Tracy Graves, of Castlewood, was promoted to the rank of colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard in a ceremony held on Camp Rapid, on Oct. 3.
Col. Graves is a full-time employee of the SDNG serves as the South Dakota Army National Guard Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Joint Force Headquarters on Camp Rapid.
“Reaching the rank of colonel represents achieving a long-term career goal. This promotion is a deep sense of personal fulfillment and validation of my efforts over many years. In my office, I have a sign that says, “Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude”. That is truly the driving force of who I am and how I strive to be every day,” said Graves.
Graves began her military career in the SDNG when she enlisted in Detachment 1, 740th Transportation Company in Brookings, SD as an 88M motor transport operator in February 2000. She received her commission from the 196th Regional Training Institute, Fort Meade, South Dakota Officer Candidate School in August of 2002.
“The emotional and practical support from my family and loved ones has been invaluable. They continuously make personal sacrifices to support my military career, and their contributions are essential to my success. I rely on them often, no matter the situation, and their support has never wavered,” said Graves.
She has served as a platoon leader, company executive officer, and commander for both Company B, 139th Brigade Support Battalion and Company A, Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Graves also commanded the SDARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion from May 2020 to June 2022 and served in staff positions with the 109th Regional Support Group, 196th Regiment (RTI), 881st Troop Command and the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
“She’s always looked for the hard jobs and taken the key developmental positions; she has knocked it out of the park in every single job she’s had,” said Brig. Gen. Deb Bartunek, SDNG Director of Joint Staff.
Graves completed one combat tour of duty as a platoon leader in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004 with the 1742nd Transportation Company, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Graves has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree from South Dakota State University. She also has a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
Graves is a life member of the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Guard Association of South Dakota, and the Army War College Foundation.
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