PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer II Scott A. Saboe.

The ceremony will be Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (CT) at the Lake Gospel Hall in Willow Lake (105 Lincoln Avenue).

The James River Bridge on SD HWY 37, near Huron, will be dedicated to CWII Saboe.

While in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Saboe’s Blackhawk helicopter was shot by enemy gunfire and while calling for assistance, another helicopter from the 101^st Airborne Division collided with his aircraft, killing 17 of the 22 soldiers on board November 15, 2003.

Naming bridges in honor of our combat veterans who died while serving their country is an initiative of Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Military, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.

“Whenever and wherever this nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, veterans have been there and have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Whitlock. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives us the opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and respect—for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.”

-30-