Captain Jared Bloomgren of Rapid City, a former resident of Bowman County, assumed command of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 216th and 451st Engineer Detachments (Firefighting Teams) during a change of command ceremony in Rapid City on Oct. 1.
Bloomgren assumed responsibility of the Rapid City-based units from Chief Warrant Officer 3 Terry Hoey, who served in the position for four years.
As commander, Bloomgren is responsible for the 216th headquarters and 451st firefighting team, which provide fire protection of aviation assets, facilities and installations. With about 11 assigned members, the units’ conduct vehicle and aircraft burns, extractions and high-angle rescue training.
“I will always do my best to take care of the unit and build them up by improving upon the great training that is already in place, making us better Soldiers and individuals to increase our readiness,” said Bloomgren.
A quality leader is there for his Soldiers and will help anyway they can, said Bloomgren. He plans to lead by example with integrity, honesty and the Army values to complete the mission.
Hoey said he can’t think of a better officer to take over his position as he transfers to Training Center Command.
“I’m happy for the unit, because I know they are going to be in Capt. Bloomgren’s capable hands,” said Hoey.
Bloomgren enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 2000, where he served with the 815th Engineer Company, of Lisbon, N.D. After he completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training, he transferred to the 842nd Engineer Company in Spearfish.
Bloomgren received his officer commission through the SDARNG’s Officer Candidate School in 2007 and would later serve as a detachment commander and executive officer within the 155th Engineer Company.
He would go on to serve as a plans officer with the 153rd Engineer Battalion in Huron, a senior platoon trainer in 1st Battalion, 196th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) in Sturgis and the assistant operations position with the 881st Troop Command.
He is supported in his Guard career by his wife, Sondra, and their three children. His faith and family are the backbone of his beliefs and leadership style.
