Black Hills Family 3_Military Edition 2024

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WELCOME

Last month I attended a luncheon hosted by the Military Advisory Coalition (MAC), my notebook in hand, ready to collect notes for our piece on Ellsworth Air Force Base Commander Derek Oakley.

Instead, I walked away with something better – a reminder of how important it is to hear firsthand from our military service men and women. To listen to their stories, their needs, to really see them.

And that’s what I hope you find in these pages – the faces of the men and women who serve, and even more significant, the stories of the families who stand with them.

The word sacrifice can become cliché when we talk about our military members. But maybe we’re not actually saying it enough. In our time preparing for this annual edition, we listened to the ups and downs of military service. The deployments. The incredible adventures. The stress on family. The freedom to try something new. Underneath it all, we heard a resounding theme: yes, serving is hard, but we do it because this country is worth it.

From interviews with National Guard members to our sit-down with the top dog at Ellsworth, there was another undercurrent: the Black Hills truly wraps its arms around military families. And from what we’re hearing, we can be doing even more.

With the fast-paced growth of Ellsworth in the next couple of decades, open communication, legislation, financial support, and partnerships will drive or hinder the way our community adjusts.

Commander Oakley is optimistic. In our discussions, I was surprised to hear him talk as much about the local community as he talked about his work on base. How his airmen and their families thrive is directly connected to their success as an Air Force, he says.

It was a reminder that no military member, no leader, serves in solitude. Each service member has a mission, but they are always flanked by a community.

So as we welcome thousands of new airmen and their families here during the next decade, the question becomes: how can we help them establish roots and thrive here, no matter how long they stay?

For those reading, active military or civilian, we hope this edition helps you reflect, and serves as a catalyst for good questions and good conversations.

Kayla

We’re grateful to Derek and Kelly Oakley for taking the time to chat with us for our cover story. We’d also like to thank the communication teams at both Ellsworth and Camp Rapid for helping with many of the interviews featured in this issue.

32 A View from the Top Col. Derek Oakley reflects on his first year as Ellsworth Air Force Base Commander.

9 A Community That Honors

Black Hills Wire is a site that is designed to connect service members with the Black Hills.

Why the Liberty Center?

Welcome to your new favorite place to work out.

12 Library Love

The Holbrook Library is a hub for community. 14 Take Care

Tips on how to prioritize mental health while serving.

Douglas School Update

The latest numbers on this fast growing school district. 18 Housing Hope

Finding a place to call home after a transfer can be tricky. Here’s some expert tips.

21 Double Duty

Meet a local couple who both serve with the S.D. National Guard.

28 Family Roots

Life isn’t on hold while you serve. The Ryan family is proof of that.

30 Out of the Box Growth

Box Elder is experiencing some amazing growth.

38 South Dakota Service Dogs

South Dakota Service Dogs is making a difference in the lives of veterans in the Black Hills.

44 Black Hills Community Guide

Get acquainted with the communities that dot the Black Hills.

51 What Do the Black Hills Taste Like?

What dishes are iconic to the region?

58 Military Appreciation BBQ and Black Hills Defense Symposium

Highlighting these two annual events.

59 A Great American Defense Community

Learn more about how the Black Hills serves and honors the military.

60 What’s Going On?

Our list of can’t-miss events in the Black Hills.

64 Meet the Raiders

The B-21 Raider is the future of the U.S. Air Force and Ellsworth.

Publisher

Rick DenHerder

Communications Manager

Dolsee Davenport

Administrative Associate

Kim Heidinger-Hughes

Editor

Kayla Gahagan

Sales and Growth Director

Erica Moreland

Director of Development and Tech

Joe Simpson

Client Services Specialist

Dawn Kocina

Senior Editor

Stephen Simpson

Digital Media Director

Rainey Howell

Business Development Specialist

Justin Pederson

Creative Director

John Edwards

Senior Designer

Greg Geiger

Design Intern

Lyndsay Hedman

Distribution

Larry Stevens

Black Hills Family Birthday Club

We hope that our military edition is helpful to you and your family. In the spirit of welcoming you to our region, we’d like to invite you to become a member of the Black Hills Family Birthday Club. This club is your child’s ticket to some free

Here’s how it works:

First, scan the code and fill out the form. When it’s your child’s birthday month, you’ll receive an email chock-full of some amazing offers from a bunch of birthday experts around the Black Hills.

But wait, there’s more! One lucky kid will be randomly selected each month to win a fabulous gift basket courtesy of our partners in the community.

In each 2024 issue of Black Hills Family, we’ll be introducing one of our friends who specializes in birthdays. This issue, check out Sprockets Fun Foundry.

Located in Keystone, Sprockets Fun Foundry is your year-round destination for fun. Experience the latest in virtual reality and arcade games or take on a classic challenge with a round of duckpin bowling. Make some lifelong memories at Sprockets or thrill your crew with a party package for birthdays or other special celebrations.

