North Dakota National Guard's 142nd Engineer Battalion Welcomed Home

50 members of the unit returned after a yearlong deployment to the southern U.S. border

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On February 21, North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden welcomed home 50 members of the North Dakota National Guard's 142nd Engineer Battalion following their yearlong deployment to the nation's southern border in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Why it matters

The return of the 142nd Engineer Battalion marks the successful completion of their mission to support border security efforts, highlighting the important role the National Guard plays in assisting federal agencies with critical national defense tasks.

The details

During the welcome home ceremony, North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General Brigadier General Mitchell R. Johnson, Command Sergeant Major Kendall Struxness, and Lt. Col. Ryan Kaufman, Commander of the 142nd Engineer Battalion, addressed the audience and shared their experiences from the deployment along the southern U.S. border.

  • The welcome home ceremony was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • The 142nd Engineer Battalion completed a yearlong deployment to the southern U.S. border.

The players

John Hoeven

North Dakota Senator.

Julie Fedorchak

North Dakota Congresswoman.

Michelle Strinden

North Dakota Lieutenant Governor.

Mitchell R. Johnson

North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General, Brigadier General.

Kendall Struxness

North Dakota National Guard Command Sergeant Major.

Ryan Kaufman

Commander of the North Dakota National Guard's 142nd Engineer Battalion, Lt. Col.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.