About Us

SGM James Bartkey

 I enlisted in the MNARNG as a 31M (Multichannel Communications Equipment Operator/Maintainer) with Company A (Det1), 147th Signal Battalion located in Stillwater, MN.  I have held many different positions within the Signal Battalion and the 34th Infantry Division to include Platoon Sergeant, 1SG Sergeant, Operations NCO, and Chief Signal NCO.  I currently am assigned to the Joint Forces HQ as the G6 SGM.  I have served on two deployments to the middle east and several state active duty call ups.  I work full time as am Operations Manager at US Bank focusing on onboarding our Freight and Fleet customers with file integrations and communication protocols.  I have been married for 23 years as of June 2nd and have three children who are all out of the house.  I enjoy doing volunteer work with several different organizations and enjoy spending my free time traveling, camping, outdoors, and scuba diving.   

MAJ John Klein

 Previous Signal Company Commander, current 1ABCT S6 and 34ID G6 Rear Det OIC. I am excited to provide some fun opportunities for our Chapter members to get together and reminisce about life as a Signaleer!!  

MSG Thomas Fox

Ask me about Frequency Management!

COL Stephen Babcock

 I enlisted with the MNARNG in 2000, gaining my commission as a Signal Officer through ROTC at MN State University, Mankato in 2004. I have been on 3 deployments, 4 state emergency activations, and 2 overseas training events. I am currently serving as the Army G6 for MN Joint Forces HQ. I work full time as a Director of Network Engineering for Optum, focusing on integrating acquired businesses. I have been married for 19 years, I have three children, and enjoy volunteering with the Scouts BSA, attending my children’s sports events, and have several hobbies I try to fit in when time allows. 

WO1 Patrick Kooiker

 I enlisted with the Army Reserve in 1995. I was commissioned as a Signal Warrant Officer through the Minnesota State Warrant Officer Candidate School in 2022. I have been on many short temporary duties and deployments to numerous countries engineering & installing communications equipment for joint services, FAA, and State Department. I am currently assigned to the Joint Forces HQ, drilling with the Defense Cyber Operations Element, (DCOE) & Cyber Protection Team (CPT). I work full-time at Securian Financial as the Director of Cybersecurity Governance and Risk, within the legal department advising the CISO. I have been married for 12 years, I have three children, I volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol as the State Director of Aerospace Education teaching cybersecurity/aerospace, and attending to my children’s busy schedule of sports/college. I also have several other hobbies I also balance with family such as hunting/fishing/jeeping.