SCAN THE QR TO ENTER

When it’s your child’s birthday month, they could be randomly selected to win a BIRTHDAY BASKET FULL OF GOODIES

A COMMUNITY THAT HONORS

Welcome to the Black Hills. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon discover the love and admiration that service members receive from this community.

The Black Hills region is one of the most military-supportive communities in the country (see page 59 to learn more). From the abundance of military discounts available, to the policies put in place by local elected officials, to the overall patriotic atmosphere of the community, the Black Hills are a welcoming and warm place to members of the armed forces and their families.

The best way to experience this warmth towards the military is to get out in the community and to discover it for yourself. But where to begin? One of our favorite resources to help military families in the region connect with businesses and services is blackhillswire.com. There, you can discover a huge list of businesses that are offering military discounts, search for

military friendly housing options, find options to connect and much more.

Consider Black Hills Wire your guide to some of the best the Black Hills has to offer.

WHY THE LIBERTY CENTER?

Service members are discovering The Liberty Center in Box Elder offering a high-caliber fitness experience.

Words Stephen Simpson

Photos Laurel Danley

Staying physically fit is part and parcel with life in the military. And when it comes to choices in how to stay healthy, service members in the Black Hills have a lot of options. One of the newest fitness facilities that an increasing number of Airmen and Guardsmen are taking advantage of is the Liberty Center in Box Elder. They’re not alone - more and more civilians are also choosing the Liberty Center for their workouts.

The biggest reason, according to Branch Manager, Augustin Caraza, is the unique atmosphere of this YMCArun gym. “It really boils down to our mission,” he said. “We want to help people build a healthy spirit, healthy body and healthy mind. If you can get behind that idea, this might be the right place for you.”

Many of the service members who have found a fitness home at the Liberty Center say they are encouraged by the inviting culture and a major selling point is the overall quality. “Our service members talk about the environment. They talk about the equipment — it’s

Child Watch

The Liberty Center offers a program called Child Watch. Staff and volunteers will watch member’s 6-weeks to 5-years-old children. “We’ll watch the kiddos up to two hours per day,” explained Augustin. “Our staff are always trained with first aid and CPR. Everyone gets background checks as well.”

all brand new. The ones who utilize Child Watch, that’s a huge plus for them,” Augustin said.

Walking into the Liberty Center, located in the new Liberty Plaza development in Box Elder, just feels different. The facility is easy to find and has ample parking. The interior is wide-open and welcoming. Augustin said that any of the crowds and waiting typically found at other fitness facilities is rare at the Liberty Center.

Does all of this sound too good to be true? Well, Augustin challenges anyone to come find out for themselves. “We do a one-week trial, so you can come check us out,” Augustin said. “You’ll probably love it, but if you don’t, that’s OK. You gave it a shot.”

Try the Liberty Center for one week for free. If you’ve found your fitness home, membership is extremely affordable, especially for service members. To check out pricing and to learn more, scan the QR code.

LIBRARY LOVE

EAFB Patrons take in Holbrook learning opportunities.

Ellsworth Air Force Base’s Holbrook Library is considered small by Air Force standards, but its footprint (more than 28,000 cataloged items in addition to its online resources) makes it a beacon of opportunity for military members and their families.

Here’s how to get there and take advantage of what it offers:

Where: 2650 Doolittle Drive (between the Commissary and the Base Theatre)

When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday. (The library is closed on Federal holidays and Family Days, and open half days on the second Wednesday of each month for wing training.)

Here are the Holbrook Highlights:

• Mission essential publications for squadrons and Chief of Staff publications for professional development, access to CLEP/DANTES and AFOQT study materials.

• Inter-Library Loan, a Maker Space with two 3D printers, STEM kits and games for all ages.

• Personal and military network accessible computers and limited printing and scanners are also provided.

• The “Raider Retreat” is a quiet spot for study and small group gatherings engaging in quiet conversations.

• Little Warrior’s Story Time fosters a love of books, reinforces reading at home, builds language skills and provides social interaction while encouraging creativity.

• The DOD-MWR Summer Reading Program helps prevent “summer slide” and provides fun ways to stay connected to learning and friends over the summer while earning prizes for reading.

• Homeschooling resources – all resources are free. Book, cultural, and seasonal displays cover a variety of topics with take home resources and are changed out with a different focus each month.

• Child and family friendly, including children’s area with a jungle-themed mural, soft chairs, a table to play with blocks or color, a play panel activity island, and a Touch to Play Virtual Game center.

A mom’s perspective

For Shara Weinfurter, the Holbrook Library is the perfect place to unplug.

“We check out piles of books,” said the mom of three. Her husband, Dan, serves with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. They moved to the base in 2023 and she homeschools the kids, 12, 10 and 4.

