shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com February 19, 2019 • Page 3 SD National Guard Hosts 35th Annual Dining-Out PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota National Guard hosted its 2019 DiningOut at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre, Feb. 7. The annual event brings together Guardsmen from across the state for a formal evening to honor the organization's history and to recognize individual and unit achievements from the past year. The atmosphere, while formal, includes deep-rooted traditions which lighten the mood and provide both members and guests not only plenty of laughs, but a chance to learn some of the organization's history, traditions and an opportunity to recognize individual and unit achievements. A video highlighting the many accomplishments made by the men and women of the SDNG in 2018 was shown in addition to comments from Gov. Kristi Noem and Maj. Gen. Tim Reisch, the SDNG adjutant general. The National Guard also recognized a family, an employer and a public servant with awards recognizing their contributions to the SDNG mission. Pro Patria Award - Sanford Health The awards portion of the evening began by presenting Sanford Health with the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually to one South Dakota employer who provides exceptional support to national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Master Sgt. Nathan Peterson, chief of staff and vice president of strategic planning for Sanford Health and a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing, nominated his employer for the award. "Sanford Health, with its nearly 50,000 employees in 26 states, understands that our nation's employers are inextricably linked to our nation's defense by shar- We Do ALL Glass • Auto • Home • Commercial Local, trusted service you can count on, for over 30 years ing their most precious assets, their employees," said Capt. Chad Carlson, executive director for the SD ESGR committee. As a result, they established the Sanford Department of Veteran and Military Services, which takes the lead on actively recruiting, employing and retaining service members and veterans. "I have served in the Air National Guard for the entirety of my eight years at Sanford Health. During that time, my employer has always made any necessary accommodations for me to complete my military obligations, including routine training, periodic schools and short-notice activations," Master Sgt. Peterson said. "I've had other employers that supported my military service, but none have done more to support me and my family than Sanford Health." Peterson said he experienced firsthand Sanford's commitment to its service members when he deployed to Afghanistan in 2018. Sanford Health's leave policy provides its deployed employees with differential pay for up to one year if military pay is less than their salary at Sanford. Service members are also provided the option of continuing healthcare, dental and life insurance benefits for up to one year while deployed, mobilized or serving on state or national emergencies. Sanford also has recognition events for service members prior, during and returning from deployment. Peterson said they reached out to his entire unit and their family members. "We were all ensured our family members would be taken care of during our deployment," he said. Peterson is not alone in recognizing the support Sanford provides. Other service member employees have nominated Sanford Health for 70 Patriot Awards, the Above and Beyond Award and the 7 Seals Award. They were also a Department of Defense semi-finalist for the Freedom Award and received the North Dakota Pro Patria Award. "All of these awards are prominently displayed in public areas of Sanford facilities for all to see," Carlson said. "Employers are inextricably linked to the nation's defense by sharing their most precious assets, their employees," Carlson added. "Sanford Health is deserving of this recognition for their outstanding contributions to our military services. Their leadership exemplifies the patriotic spirit that is alive and well here in our great State of South Dakota." The Williamson Militiaman Award - Sen. John Thune The SDNG next awarded the 2019 Williamson Militiaman Award to Sen. John Thune. The Williamson Militiaman Award, established in 1987 by Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Williamson, recognizes an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the citizen-Soldier or Airman as shown by their community leadership, their support of the National Guard and the defense of the country. "Sen. John Thune has been an ardent supporter of the National Guard throughout his days as a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives and as a United States senator," said Maj. Gen. Reisch. "He is a perennial supporter and advocate for the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard and for the veterans of South Dakota.” Thune served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and was a ranking member on the Readiness and Management Subcommittee, which oversaw military readiness including military construction, training, logistics, maintenance and installations. Throughout his political career, Thune has fought rd th th th 605.665.9841 TA A KE SH O D RT RIV to represent the men and women of the South Dakota National Guard who represent our state with your continual skill, professionalism, courage and work ethic, which you display on a daily basis. We are enormously grateful for your service and sacrifice, and for that of your families." Past recipients of the award include: Former Adjutants General Phil Killey and Harold Sykora; former U.S. Senators Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson; and former Governors Mike Rounds and Dennis Daugaard. The Adjutant General's Family Award - The Nightingale Family To conclude the awards portion of the evening, The Adjutant General's Family Award was presented to Kayla and Tech. Sgt. Zane Nightingale with the 114th Fighter Wing. The award recognizes family members who support their service members in a truly exemplary manner while managing family, careers, or even hardship, all the while not seeking recognition for their sacrifices. "Kayla stepped up to be the key volunteer with the program when it began three years ago," said Maj. Quenten Johnson, director of the SDNG's Service Member and Family Support. "Since then, she has dedicated hundreds of hours to the Family Volunteer Group, as well as her own programs, to connect with the families of the maintenance squadron." This past year, Kayla dedicated over 125 hours attending meetings and making phone calls to family members of deployed Airmen, which included her husband Zane. She was on the phone almost daily with Airmen and family members and pulled in new volunteers, building the Family Volunteer Group. "Kayla even arranged the first 'coffee and conversation' event, where families could visit with each other, leadership and with an Airman who returned from deployment to begin the transition process," said Johnson. "Her work with leadership is second to none. Kayla is who they call to help build the foundation of care." Zane and Kayla were also instrumental in helping set up two self-defense classes for wing families prior to and during the Air Expeditionary Force deployment last year. This was the first time the wing had offered such an event and about 30 family members and friends attended and learned how to defend and protect themselves. "Kayla is the 'go-to' for wing families when there is a hardship or need of support," Johnson said. "She has become a great role model for our other key volunteers helping guide their path during challenging times." Kayla also engaged directly with the Family Volunteer Group, the Airman and Family Programs office, and with the wing during the Yellow Ribbon programs, military send offs, family day events, and the SDNG Family & Youth Symposium. "The Nightingale family is the pillar of excellence when it comes to the 114th Fighter Wing and to the South Dakota National Guard," said Johnson. "We are proud to honor their dedication and unwavering support for service members and their families." E TYNDALL MOTORS Mission Hill Township (N) Annual Meeting Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 at 7:00 pm As per South Dakota Codified Law 8-3-1 The Citizens of the Township of Mission Hill Township (N) in the County of Yankton, South Dakota and who are qualified to vote at Township elections are hereby notified that the Annual Township Meeting for said Township will be held at Vangen Lutheran Church, Mission Hill on Tuesday March 5th 2019 at 7:00 PM, for the following purposes: To elect One (1) Supervisor for the term of three years; One (1) Township Clerk for the term of one year and One (1) Treasurer for the term of one year and other regular business as required. The CURRENT OFFICERS holding these positions ARE NOT seeking Reelection. 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Thune continues to demonstrate his support for veterans and has been a tireless advocate to sustain operations at the Hot Springs Veterans Home. He is a strong proponent for the Veterans History Project, where he was able to interview his father, Harold Thune, who served in World War II as a fighter pilot. While Sen. Thune was not able to accept the award in person during the Dining-Out, he prerecorded a message for the Soldiers and Airmen in attendance. "I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this award," Thune said. "I couldn't be more honored 2018 CHEVY SILVERADO ½ T DBL. CAB 2013 GMC SIERRA DENALI $26,995 was $30,995 $28,995 th The agenda will be posted at the meeting place 24 hours in advance. 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