A Salute To Service…..
BHSS Foundation Hosts SD Army National Guard/Military Appreciation Day

Rapid City, SD – Returning soldiers from military service will be the guests of honor welcomed by Rapid City Mayor Jim Shaw, representatives from U.S. Senator John Thune’s office and others on South Dakota Army National Guard and Military Appreciation Day, during the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo here.

. “Publicly recognizing the tremendous accomplishments and sacrifices of our soldiers with events such as this continues to send the message of support and appreciation for service to country,” says Lt. Colonel Tracy Settle with the South Dakota Army National Guard.

Sponsored by the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, the noon luncheon and program to be held in the Foundation’s Stockman’s Club will honor 20 soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard, many who have served in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle.

The SD Army National Guard was called upon early in 2003 to support operations in the fight against terrorism and homeland security missions. Over 75 percent of the SD National Guard, both Army and Air, have been mobilized in the last two years with presently over 900 still serving overseas.

“It’s fitting for the Foundation to recognize service men and women, so many of who are soldiers from within the stock show region,” says Foundation President Joe Norman. “It’s also a way for us to continue to honor the memory of veterans, both living and deceased, who have given much in the way of service.”

Pointing to a Stockman’s Club display of the bronze bust of community leader “Ep” Howe, (who is among those featured in this year’s Foundation annual commemorative original art series that is sold to raise scholarship funds), Norman says, “Ep” was devoted to strengthening the bond between the military and the civilian communities. He was a strong supporter of the South Dakota National Guard and the development of Ellsworth Ai Force Base. If you read his story, you will find a deep commitment to country, from his time as a U.S. Marine to his service roles on various military affairs committees.” Similar stories of other’s featured in the commemorative series also point to years in military service as soldiers in the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force.

“It comes full circle,” Norman observes. “We honor those in history as well as those who are living history.. today.”

South Dakota and surrounding states can stand tall in their continuing record of service, says Lt. Col. Settle. “We’ve stepped up to the plate in training quality soldiers. Retention of experienced combat veterans is critical to maintaining ready, well-prepared units in the event they are needed in the future.

“There has never been a better time to serve our state and nation than right now.”

 
[ 2005 Stockman's Auction ] [ Cowboy Heritage XI ] [ 2005 Theel Appreciation ] [ Brand Inspector Appreciation Day ] [ Joe & Diane Norman Day ] [ 2005 Commemorative Spurs ] [ 2005 Military Appreciation Day ] [ 2005 Scholarship Winners ] [ 2005 Stockman's Club ]