“After moving here, just like every time I move, I had zero friends and had to start over,” she said. “We got involved with the library, started attending events, and a short time later, I made several other mom friends which evolved into relationships away from the library.”

Her kids gravitate to the story time, hands-on activities and clubs, like the airplane model club that is hosted by a retired veteran. And for mom, it’s the perfect place to connect.

Left to right: Dakota Brown, Susan Heffelfinger, Amelia Roach, Wanda Greene and Rebekah Radford

INDEPENDENT OPTICAL

“We have the largest selection of eyeglasses in the tri-state area. With more than 4,000 frames to choose from, we’ll take the time to fit you in a comfortable, stylish frame that you’re sure to love. Using the latest technology, you’ll get the most accurate measurements, along with expert adjustments to make sure you see your best while feeling completely comfortable.”

Angela Mordhorst

Chuck Mordhorst spent 17 years apprenticing and managing an optical shop in Rapid City. In 1972, Chuck and his wife, Patty, set out on their own and opened Independent Optical.

With four kids underfoot, this young family went to work providing the region with not only incredible customer service but also offering and educating customers on the newest and best visual technologies of the time. “Patty always kept the store updated with the newest eyewear lines,” explained Angela Mordhorst, Chuck and Patty’s granddaughter-in-law. “Patty always made sure that they also stocked older styles so all ages could find what they were looking for.”

Recently, two of the sons, Mark and James Mordhorst, took ownership of the store. These two have been responsible for fabrication and repair of glasses through Independent Optical’s inhouse lab, along with much more. The two brothers have been passionately working at Independent Optical for over 35 years. “We like to tell people they make magic happen,” Angela said.

Because of Independent Optical’s in-house lab, this shop is able to offer

same-day glasses to its customers. James’ son and Angela’s husband, Jake, is now apprenticing in the back, learning the tricks of the trade and how to make that same magic happen. Angela is taking notes from Patty while managing the front office.

Independent Optical has grown to be a staple in the region, growing stronger and more prominent every year, founded by years of experience and wisdom being passed down from generation to generation.

This has been a family owned and family run business for 52 years and will continue to uphold those proud American family values for years to come. “We treat our staff like family — because most of them are,” Angela said. “Which means we also treat our customers like family.

(605) 343-6617

810 Mt Rushmore Rd Rapid City , SD 57701 independentoptical.org

In Addition

Thank you to our military community. All military personnel receive a 10% discount on all orders at Independent Optical.

TAKE CARE

The old adage of taking time to smell the roses may very well be the first step in addressing mental health challenges.

Words Dawn Kocina

Mental health, though not a new concept, has gained significant acceptance in recent years, especially among our men and women in uniform. We spoke with Elizabeth Miller, MA, LPC, of Rapid City Counselors, to get her perspective.

“The need is so evident,” Elizabeth shared. “While working with military members and their families presents a different kind of challenge, it’s our way of supporting them.”

Service members often keep their metaphorical walls up, a useful tactic while on duty. However, once their tour is complete, breaking down these walls can be challenging. Talking through memories, thoughts, or stressors can significantly improve the quality of life for both service members and their families.

Everyone’s experience is different, but if you feel unable to overcome what’s holding you back, if you’re having abnormal or suicidal thoughts, or if you’re disinterested in everyday tasks, it may be time to consult a professional.

“The initial phone call is likely the hardest step,” explained Elizabeth. “Know that you

Life experiences can sometimes take us to very unexpected places. Whether we anticipate and can prepare for that journey or we are completely caught off guard and feel like we are stumbling along in the dark, it is important and sometimes essential to have support, understanding, and someone to listen. Together, we can walk that path to better understanding and growth.

Licensed Practicing Counselor Elizabeth Miller, MA, LPC

can try different therapists until you find the right fit. It’s important to have a connection and feel like you can talk with your therapist.” When asked if there is one tactic everyone can employ, Elizabeth shared, “Be mindful. Notice the little things around you — the colors and sounds, the way things make you feel. And then practice gratitude.” In essence, take time to smell the roses.

When scheduling, mention your service status (active-duty, veteran, spouse, etc.) to help pair you with the most suitable provider. Rapid City Counselors are pleased to partner with TRICARE to offer the best support for service members and their families.

DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE

Biggest Challenge: Space

The biggest challenge Douglas Schools are currently facing is that of space. The elementary facilities are full, and the middle school is over capacity. To address these needs, a new 620-student elementary school is planned and shovel-ready. Middle and high school facility needs will be addressed following the construction of the new elementary building.

The district is actively working with State and Federal legislators to obtain funding. Historically, funding has been 65% federal, 25% state, and 10% district. While the presence of Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB) within district lines is an asset for the district, city and even state, it does pose a challenge by way of tax valuation for the district. Which is why strong relationships with legislators is so important.

