Lt. Col. Kathy Gilbert, the SDNG Deputy State Surgeon (DSS), was awarded the Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling DSS Award of Excellence on April 15, 2024.
Gilbert was presented the award at the National Guard Bureau Medical Team Conference held at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, AR. She was recognized for her commitment to Soldier medical readiness and leadership in the medical field.
Lt. Col Gilbert stated, “I am deeply honored to be nominated and selected for this award. To be recognized and the national level for the work we do to take care of Soldiers is humbling. The position of DSS is very rewarding and challenging, and I am excited to put South Dakota on the map as having one of the best.”
The Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling DSS Award of Excellence is presented annually to one Deputy State Surgeon. Each nominee undergoes a thorough vetting process to ensure they are the best candidates for the award. The nominees are judged on their demonstrated inspirational performance and outstanding leadership at the state and national levels. They must also demonstrate innovation, mentorship, team building, and several other attributes.
Col. Donald Kosiak, SDNG State Surgeon, attended the conference with Gilbert and stated, “this award is a testament to her leadership and passion for medical readiness.”
Gilbert is an officer in the Army Nurse Corps and has been assigned as the SDNG DSS since March 2020. Gilbert’s duties include planning, coordinating, and directing all SDNG medical readiness programs, military medical training and standardization, coordinating medical education training for providers, and supporting continuous medical readiness for SDNG forces. She directly contributes to SDNG Soldiers being able to deploy in response to state emergencies or in support of combatant commanders across the globe when needed.
Lt. Col. Gilbert’s dedication to excellence in the medical mission exemplifies the SDNG culture of our citizen-warriors. Her unwavering support to medical readiness is vital for the SDNG to remain a ready force and able to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and fight and win our nation’s wars,” stated Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, SDNG Adjutant General.
Gilbert’s performance and pursuit of excellence is an excellent example of the SDNG’s culture of citizen-warriors who live a life of service to others.
South Dakota National Guard
Army Lt. Col. Kathy Gilbert, the SDNG Deputy
State Surgeon (DSS), was announced as the winner
of the Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling DSS Award
of Excellence on April 15, 2024. Gilbert received
the announcement at the National Guard Bureau
Medical Team Conference held at Camp Robinson
in North Little Rock, AR. She was recognized for
her commitment to Soldier medical readiness and
leadership in the medical field.
(U.S. Army National
Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell)
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