MG Keith D. Bjerke
Major General Keith D. Bjerke was appointed as the adjutant general of North Dakota on July 31, 1993. He attended high school at Northwest School of Agriculture, Crookston, Minn., graduating in 1957. He then attended North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in animal husbandry in 1961. His military education includes Squadron Officer School, 1976; Air Command and Staff College, 1982; and National Security Management, 1989.
General Bjerke served in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 1961 to June 1964 as an infantry officer. He was assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from June 1964 until July 1969, when he joined the North Dakota Air National Guard. He served in various troop leading assignments and he was then assigned to the position of assistant adjutant general, and served in that position until July 1993. He was appointed the adjutant general of North Dakota on July 31, 1993.
His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, North Dakota Service Ribbon with two devices, and the North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon.
He joined the NDSU faculty January 1, 2001. He was responsible for University Relations, Legislative Affairs and Community Outreach. He retired January 2011.
