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. 6, 2025.
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. Larry Rhoden and SDNG Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell provided remarks during the event and presented the awards.
The Williamson Militiaman Award – Mrs. Nicole Wajer
Mrs. Nicole Wajer, of Sioux Falls, was presented The Williamson Militiaman Award (pictured left to right: SDNG Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, Nicole Wajer, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and Maj. Gen. (RET) Ronald Williamson) on Feb. 6, 2025, during the SDNG Dining Out in Pierre, S.D. The Williamson Militiaman Award was established in 1987 by Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Williamson to 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.
Courtesy photo.
The Williamson Militiaman Award recipient is Mrs. Nicole Wajer of Sioux Falls. 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.
Nicole has been employed by the South Dakota Air National Guard since 2008 as the Military and Family program manager. As the manager of this program her role has been pivotal in enhancing the well-being and readiness of military personnel and their families, and she has provided leadership, insight and mentoring on key issues to over 1200 service members.
While she has also worked in tandem with the Army Family Readiness offices across the state her primary focal point has been to Airmen, families, and retirees for TRICARE issues. Nicole Wajer is a pillar in her community and her public service with KUDOS, the Family Volunteer Group, her seat on the executive board for the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance and the executive board for the Red Cross are just a few of the supporting roles for her nomination for the Williamson Militiamen Award.
Mrs. Nicole Wajer is well known and a main point of contact in Sioux Falls for SDNG Airmen and their families.
ESGR Pro Patria Award – Convergint Technologies
The South Dakota National Guard presented Convergint Technologies with the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award on Feb. 6, 2025, during the SDNG Dining Out in Pierre, S.D. SDNG Army Sgt. Tucker Nicke nominated his employer Convergint Technologies for the award based on their continued and tremendous support during his 2022-2023 deployment and return. Pictured left to right: SDNG Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, ESGR’s Mr. Ralph Borkowski, Sgt. Tucker Nicke, Convergint Technology S.D. & N.D. General Manager Mr. Peplinski, and South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden.
Courtesy photo.
Convergint Technologies 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.
Sgt. Tucker Nicke nominated Convergint Technologies saying “Convergint’s unwavering support during my deployment was truly remarkable. From regular care packages and heartfelt messages to maintaining constant contact and even promoting me, the Sioux Falls office went above and beyond. Their commitment to me and my success exemplifies Convergint’s dedication to its core values and to supporting veterans and reservists.”
Convergint Technologies is a company that specializes in designing, installing, and servicing comprehensive solutions in security, fire alarm, life safety, and audio-visual systems for enterprise customers.
The Pro Patria Award was accepted on behalf of Convergint by Mr. Peplinski who has been in the security industry for 23 years and is the General Manager for North and South Dakota.
The Adjutant General’s Family Award – The Neuhardt Family
The South Dakota National Guard presented Sgt. 1st Class Josh Neuhardt and family with The Adjutant General’s Family Award on Feb. 6, 2025, during the SDNG Dining Out in Pierre, S.D. 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. (Sgt. 1st Class Neuhardt and family are pictured with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and SDNG Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell.
Courtesy photo.
The Adjutant General’s Family Award recipient is Sgt. 1st Class Josh and Kris Neuhardt. 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.
The Neuhardt family has been volunteering and supporting our Soldiers and their Families since 2009. For fiscal year 2024 the Family has volunteered a combined 393 hours in support of and providing mentorship and guidance to our Child and Youth Program. They have and continue to create a positive impact that enhances our program and foster an environment that allows our youth to develop personal connections and build upon their leadership skills.
Madilyn is the daughter of Josh and Kris Neuhardt and has been a member of the National Guard Youth Council since 2023 where she has facilitated activities, provided peer support, and served as a mentor. She displayed Military values and contributed over 257 hours of volunteer service to the National Guard Child & Youth Program.
Volunteer Spouse, Kris has played an active role as a Volunteer for the National Guard Youth Program. She is always eager to assist and lend a helping hand, to include Youth Council meetings, in which she has volunteered to transport Youth Council members across the state, as well as chaperone the event and provide mentorship to the team of 15 Youth Council Military teens.
Josh and Kris Neuhardt have been long-standing volunteers with the Child & Youth Program. Kris thank you for your engagement, offering valuable time, your talents, and service to Military Youth and Families and for the support of the organization.
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