Robert roed
Sheriff | Minot, North Dakota
Robert Roed was a police officer during the four years he served in the United States Marine Corps, from 1985 to 1989. His experience in uniform instilled in him the values of discipline, accountability, and mission-first leadership, principles that would guide him throughout his life and career.
After completing his active-duty service, Roed returned to North Dakota and attended Lake Region Law Enforcement Academy in Devils Lake. He began his law enforcement career with the Ward County Sheriff’s Office in 1990, initially working in the county jail, an assignment focused on inmate supervision and facility security that provided a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system. He was promoted to patrol deputy in 1992, then steadily rose through the ranks: sergeant in 2000, lieutenant in 2003, and captain in 2015.
Over the course of his career, Roed took on additional responsibilities, including training officers and serving for five years on the regional SWAT team. In these roles, he drew heavily on his tactical knowledge, calm demeanor under pressure, and steady leadership. His progression through the department over nearly three decades reflects the professionalism and sense of duty that he attributes to his Marine Corps service.
“That’s something that definitely transfers over into your career in the civilian world,” he said. “Looking at the mission rather than the individual.”
In 2018, Roed was elected sheriff of Ward County. Known for his calm and mission-driven leadership style, he continues to serve in this role today and has expressed his hope to remain in office for several more terms, a testament to his deep dedication to public service.
From standing post overseas to safeguarding his hometown, Robert Roed exemplifies the Marine ethos of service above self — always ready, always faithful.
trygve hammer
Educator, Security Consultant, Congressional Candidate | Minot, North Dakota
After graduating from North Dakota’s Velva High School, Trygve Hammer enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was selected for the U.S. Naval Academy directly from the fleet, a performance-based selection. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1990 and chose a commission in the Marine Corps upon graduation.
Over more than seven years of active and reserve service, Hammer held leadership roles that included CH-53D helicopter pilot, forward air controller, infantry weapons platoon commander during a 2003 deployment to Iraq, military attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and company officer and instructor at the Naval Academy. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve with the rank of major in 2010.
While in the reserve, Hammer found employment in the national security sector where he applied his operational and leadership experience. Between 2007 and 2014, he worked for a major Department of Defense contractor as a manpower and training analyst and founded a security consulting business.
Hammer returned to North Dakota in 2016, immersing himself in serving his community. He taught science to grades 7–12 at TGU Granville High School, worked as a roughneck on Bakken oil rigs, and later served as a freight conductor with Canadian Pacific Kansas City, experiences that deepened his connection to the state’s working-class roots.
Today, he continues that commitment as a career counsellor with Job Corps in Minot, helping young people build brighter futures. He also serves on the board of Humanities North Dakota and is an active voice in civic and veteran communities.
In 2024, Hammer ran as the Democratic candidate for North Dakota’s at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was successful in the primary election, and although he lost in the general election, the campaign reflected his continued dedication to serving his community and advocating for issues he believes in.