September 4, 2018 • Page 12 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com SD National Guard Commissions Five New Army Lieutenants By Sgt. Daniel Ward 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment RAPID CITY, S.D. - The South Dakota Army National Guard inducted five new second lieutenants during a commissioning ceremony at Camp Rapid, Aug. 17. The ceremony commemorated the five officers' completion of Officer Candidate School, which consisted of 16-18 months of drill weekends and two, two-week training periods. "A lot of time, effort and hard work has been put in by each one of these candidates to get to this stage to be commissioned," said Lt. Col. Troy Ness, commander of 1st Battalion, 196th Regiment (Regional Training Institute). "This is just the beginning of their careers and from this point, there's going to be many more challenges and leadership opportunities." The evening's ceremony included several traditions, including the pinning of rank on the officers' uniform, their first salute, and taking the Oath of Office led by Brig. Gen. Thomas Croymans, SDARNG assistant adjutant general. "It's an honor for me to be here - we're looking forward to their commissioning and seeing them move on to be great leaders in the South Dakota National Guard," said Croy- Gov. Dennis Daugaard Declares September As Suicide Prevention Month PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota. The Department of Social Services, along with the Department of Health and the Department of Tribal Relations, is encouraging all South Dakotans to take an active role in suicide prevention by getting involved in local prevention activities. “Suicide does not discriminate, people of all genders, ages and ethnicities are at risk,” said state Department of Social Services Secretary Lynne Valenti. “More than half of those who died by suicide did not have a known mental illness. By raising awareness and talking about suicide, we are letting individuals know it’s okay to ask for help.” South Dakota has resources available to help individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Individuals in need of help are encouraged mans. "The RTI has done a fantastic job bringing theses candidates up, taking them through the course and getting them qualified; I think they're doing a fantastic job." The commissioning officers get to choose who pins on their rank and receives their first salute, and many selected family members and military friends that have had an impact on their lives and careers. Newly promoted 2nd Lt. Leslie Wangeman chose Sgt. Maj. Phil Lakner, G3 aviation operations sergeant major for Joint Force Headquarters, for her first salute. "Sgt. Maj. Lakner has been a huge influence for me - his actions speak louder than his words and that's the kind of leader I hope to be," said Wangeman. The second lieutenants of OCS Class 62, their hometowns, and South Dakota Army National Guard assigned units are: 2nd Lt. Kory Bromley, Yankton, 211th Engineer Company 2nd Lt. Nicholas Dumke, Volga, Bravo Battery, 1/147th Field Artillery Battalion 2nd Lt. Mackenzie Foss, Milbank, Alpha Company, 139th Brigade Support Battalion 2nd Lt. Joshua Wangeman, Spearfish, 200th Engineer Company 2nd Lt. Leslie Wangeman, Spearfish, 842nd Engineer Company to call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Services are available 24/7. Help can also be obtained by contacting any medical provider such as a family physician, psychiatrist or hospital emergency room, as well as a Community Mental Health Center or other mental health provider in your area. If you believe someone is at risk for suicide, contact a professional immediately. “Suicide deaths are preventable, and we know community specific prevention efforts are effective. We encourage communities in the state to evaluate local data and develop suicide prevention action plans,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. Resources for communities are located online at sdsuicideprevention. org/toolkits/community/. In 2017, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in South Dakota with 192 deaths, and the second leading cause of death for individuals age 10 to 34 with 80 deaths. “Suicide rates within the state are alarming and have been extremely devasting to the tribes that share our borders,” said SD Tribal Relations Secretary Steve Emery, “If you’re thinking about harming yourself, please reach out for help. To everyone else, please be there to help your children, family and friends.” To learn more about suicide, the warning signs, how to get help and to find upcoming suicide prevention events, please visit sdsuicideprevention.org/. For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, a list of support groups in South Dakota is also available. For more information about behavioral health services, or to find a Community Mental Health Center in your area, contact the Department of Social Services’ Division of Behavioral Health at 605-773-3123, toll-free at 1-855-878-6057 or online at dss.sd.gov/ behavioralhealth/. Sheila Carpenter Receives 2018 SDDVA Partner Of The Year Award PIERRE, S.D. – Sheila Carpenter of Pierre has been named the 2018 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Partner of the Year. Carpenter was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 20, in Pierre. Sheila Carpenter, veterans service claims assistant for Hughes, Stanley, and Sully Counties, was awarded the 2018 Partner of the Year award for her compassion, ‘17?FORD?EXPEDITION?PLATINUM 21,000 Miles Loaded Moody Price $ STK A43314 46,995 ‘17?MITSUBISHI?LANCER?4?DR Moody Price STK 006314 $ 13,995 ‘11?FORD?F250?CREW?CAB?XLT?4X4 6.2 L. 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