Their stories: French, former commander of the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company, led a unit into Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004.  Her Bismarck-based unit returned
from Iraq, minus three Soldiers who lost their lives.
Huber, a Bismarck native who served in Desert Storm with the military police,
was stationed in Iraq with the 142nd engineer Combat Battalion.  She left her
husband and two young children behind to fulfill her service to country.

IW: Are you both still full time with the National Guard? Any changes in rank, position, etc.?

DF: I continue to work full time for the North Dakota National Guard and now work as the Government Affairs Officer providing interface between state and federal governmental entities and the National Guard . I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in August of 2010.

JF: Yes, my fulltime position is the Director of Human Resources. I am responsible for the management of the NDNG’s 1,000+ fulltime employees. My current rank is Lieutenant Colonel; I was promoted to this rank in August of 2009. My military unit is the 164th Regimental Training Institute (RTI) in Devils Lake, ND, where I am currently assigned as the 1st Engineer Training Battalion Commander. Our mission is to conduct engineer skills training for Soldiers across the United States. I am thoroughly enjoying both positions, as I love the interaction with people from such diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

IW: Have either of you been deployed since 2004? (Where, when, etc.)

JH: No

DF: Adding to my previous deployment experiences, I was fortunate enough to serve on the Kosovo KFOR 12 mission from July 2009 to July 2010. I served as the Logistics Planning Officer for the Multi-National Task Force headquartered at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. This was a rewarding opportunity to work with 24 countries that supported the peace keeping mission.

IW: What was the most difficult part of transitioning back into ‘civilian’ life?

DF: As much as I tried, it was not business as usual when I returned back to my life after serving in Iraq. I tried to transition back to my “normal” life but the continued flashbacks, anger issues and a sustained hyper vigilance proved to be challenging and I sought assistance with one of the many veteran outreach avenues provided by the National Guard. I understood that my war was over, but it continued to replay in my head. It took time, a commitment to wellness and many changes in my lifestyle to learn how to manage the secret struggle from within. I currently share my experiences with others who may be dealing with similar feelings as well as Family members dealing with loved ones who have deployed.

JH: I think for me, it was the guilty feeling for all the family events or even the normal everyday life events that I was not there for during my 16-month deployment. At the time, I left behind my husband (Lane) and our two boys (Jacob and Joey), who were 5 and 18-months. I missed out on a lot! Today, I still think about the time that I lost that I will never get back. Time is a precious commodity that can never be replaced.

I also think many people in our American society today take their basic liberties and freedoms for granted. As Americans, we have so many things to be thankful and grateful for, yet many people in our county today just expect our way of life without realizing that our way of life is a gift. Our gift has not come without pain, heartbreak, and loss from our military members and their families. We are so lucky to be in this country and live our lives. There are so many people in this world that will never get to experience life as we know life.

IW: What do you like most about your job?

JH: I love working with people and trying to help them out. Since I do work with people, my “plan” for the day can change in a moment. I like having that spontaneity and change. I also love the fact that I am working in my career field (Human Resources) and that I have a skill and experience that is applicable outside the military.

DF: I most definitely like having the chance to work with the community on a daily basis. As a military member, it is a privilege to be able to represent the National Guard at community events, to speak about military issues at a public venue or to bring military issues to the forefront with elected officials. Maybe I just love to chat with people, and for that reason, I love my job!

IW: What advice do you have for women who may be interested in a career with the National Guard?

DF: Women have been active in the military back to the American Revolution, and the role of women in the military has grown, most notably during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obviously, the military offers many advantages to those who enlist; tuition assistance programs, steady income opportunities and the invaluable skills gained through military training which are priceless when applying for a career in the civilian sector. But most importantly, my advice would be to follow your dreams and set your goals high because the opportunities are “endless” in the National Guard. Think about this…Why wouldn’t you want to be a great example of being a extraordinary hometown hero who has the chance to be a part of the current events around the world?

JH: Be true to yourself and don’t try to compromise your character and/or gender. Although the military is primarily comprised of males, diversity is needed and it is what makes the military such a great organization. Be proud of who you are and what you can offer to the organization. Be confident, yet humble, and never lose sight of your goals and dreams.

IW: Who Inspires you and why?

JH: I am inspired by our North Dakota military families that have lost a family member in Iraq or Afghanistan. They have faced an adversity that I cannot understand. I am so amazed at the strength and resolve of these special families that have given the ultimate gift in the defense our nation. These families have a very special place in my heart!

DF: I am inspired daily by the continued “Spirit of the Soldier”! So many young men and women who consistently sacrifice their lives for the future of our country are a daily reminder of why I joined the military. Whether they are deployed afar or being tasked to keep the organization operating here in North Dakota, I am so thankful that we have people of the highest caliber involved and representing the military member across the world in such a positive light.

Davina’s Favorites

BOOK: The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. She is on novel 17 in the series about a spunky bounty hunter with an attitude. The humorous way she writes about dangerous situations has captivated me since the deserts of Iraq.
MOVIE: It’s a toss up between Toy Story and Monsters Inc. Both capture the fun side of me, but have deep ingrained leadership themes.
QUOTE: “You’ve never lived until you’ve almost died. For those who fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know.” Unknown author

A few notes from Davina: Hobbies – Over the years, I have grown into one of those “extreme” holiday yard decorators you see floating around the internet. Working for a minimum of three months to get the property decorated and ready for the hundreds of visitors the display will draw. Collaborating along with a neighbor across the street, this past year the combined display had in excess of 130,000 lights dancing to music connected by a radio station. There is nothing better than to watch the eyes of a child light up and that maybe we are facilitating the continued belief that Santa really does exist!

Passion – My passion is working to always expand awareness of Soldier issues resulting from the Iraq war and spending time as an advocate both locally and nationally for Families of the Fallen. I will work tirelessly because I want the Families to always feel the gratitude and they will always be remembered as the ones who must live with the ultimate sacrifice.

Jackie’s Favorites

BOOK: Any of the Philippa Gregory series on the 16th Century Tudors….I love these books!
MOVIE: Since I grew up in the 80’s….I love the typical cheesy 80’s flicks like “The Breakfast Club”, “Sixteen Candles”, etc. I love comedies….I thought Hangover was hilarious! I am currently addicted to the TV series “True Blood.
QUOTE: I actually have two:
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Can you get any dumber?” Joey Huber, Age 4

A few notes from Jackie: Since my last interview, my family has expanded. I gave birth to a baby girl (Lola Rose) on September 14, 2007. She is a complete joy and has definitely changed the family dynamics. We are a “hockey” family (both boys play hockey and Lola is learning to skate and is the epitome of a “rink rat”), so seven months out the year we have a second home called the VFW Ice Arena. I am the eternal optimist, so life is good. I feel truly blessed to be an American and a North Dakotan. Despite the challenges that a military career has, I am grateful for my military life and experience. Looking back, my military experiences, deployments, and comrades (my military family) have shaped my character and made me the person that I am today, how can I be anything but thankful!