In addition to new facilities, Douglas School District will be piloting preschool for four-yearolds this upcoming school year. While preschool is not a state-funded program in South Dakota, it is something military families are actively looking for when scoping out their new homes. In an effort to provide the best quality of life possible to military families as well as non-military residents, Douglas Schools are excited to provide this new program.

How the Community Can Support DSD

• Get Involved: Participate actively in school activities and events.

• Advocate: Support DSD when speaking with legislative delegations.

• Stay Informed: Attend school board meetings in-person, or watch live-streamed and recorded meetings online. Sign up on the website to receive notifications, agendas, and links for board meetings.

• Join Advisory Groups: Apply to be part of the Community Advisory Council or serve as an ambassador.

• Vote: Participate in elections that impact the school district.

Community Context and Impact

Growth of Box Elder: The community is larger than many realize, extending up to Watiki.

Economic and Strategic Importance: The presence of Ellsworth Air Force Base significantly impacts the state and nation, both economically and strategically.

Diversity and Enrichment: The military population brings diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the district.

To learn more, visit: www.dsdk12.net

Something to be Proud of: Purple Star School

Douglas Schools are the first in South Dakota to receive the Purple Star Designation. This designation is awarded to military-friendly schools demonstrating a major commitment to military-connected students and families.

To qualify, schools must:

1. Designate a staff point of contact for military students and families.

2. Maintain a dedicated webpage with information and resources for military families.

3. Have a student-led transition program.

4. Provide professional development on special considerations for military students and families.

Douglas Schools maintains a strong collaborative relationship with Ellsworth’s School Liaison Office (SLO). Additionally, the middle school and high school each have a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLAC) who provides services exclusively to military families.

The Purple Star Designation supports the goals of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, aiding in the successful transition and graduation of military children. Purple Star Schools enhance state revenue by attracting and retaining military families, as the U.S. military considers the quality of local K-12 schools in its basing decisions. These schools also foster diverse, inclusive, and supportive environments, benefiting all students.

By The Numbers

2,800 students

400 staff

40% of current students are militaryconnected

1,500 Anticipated number of new students due to military growth over the next 15 years*

60% of incoming students will be in the elementary school age range

*Based on the most recent Economic Impact Study conducted by Ellsworth Air Force Base

Off Base Child Care Centers

CANDYLAND CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

471 Constitution Blvd., Box Elder (605) 791-1232

BANANA BUNCH CLC 2

924 E. St. Patrick St., Rapid City (605) 341-2333

BANANA BUNCH TOO

1200 Range View Cir., Rapid City (605) 341-2333

CREATIVE KIDS

4605 Easy St., Rapid City (605) 348-7700

CREATIVE KIDS TOO

6047 Tartan Crt., Rapid City (605) 348-4804

DREAM KIDS PRESCHOOL & CHILDREN’S CENTER 2225 E. St. Patrick St., Rapid City (605) 343-7326

EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL 4703 S. Canyon Rd., Rapid City (605) 721-3770

EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL EAST

625 N. Creek Dr., Rapid City (605) 791-1870

FIT-N-FUN

3660 Sturgis Rd., Ste. 4, Rapid City (605) 341-0078

HARMONY CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

606 E. Indiana St., Rapid City (605) 343-5437

HORIZON POINT CHILD DEV. CNT. YMCA 7001 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City (605) 718-5437

JUMPSTART YMCA

601 Columbus St., Rapid City (605) 718-9622

LIL FRIENDS LEARNING CENTER OF RC

1620 Concourse Crt., Rapid City (605) 348-9731

LITTLE NEST CHILD CARE & LEARNING CENTER

317 E. St. Patrick St., Rapid City (605) 430-4268

LITTLE NEST PRESCHOOL LLC

3459 Jet Dr., Rapid City (605) 430-4268

LITTLE OWLS DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL

110 N. Cambell St., Ste. D, Rapid City (605) 718-0132

ONE HEART CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

201 Kansas City St., Rapid City (605) 718-9622

OUR LITTLE TREASURES DAYCARE 1123 Kansas City St., Rapid City (605) 431-7677

QUALITY TIME CHILD CARE 1339 E. North St., Rapid City (605) 786-5994

RAPID CITY CHILDREN’S CENTER 2311 Oak Ave., Rapid City (605) 755-117

RURAL AMERICA INITIATIVES

2112 S. Valley Dr., Rapid City (605) 343-4741

ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHILD CARE

2101 City Springs Rd., Ste. 100, Rapid City (605) 716-5213

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE 835 E. Fairmont Blvd., Rapid City (605) 342-8804

WESTSIDE PRESCHOOL & DAY CARE INC 3500 Canyon Lake Dr., Rapid City (605) 342-7474

YMCA CHILD CARE 815 Kansas City St., Rapid City (605) 718-5437

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES CDC

120 E. Adams St., Ste. 100, Rapid City (605) 342-4233

ZION LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE 4550 S. Highway 16, Rapid City (605) 342-5749

HOUSING HOPE

Helping service members find the right place, at the right time.

