Moorhead hosts Speaking of Service: Her Voice on March 5
Stories of women connected to military service
Minnesota State Moorhead, in collaboration with the university’s Veteran Success Team, Dragon Student Veterans Club, and Women’s Center, will host a free event on “Speaking of Service: Her Voice” on Thursday, March 5, at 1 p.m. in the Christianson Alumni Center, Barry Auditorium, 707 11th St. S., Moorhead.
Panelists will share their stories of challenges and successes as women connected to military service.
Chief Master Sergeant Kari L. Appletoft is the Mission Support Group Senior Enlisted Leader for the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard, advising commanders on readiness, training, and enlisted force development. She entered service in 1997 and has served in multiple maintenance, operations, and first sergeant roles, while also working as a mental health counselor.
Kiley Kuntz is the North Dakota Army National Guard Command Chief Warrant Officer, where she serves as the senior advisor to the Adjutant General and Senior Leadership on all matters relating to Warrant Officers. She began her military service in 1996, deployed twice to combat zones overseas, and has supported numerous domestic operations in North Dakota.
Jamie Fuglestad is a mass communications graduate of Minnesota State Moorhead. She is a Development Partner at Vance Thompson Vision, a leading ophthalmology practice with nine locations across the Midwest and Mountain West. With nearly 25 years of experience in the ophthalmology field, Jamie has built her career around advancing patient education, professional partnerships, and practice development. As the spouse of a retired Army National Guard veteran who served 20 years, Jamie proudly represents military families and the unique perspective of military dependents.
Chief Master Sergeant Erica Carruth is the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 119th Force Support Squadron at the 119th Wing, in Fargo, N.D. She has been a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard since March 2005. She deployed in 2021 to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM SENTINEL, and ALLIES REFUGE. She was also activated for State Active Duty flood operations in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Erica is a proud Moorhead alum with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Minnesota State Moorhead is a military-friendly campus and recognized Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization. Moorhead is also a proud supporter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Learn more about Moorhead’s Larry Shellito Veteran, Service Member & Family Success Center at https://www.mnstate.edu/veterans.