SD Guard to host public event to celebrate 150-year heritage

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota National Guard officially marked 150 years of service to the state and nation on Jan. 27, 2012, as the birth date of the organization’s 1862 formation.

To celebrate this historic event, the SDNG is inviting the general public, as well as members of the media, to attend a free, open house event at Camp Rapid in Rapid City on Friday, June 8 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

An official ceremony will kick off the event at 11:30 a.m. with comments from Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Maj. Gen. Tim Reisch, the adjutant general of the SDNG.

Following the remarks, free food and beverages will be available, as well as live music from the SDNG Army Band, and tours of the new Joint Force Headquarters Readiness Center, Barracks and Education Building and Troop Medical Clinic.

An array of past and present military equipment, vehicles, artifacts and uniforms will also be on display, to include a number of informational kiosks highlighting the history of the SDNG.

With a proud 150-year heritage of serving as the state’s militia, please help us to publicize this memorable event.

For more information, please contact Maj. Anthony Deiss at (605) 737-6721 or (605) 431-8753 (cell), or e-mail  pao@sd.ngb.army.mil.

Members of the media interested in attending, please contact Maj. Deiss at the contact information listed above.

Thank you for your continued support of your South Dakota National Guard!