Laura J. Frink

Housing Program Manager, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron

Rebecca Pisle

Housing Resident Advocate, 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth

Housing continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing military members moving in and out of the Black Hills. To help us sort out the latest numbers and resources, we connected with housing experts at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Laura J. Frink serves as the Housing Program Manager for the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron.

What is the first piece of advice you would give to a family who is looking for housing?

• Start the process early and prioritize understanding your needs and budget.

• Assess your family’s specific requirements: proximity to the base, school districts, community amenities, and special needs.

• Establish a realistic budget that includes not just rent or mortgage payments but also utilities, commuting costs, and other living expenses.

• Housing on Ellsworth AFB is limited, with only 500 homes available. They are highly sought after because they offer desirable features such as fenced yards, two-car garages, and utilities covered by the active-duty member’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

What is available right now – both onbase and off-base?

• There is always a waitlist for on-base housing.

• Off-base, housing market in Rapid City continues to grow, especially in the rental market. The overall vacancy rate has shifted from less than 2% in 2021 to 15.6%.

• Our housing office team helps families navigate housing options by maintaining rental properties on HOMES.mil; a DOD website designed to connect service members with community housing rental listings near U.S. military bases.

What about VA loans? Do you help with those?

The Military Housing Office does not assist with VA loans. Service members’ Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is based on local rental housing cost data and does not consider the home purchase market. Although BAH can be used to purchase a home, our office primarily focuses on assisting with rentals.

What else do people need to know?

Temporary Lodging: Families might need temporary accommodations while waiting for permanent housing. The Ellsworth AFB Housing Office can provide guidance on temporary lodging and lease lock options if on-base housing is not readily available.

Lease Lock Option: If a member has to secure a rental off base while waiting for on-base housing, they can use the lease-lock option. This means when you are offered a home on-base but cannot break your lease agreement, you can request from the privatized housing office to be placed on a ‘lease lock.’

We also spoke with Rebecca Pisle, a Privatized Housing Resident Advocate for the 28th Bomb Wing about how the local community has helped move the needle toward more affordable housing for military members and their families. Pisle spearheaded the creation of BlackHillsWire.com, an online resource that recognizes builders, realtors, mortgage lenders, and property managers committed to helping our military members.

“There is a housing team on base that is here to

help. We have spent several years talking to housing partners in our local community to ensure Airmen arriving at Ellsworth AFB can secure housing.

We are so fortunate to live in a community that truly respects and cares about military members. The amount of phone calls, emails, and text messages I have received from community partners wanting to help is heartwarming.

I lead a Housing Subcommittee under the Quality-of-Life Pillar of the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition. It’s made up of professionals that represent different aspects of housing in our local area.

The subcommittee partnered with BlackHillsWire.com to build a robust database of housing partners specializing in home ownership and available rentals.

The 28th Bomb Wing Leadership team also established a Housing Working Group, which included experts from around the base that had a component to the permanent change of station (PCS) process.

The group worked toward solutions to ease the transition for our Airmen relocating to Ellsworth AFB. They established a robust Welcome Packet which is still used today and found on the Ellsworth AFB webpage under the newcomers’ tab and the housing page.”

The Military Housing Office team can be reached by calling 605-385-2570 or emailing 28CES.CEIHH.Housing@us.af.mil.

DOUBLE DUTY

We talked with the Roselles family about what it’s like to serve in the South Dakota National Guard, especially when both parents are serving.

Words Kayla Gahagan

Rebecca, now 36, joined the Guard at the age of 17 after her mother raised her and three siblings in Hartford. “I initially joined for the college benefits,” she said. “I knew I didn’t want student loans.” Rebecca’s twin sister planned to join with her but ended up joining the Air National Guard where she is still serving as a Nurse at the 114th Fighter Wing

in Sioux Falls.

Rebecca moved from Sioux Falls to Rapid City in 2019 to work at Camp Rapid full time. Michael, 43, grew up in Sturgis and had been serving with the Guard since 2000.

Both his grandfathers served and he wanted the education benefits as well. The couple got

SDNG

The South Dakota National Guard was birthed in Yankton, South Dakota in the late 1800s as a volunteer citizen-soldier company in response to the need to cover additional South Dakota territories during the Civil War.

Since that date, the SDNG has seen combat during the SpanishAmerican War, World War I and II, as well as Desert Storm/Desert Shield, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn.

The National Guard was also called up during the Korean War, Berlin Crisis and peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, each of South Dakota’s 21 National Guard communities has served in multiple conflicts. Almost 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen have deployed. The Guard has also been called on to battle floods, fires, blizzards and tornado destruction, including the Rapid City Flood of 1972 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

married in Sept. 2021, blending two families.

