Defending the nation in Havre, Montana

Spc. Emily Simonson

MTNG Public Affairs Office

One weekend out of every month, in the town of Havre, Montana, down the road from the Hill County Sheriff’s Department, a unit of 33 soldiers gather at the Havre National Guard Armory. During the work week, these soldiers are factory workers, teachers, police officers. They are faces you pass on the street every day and would never know that, one weekend every month, they are the backbone of the Montana National Guard.

The 639th Quartermaster Supply Company’s mission is to provide support to other companies in the Montana National Guard. They order supplies, repair vehicles, cook the meals, everything and anything the Montana National Guard needs to have their soldiers capable to serve their country. The unit also has two detachments located in Libby and Kalispell and those soldiers specialize in fuel distribution, shower and laundry, and water purification.

A mission cannot be successful without clean laundry, working vehicles, and good food. It is the 639th’s mission to ensure other units get these necessities. How does one unit do all of this? The 639th is home to more than ten military occupational specialties.

Unit Supply Specialist Taylor Gopher knows how important his job is to the guard. As of March this year, Havre also knows him as their newest patrol officer with the Havre Police Department. Spc Gopher is using his training to succeed as a soldier and in his civilian career.

Support units like the 639th help deploying units get their stuff together, get ready to go and get off the ground, Gopher said. The 639th is crucial to the Montana National Guard’s mission success.

Even with such a diverse array of jobs within the 639th, the unit is just as close of a family as any other unit. Recruiting and Retention NCO Sgt. 1st Class Shayne Boushey said he has made lots of friends in the 639th.

Boushey has served in the Montana National Guard for 14 years and said he’s impressed with the unit’s tight bond. One example that comes to mind is how retired service members will still attend the 639th’s holiday parties to see old friends, something he has never seen in another unit.

“The bond that this unit here has is pretty tight knit which is surprising with the different jobs and different personalities,” said Boushey. “They still come together and they’re a tight knit group. It’s really cool to see.”

One of the amazing benefits the National Guard offers is the ability to serve not just your state and country, but your own community.

Gopher is born and raised in Havre and he saids he loves getting to drill in his hometown.

“Any chance I have to give back to the community that’s done so much for me, I love to do it,” said Gopher.

Gopher joined the unit six months ago and has found not just a unit he feels he belongs in in a community he loves, but a path to success he can follow through the guard.

The 639th is always offering new training that Gopher said he uses to help better himself. He plans to go to college one day with all of the benefits the guard offers.

“You get all these opportunities to be improved every single day,” said Gopher. “You get bumped up on job applications, you get a chance to do something bigger than yourself. The National Guard, I believe, is just a wonderful opportunity for anybody to be a part of.”

The 639th is currently filling entry level positions in chemical equipment maintainer, petroleum supply specialists, chemical biological radiological nuclear specialist and more.

“Anybody who’s out there thinking about joining the National Guard, just go out and do it,” Gopher said. “The amount of opportunities that the National Guard gives you is wonderful. Even if you’re thinking, ‘Maybe it’s not for me,’ I’m telling you, there’s something in the National Guard for everybody.”

People who are interested in joining the 639th or another unit located in 17 communities across Montana can call 406-324-3255 or visit http://www.nationalguard.net .