In addition he provides the IT technical expertise for computer and computer systems maintenance and serves as the Liaison for the Army ROTC with the North Dakota State University Information Technology Systems. Shawn is strongly involved in community services as a member of the Emergency Vehicle Assistance and Communications (EVAC) organization and volunteers much of his spare time supporting events such as Special Olympics, and the local police and sheriff's departments in traffic control, crowd control, in support of major events or disasters. Shawn is also a leading member in a local Search and Rescue group and has frequently participated in many real search and rescue efforts. Shawn also volunteers his time with the West Fargo Police Department's Youth Academy which teaches high school students about the different aspects of Law Enforcement. Shawn is also an active member of the Red River Valley Fraternal Order of Police.

Mr. Bradley Lafferty

Supply Technician

  Bradley L. Lafferty was born in Cavalier, North Dakota. He graduated from Walhalla High School in 1982.

  Prior to employment at NDSU, Mr. Lafferty served in the Air Force from Aug 1983 - Jun 1992, and with the North Dakota Army National Guard from Apr 1997 - Feb 2011 where he retired from active duty. While serving his military career he deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Kosovo, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

  Brad worked at Minn-Dak Farmers Coop sugar beet plant in Wahpeton, North Dakota from 1994 - 2000.

  Brad has one daughter, Morgan (18Yrs).