Michael had three children (Bryan, 20, Ireland, 14 and Killian, 11) and Rebecca had 16-year-old Karter. They welcomed Kyler a little over a year ago.

Why choose the S.D. National Guard

The benefits are widespread – great perks, a strong network of friends, service to your community and country.

“It’s given me so many experiences,” Rebecca said. “I’m always encouraging soldiers to try new positions if you’re unhappy where you’re at, because the Guard has so much to offer.”

Michael agreed. “The National

Guard is unique in that you get to serve the nation and your state,” he said. “It’s great supporting two missions, fully ingrained in defending and serving the people of South Dakota and our nation.”

And the downsides are clear too – missing out on family.

“Being separated from family is the hardest,” Rebecca said. “We get it. We understand the sacrifice and are mutually supportive when we have to leave, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

Since 2021, they have each served about a year away from home. Michael served in Iraq for almost a year in 2023 and is getting ready to leave again. Rebecca doesn’t like being away from home either.

“It tears at my heartstrings when I can’t be at my son’s baseball games or other activities,” she said. “I just love to watch the kids in their activities so being away makes that tough.

Serving in Rapid City has softened the blow because of the support of the community and friends and family.

“Rapid City is very supportive of military families,” she said. “We’ve met some amazing families in the Guard and several who are some of our closest friends. Not only do we have amazing friends, but we also have wonderful neighbors, a close family and church community.”

Rebecca recalled a neighbor snow-blowing her driveway every time it snowed while Michael was deployed to Iraq.

“He knew I had a small baby and without hesitation stepped in to help and never expected a thing in return,” she said.

The couple expects to continue serving for the next decade. In the meantime, they don’t take time together for granted.

“Family takes the hardest toll,” Michael said. “The families endure the cost of us being gone for training, duty, and deployments. Time is irreplaceable. So the time we spend away from family is difficult.”

Rebecca’s service:

• Currently works for Guard as a Traditional (weekend) soldier and full-time employee

• Enlisted in 2005

• Traditional side: supply specialist for 5 years before switching to public affairs in 2010

• Deployed to Afghanistan from May 2010-May 2011 as a photojournalist

• Became a commissioned officer in 2012

• Currently a Logistics Officer, including Transportation Company Commander

• Mobilized to Arizona for 13 months and commanded 125 Soldiers in 2021

• Currently serving as an Admin Officer (S1) for the 196th Regiment Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Sturgis on drill weekends

Michael’s service:

• Currently works for Guard as a Traditional (weekend) soldier and full-time employee

• Enlisted in 2000 into the 842nd Engineer Company

• Deployed to Iraq from March 2003 –July 2004

• Officer Candidate School at Fort Meade - 2007

• Commissioned as Engineer officer and assigned to the 211th Sapper Company in Madison, SD. Platoon Leader with the 211th from 2007 to 2010 and served a 12 month combat tour to Afghanistan doing Counter IED operations

• Began work full time for the SDARNG at the Officer Candidate School

• Began full time for the Guard as a training officer in multiple units across SD, including Huron, Fort Meade and Rapid City

• In 2022, selected to be the Administrative Officer for the 109th RSG

• Deployed with the RSG to Iraq in 2023

Find connection, gain confidence and experience something you’ve only ever dreamed of at Live It Up Studio.

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Conveniently located in the Uptown Rapid Mall, Live It Up Studio is Rapid City’s largest and most diverse aerial and fitness studio. Breawna explained, “Aerial is not a well-known sport — yet. But, as it becomes more popular, more people are getting a chance to try it and are finding out how cool it is.”

Studio Director, Anna Starenkova, agreed that aerial arts offers something that no other activity does.

“You’re able to express your uniqueness in new ways that you’ve never experienced before,” she said. “And it’s a great confidence builder. It motivates students to be the best version of themselves.”

Breawna added, “Aerial is what we consider a super sport — it’s a combination of acrobatics, dance, ballet, gymnastics. It also combines strength building and flexibility, as well as performance arts.”

Aerial artists use different apparatuses, such as silks, trapeze, hammocks and hoops to perform spectacular feats of precision, strength and beauty. The spectacle of these artists is something to behold, but Breawna and Anna encourage people to not to be intimidated by how impressive the artform is. “A lot of people think that you have to be a high level athlete to start, but we start very low to the ground,” Anna said. “Kids as young as 3-years-old can start with our Circus Kids program. We start all those skills very low to the

ground and as they get better and increase in their skills we move up in the air. We also have programs that are built more around fitness where the goal isn’t necessarily to climb as high.”

“That’s the aim: to take people from amateurs to feeling like they are an accomplished aerialist. They build that confidence, friendships, and for many people, it becomes a lifestyle,” Breawna said.

