The South Dakota National Guard hosted its annual Legislative Dining Out on Feb. 5, 2026, continuing a time-honored tradition that strengthens the connection between military service and state leadership. The event recognized a retired master sergeant, a Sioux Falls business and a military family for their outstanding contributions to the Guard.
More than a formal dinner, the Legislative Dining Out serves as a key component of the Guard’s legislative outreach. The informal setting allows service members and lawmakers to engage in dialogue and deepen understanding of the National Guard’s dual state and federal missions.
The event also provides legislators an opportunity to connect directly with Soldiers and Airmen who live and work in their communities and to see how legislative support impacts military readiness, family well-being and community safety.
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden addressed attendees, highlighting the close relationship between the state and its National Guard.
“It is an honor to serve as commander in chief of the South Dakota National Guard,” Rhoden said. “Our state is defined by its people, and that same spirit is reflected in the professionalism and commitment of our Guard soldiers.”
The program included the presentation of awards recognizing service members, employers and families whose support strengthens the South Dakota National Guard.
The Williamson Militiaman Award, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award and the Adjutant General’s Family Award honored individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of the citizen-soldier and provide exceptional support to service members and their families.
“Our strength comes from the people and communities who support the Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, adjutant general of the South Dakota National Guard. “These awardees reflect the culture of service and shared commitment that makes our mission possible.”
Williamson Militiaman Award
Army Master Sgt. (Ret.) Kristi “Cricket” Palmer, of Sturgis, received the Williamson Militiaman Award, which recognizes a citizen-soldier or airman who demonstrates outstanding community leadership.
Palmer served 35 years in the South Dakota National Guard, beginning her career in 1989 as an 88M truck driver and later serving as executive assistant to the adjutant general. Her service focused on soldier and family well-being through roles supporting family readiness, suicide prevention and substance abuse programs, and she has continued serving the Guard through decades of volunteer leadership with the South Dakota National Guard Youth Camps.
Army Master Sgt. (Ret.) Kristi “Cricket”
Palmer receives the Williamson Militiaman Award during the South
Dakota National Guard’s annual Legislative Dining Out in Pierre,
South Dakota, Feb. 5, 2025. The award recognizes a citizen-soldier or
airman who demonstrates outstanding community leadership and
lifelong service in support of the National Guard and the state of South
Dakota.
U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Breanne
Workman.
ESGR Pro Patria Award
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award — the state’s highest recognition for employers — was presented to Waterbury Heating and Cooling Inc. of Sioux Falls.
The company was recognized for its exceptional support of Tech. Sgt. Tyler Vitko of the South Dakota Air National Guard during his deployment to Kuwait, maintaining regular communication and providing assistance to his family at home. The company’s support helped ensure mission focus while reinforcing its long-standing commitment to veteran and military employee support.
Tech. Sgt. Tyler Vitko of the South Dakota
Air National Guard stands with community and Guard leaders after
Waterbury Heating and Cooling Inc., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
receives the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria
Award during the South Dakota National Guard’s annual Legislative
Dining Out in Pierre, South Dakota, Feb. 5, 2025. The Pro Patria
Award is the highest honor presented by ESGR and recognizes
employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve
service members.
U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class
Breanne Workman.
Adjutant General’s Family Award
The Adjutant General’s Family Award was presented to Sara Hilmoe, of Sioux Falls, and her family for their contributions to the Military and Family Readiness Program for the South Dakota Air National Guard. Nikki Wajer accepted the award on the family’s behalf.
As a Family Volunteer Group lead, Hilmoe supported service members and families by facilitating communication, coordinating resources and organizing morale-building events that strengthened readiness, resilience and community connection throughout the wing.
The Hilmoe family, pictured, was named the recipient of the
South Dakota National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Family
Award for their support of military families during 2025. Nikki
Wajer accepted the award on the family’s behalf during the
annual Legislative Dining Out in Pierre, S.D., on Feb. 5, 2026.
Courtesy Photo.
The awards ceremony was part of the annual Legislative Dining Out hosted by the South Dakota National Guard to recognize legislators and community partners for their continued support of the Guard’s state and federal missions.
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