“Marines have always made their mark on the battlefield, but it’s important to remember they’ve also made their mark in their hometowns and communities,” said retired Marine Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, president and CEO of MCHF. “As we celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps, we honor the significant contributions that North Dakota Marines have made to our nation. It’s an opportunity for all residents of North Dakota to commemorate this historic milestone and show their appreciation for all Marines who stand ready to protect our nation and continue to put Marine values to work in their communities and professional lives.”

The MCHF is highlighting notable Marines with North Dakota ties, including:

– Ward County Sheriff Robert Roed, Minot. Roed’s path of service began in the U.S. Marine Corps, where from 1985 to 1989 he learned the discipline and mission-first mindset that would shape the rest of his life. Returning home to North Dakota, he graduated from the Lake Region Law Enforcement Academy and joined the Ward County Sheriff’s Office in 1990, starting with jail supervision and security before moving to patrol, and steadily advanced through the ranks to captain. Along the way, he trained fellow officers, spent five years on the regional SWAT team, and earned a reputation for calm, steady leadership under pressure. In 2018, Roed was elected sheriff of Ward County, a role he continues to embrace with the same commitment to service above self that first guided him as a Marine.

– Trygve Hammer, Minot. A North Dakota native and Velva High School graduate, Trygve Hammer enlisted in the U.S. Navy before earning a chemistry degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a commission in the Marine Corps in 1990. Over more than seven years of active and reserve service, he flew CH-53D helicopters, served as a forward air controller, led Marines in Iraq, and later retired as a major after roles that included military attache in Rome and instructor at the Naval Academy. Today, he serves as a career counselor with Job Corps in Minot, helps guide Humanities North Dakota as a board member and remains active in civic and veteran circles. In 2024, he ran for North Dakota’s at-large U.S. House seat, reflecting his enduring commitment to public service and community leadership.

Trygve Hammer

– Lonnie Wangen, Horace, who devoted much of his life to veterans’ service, culminating in his role as commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Veteran Affairs, a position he has held since 2008. He was a longtime Army Guardsman with 27 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard, including deployment with the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion to Iraq.

– Abdulwahab “Freddy” Frederickson, Fargo, once a heavy equipment engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and now an oncology clinical care leader, helping cancer patients through chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo.

The Marines Across America program continues throughout 2025, leading to the official 250th birthday of the Marine Corps on Nov. 10, which will be marked nationwide with official cake-cutting ceremonies taking place at all 50 state capitals.

Members of the public are encouraged to join the anniversary celebration by sharing stories of Marines they know, both active and retired, who make a difference in their communities and their professional lives. Submissions may be made through the Marine250.com website.