The South Dakota National Guard presented three awards for distinguished service to retired service members, a family, and an employer during the annual SDNG Dining Out at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre on Feb. 1, 2024.
The annual event reunites SDNG Soldiers, Airmen, Legislators, and guests from across the state for a formal evening to honor the organization’s history and to recognize achievements from the past year.
The awards presented include recognition of outstanding volunteerism by a SDNG family, outstanding support from a South Dakota Reserve Component employer, and a public servant for their service and support of the SDNG mission.
The event keynote speakers, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and SDNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell provided remarks during the event and presented the awards.
The Williamson Militiaman Award – Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret) Terry Beckler
The Williamson Militiaman Award recipient is Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret) Terry Beckler of Aberdeen. The Williamson Militiaman Award was established in 1987 by Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Williamson. The award 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.
Beckler joined the SDNG in 1986 during his college sophomore year and served in the 147th Army Band. Beckler initially joined as a drummer and held several positions before being assigned as the 147th Army Band commander in 1998 and held that position for 24 years. He earned several awards during his career to include Warrant Officer of the Year and the Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence. Beckler concluded his career as Chief of Army National Guard Bands. He retired from the SDNG in October 2022.
Beckler earned a bachelor’s degree in South Dakota State University, a master’s from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Beckler is a Professor of Music at Northern State University in Aberdeen. He volunteers his time to assisting students at area schools and mentoring students pursuing a career in music.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret) Terry Beckler of Aberdeen was recognized by Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, SDNG Adjutant General and Gov. Kristi Noem, for his selection to receive the Williamson Militiaman Award, during the South Dakota National Guard Dining-Out in Pierre, S.D., Feb. 1, 2024. The award 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.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell)
ESGR Pro Patria Award – Sterling
The Sterling Company was awarded the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 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 and Reserve
Sterling is headquartered in North Sioux City and owned by Brad and Jean Moore. They have over 300 employees, with over 160 working in the North Sioux City area. Sterling was nominated by Maj. Chris Barondeau as he stated, “Sterling values the leadership, work ethic, and values that the National Guard and Reserve bring to the table. They provided me outstanding support during my deployment and when I returned from the Horn of Africa.” ESGR Representative Lona Christensen presented the award to the Moore’s and thanked them for their support of all Soldiers and Airmen.
The Sterling Company was awarded the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award and was recognized by Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, SDNG Adjutant General and Gov. Kristi Noem, during the South Dakota National Guard Dining-Out in Pierre, S.D., Feb. 1, 2024. 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 and Reserve
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell)
The Adjutant General’s Family Award – The Lee Family
The Adjutant General’s Family Award recipient is Chief Master Sgt. (Ret) Bruce and Faye Lee. The award recognizes family members who support their Soldiers and Airmen in a truly exemplary manner while managing family and careers during their military career.
Bruce and Faye have been essential members of the Family Volunteer Group for the Air for the last 12 years and are the backbone of our family programs. Bruce retired from the 114th Fighter Wing and they continued serving as Key Volunteers for the 114th Operations Group, part of the 114th Fighter Wing in Sioux Falls. They volunteered over 240 hours in 2023, supporting Airmen with multiple events and fundraising for the Family Readiness Group.
The Lee’s were instrumental in supporting Operation KUDOS (Kids Understanding Deployment Operations). KUDOS provided forty children the opportunity to experience the different events that Airmen experience prior to deploying. They wore protective equipment, ‘qualified’ with paintball guns, and were exposed to different the different specialties that it takes to deploy and Air Force Wing.
The Lee’s also volunteer at the St. Francis House and Military Heritage Alliance and are members of the St. Lambert Knights of Columbus.
The Adjutant General’s Family Award recipient is Chief Master Sgt. (Ret) Bruce and Faye Lee. The Lee family was recognized by Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, SDNG Adjutant General and Gov. Kristi Noem, during the South Dakota National Guard Dining-Out in Pierre, S.D., Feb. 1, 2024. The award recognizes family members who support their Soldiers and Airmen in a truly exemplary manner while managing family and careers during their military career.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell)
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