For military families, Live It Up Studio has a special message: “We love having you in our studio!” Breawna said. “Our programs are awesome for cross training, especially if you’re trying to increase your strength and endurance. We absolutely appreciate the military and everything that it does for our communities and would love to have any of those families join in our program. We understand that there are challenges that come with being in the military, whether that’s having a family member who’s deploying or moving. So, we’re very flexible with those families.”

To learn more about aerial arts at Live It Up Studio, visit liveitupstudio.com.

Special military open house

Service members and their spouses can try Live It Up for free on September 7.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the latest workshops and events.

SUPPORTING OUR HEROES

Monument Health’s commitment to military families with comprehensive local care

Monument Health is an integrated health care system that serves patients in 32 medical specialties.

Learn more at monument.health/services

Monument Health is dedicated to supporting the local community, including military members and their families, by offering comprehensive health care services close to home. With a network of 5 hospitals and over 30 medical clinics and specialty centers, Monument Health ensures high-quality medical care is accessible to those who serve our country. As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, military personnel and their families can receive necessary care without traveling far, an advantage when

services are unavailable at VA or Air Force base medical facilities.

Urgent care provides immediate walkin medical treatment for acute illness and injury. Services are provided by physicians and advanced practice providers, including on-site laboratory and digital x-ray services. The Rapid City urgent care centers are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lacrosse St. and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Jackson Blvd, with expanded hours coming soon.

Military members and their families can access Monument Health’s services through a referral from their Primary Care Manager (PCM) or via the VA community care network, covered by TRICARE and most other military insurance plans. This streamlined process ensures timely and efficient medical attention, ranging from routine check-ups to specialized treatments. Monument Health’s facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, offering specialty care that supplements military base medical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology, provided by a dedicated team of over 5,400 physicians and caregivers.

FAMILY ROOTS

Ellsworth Physician’s

Assistant and family farmer, enjoys Black Hills life.

Staff Sgt. Douglas Ryan, 628th Explosive Ordnance Disposal noncommissioned officer in charge of training. Presented with the Air Force Combat Action Medal and the Bronze Star Medal June 27, 2012, at the Joint Base Charleston Theater. Ryan executed 93 combat EOD missions during his seven month deployment to Afghanistan.

Advice for others:

“Discover your life’s purpose and develop a mission statement. I see too many people waiting for life to happen when life is happening right now. It is easier to focus on what you want out of life when you know what you stand for.”

“My mission statement is to serve and not be served. I want to give my life to expanding God’s Kingdom; to provide, protect, and love my family and friends, to defend my country’s freedoms so my children’s children can pursue their passions and purpose.”

Douglas and Rebecca Ryan made a promise to each other many years ago that continues to bear fruit.

“We made a promise that we would not wait to live our lives until after the military,” said Douglas, who has been stationed at Ellsworth since 2021. “If there is something we want to do and we have the means to do it, we are going to make those memories with our children. One thing I have learned is that time seems to move quicker and quicker as I get older and ‘wiser.’”

It has served them well as they have moved across the country multiple times, growing their family to four children, now 10, 7, 2 and 10 months.

The couple is originally from Ohio. Douglas was enlisted for 14 years as a Master Sergeant performing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) before moving into the medical field.

He has deployed overseas multiple times, including Iraq, Afghanistan, India and Russia. He became an instructor at the EOD school house at Eglin AFB and was accepted into the Interservice Physician Assistant Program in Texas for his first phase of schooling and then Keesler AFB, MS for the second phase. He is now a 1st Lt. physician's assistant at Ellsworth.

He has two jobs in his new role. He is a Primary Care Manager at EAFB and he is also a Team Leader for a Surgical Resuscitation Team that deploys in support of combat operations.

He is well-decorated and carries the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, AF Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Achievement Medal, Army Combat Action Badge, Navy/Marine Combat Action Ribbon, AF Combat Action Medal and Presidential Unit Citation Award.

Changing his line of work had its ups and downs, he said.

“Being a medical provider is much

different than doing EOD work,” he said. “I loved doing EOD work, but God was telling me it was time to move on and start the next chapter in our lives. I love people and helping them try to be their best. I want them to experience living a life with purpose and passion.”

Douglas is quick to give credit to his wife. It’s a challenge to do life without other family around, he said.

“There are days that I want to drop my kids off with my parents or in-laws and just take my wife out on a much-deserved date,” he said. “We have four with a farm, and she homeschools, she is the real hero.”

They live on 10 acres with cows, sheep, chickens, rabbits and cats and dogs. The Black Hills property gives them the space and opportunity to shoot guns, grow a garden, ride dirt bikes and play around on 4-wheelers.

“We love to do anything with our children that is outdoors, away from the busyness of life, where we get to see our kids laugh and play,” he said.

The partnership with his wife Rebecca is what makes it possible.

