South Dakota National Guard- Central

Black Hills Energy signs ESGR statement of support

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Black Hills Energy demonstrated their support of military veterans and service members by signing a statement of support through the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in Rapid City, June 30.

Black Hills Energy held a virtual ceremony for the statement signing to express their continued commitment to hiring veterans and National Guard and Reserve service members.

“We want to demonstrate our support for our veterans,” said Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills Corporation. “Individuals with military experience bring unique skills and perspective. Our military co-workers are resilient, excellent leaders and followers, and dedicated individuals.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense program established to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers.

Black Hills Energy has established a business resource group specifically for veterans called the Veteran Engagement Team.

“Our goal is to recruit, retain, and advocate to be a workplace of choice for veterans,” Evans said.

Black Hills Energy’s Veteran Engagement Team has recently facilitated ESGR statement of support signings in Wyoming and Colorado and are working to establish them in each state in their territory.

Story by: Sgt. Fiona Berndt – 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Welcome home ceremony set for 1-147th Field Artillery soldiers

ABERDEEN, S.D. – A welcome home ceremony is scheduled for 110 soldiers with the South Dakota Army National Guard’s Alpha Battery, 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion and 147th Forward Support Company at the Civic Center in Aberdeen on Saturday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m.

The soldiers are returning home after serving on a 10-month deployment to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which enhances the U.S. deterrence posture, increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, and supports the collective defense and security of U.S. allies and partners.

The ceremony will be limited to unit soldiers and their family members, as well as SDNG leadership, to allow for health and social distancing guidelines. The ceremony will be live streamed for public viewing via Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SouthDakotaNationalGuard.

There will also be a parade route for community members to welcome the soldiers home as they travel from the Aberdeen Regional Airport to the Civic Center. The parade route will begin at approximately 1:15 p.m. from the airport to Melgaard Rd., north to Milwaukee Ave., west along Milwaukee Ave./1st Ave., and finally south on Washington St. to the Civic Center.

Planned speakers for the ceremony include Gov. Kristi Noem, Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, SDNG adjutant general, and Capt. Craig Evenson, Alpha Battery commander.

The Aberdeen-based Alpha Battery is equipped with the Multiple Launch Rocket System, or MLRS, and provides artillery support to a brigade, division, corps or coalition task force. The Watertown-based Forward Support Company is a multifunctional logistics unit which provides supply and maintenance support.

The unit arrived in the United States July 8 and have been completing demobilization requirements at Fort Bliss, Texas, before returning to South Dakota.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158115193236321&id=206139741320

South Dakota National Guard- Central updated their business hours.