Franko retiring as Guard chaplain

The state chaplain for the North Dakota National Guard for the past 16 years will retire from the military. Chaplain (Col.) Jeff Franko, 59, has provided chaplaincy support to soldiers and airmen across the state since 1988, having first served with the 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot.

Franko will be honored during a retirement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, at Raymond J. Bohn Armory, 4200 E. Divide Ave., in Bismarck.

A reception will follow.