“There is no greater thing than having a loving wife that shares the same dreams, goals and ideals,” he said. “We get to raise children to love Jesus, family and friends, and this incredible country and show them they need to devote themselves to something greater than just themselves. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

OUT OF THE BOX GROWTH

The City of Box Elder, neighboring community to Ellsworth Air Force Base, has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade, and there’s no sign of that slowing down.

Derek Wingfield, City of Box Elder Public Information Officer, shared some exciting developments with the Black Hills Family team. Here’s what you need to know.

The growth Box Elder has seen over the last ten years or so has been organic, meaning that the impact of B-21 personnel has not yet been seen. The City of Box Elder is busy preparing for continued organic growth, as well as the anticipated arrival of 3,800-plus personnel and their families.

As part of the City’s preparedness plan, there is a large Capital Improvement Plan underway which includes infrastructure projects — think roadways, walkways, wastewater, and water capacity projects. Additionally, the City is developing a Parks Master Plan with the intent to upgrade existing park facilities and potentially construct a new master park. While the plans are still in their concept phase, there have been talks of amenities such as an amphitheater, ball fields, and bicycle area.

The City of Box Elder’s current focus? Transparency. To accomplish this, the City’s social media presence is being increased, the website has been refreshed and traditional communication methods (such as utility bill inserts) will be used as appropriate.

STAY INFORMED

For the latest on City of Box Elder projects, initiatives, and more, visit boxeldersd.us or follow the City’s social media profiles.

In addition to these updates, Derek reminds the community that City Council meetings are not only open to the public, they’re livestreamed with the availability to participate in the public comment section. These meetings are also recorded and available on the City of Box Elder website.

BOXELDERBUSINESS WATCH

Hangar Pub

Coming Soon:

Amazon (distribution center)

Black Hills Children’s Museum

Box Elder Urgent Care

Hairy Cow Brewing Company

Muth Electric

NAPA Auto Parts

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Sentinal Federal Credit Union

Starbucks

Towey Design Group (TDG)

Wyndham Hotels

A VIEW FROM THE TOP

Col.

Derek Oakley wraps up first year as Commander at Ellsworth.

Grace under fire. If there was a time for it, it would have been halfway into Colonel Derek Oakley’s first year at the helm of the 28th Ellsworth Air Force Base Bomb Wing, the largest B-1 combat wing in the United States Air Force, with more than 8,500 active-duty military, civilian employees, and family members.

On a cold January day, seven months into his first year as Commander, a B-1 Lancer bomber crashed on the Ellsworth runway during

landing. All four crew members ejected safely, but the crash added another spinning plate to his tall order as Commander: to prepare combat-ready aircraft, crews and logistics for combat in global missions.

And unique to the job right now – Col. Oakley’s command is during a historic transformation of Ellsworth as it becomes home to the B-21 Raider - a multi-year, billion-dollar project that requires an unprecedented level of security and personnel.

It was all on his agenda that January day.

Words Kayla Gahagan | Photos Kevin Eilbeck Photography

“The world stops when a plane crashes,” Col. Oakley said. The military does not.

While Ellsworth personnel spent weeks cleaning the runway, investigating and repairing the plane, “our air crew needed to keep flying,” Col. Oakley said. That meant sending B-1 pilots and planes from Ellsworth to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas to continue working.

While there – another call came. A militia group struck Tower 22, a U.S. military outpost in northeast Jordan, killing three soldiers and injuring nearly 50 others. Ellsworth B-1 bombers took the mission and the U.S. began retaliatory strikes on Feb. 2, hitting sites in Iraq and Syria.

“So we had a plane crash and then we’re preparing the bed down for the B-21 coming to the base and we’re still asked to execute a combat mission,” he said. “It’s amazing the people who stepped into the gap during all of that. For a couple months, we were just trying to survive.”

Commander Oakley recounted those few months in the greater perspective of his first year alongside his wife, Kelly, who joined him for this interview in his spacious office at the 28th Bomb Wing Headquarters.

The couple spoke candidly about how their life has changed since he took command, what Col. Oakley hopes he accomplished his first year, and how he manages the B-21 undertaking as Ellsworth and the surrounding communities adjust to the intense growth that accompanies it.

B-21 Bed Down

Col. Oakley’s days are a well-orchestrated maze of interviews, phone calls, speechwriting, strategic planning – and if planned well – face-time with airmen. Today he makes quick introductions, slides two camouflage day planners onto the corner of a tidy desk and jokes with the photographer. He’s efficient, on-task, formal, friendly.

His office bears all the regalia of a nearly three-decade military career – academia, awards, bits and pieces of history. A T-6 airplane wing hangs encased along a far wall and an organized display of dozens of patches, coins and pins carpet cover a table, each one marking a milestone or victory.

Col. Oakley spent half his career flying the B-1 and the other half teaching new pilots. Flying and teaching both run in his blood and when asked which he favors, he can’t choose one.

He earned a teaching degree before becoming a command pilot with more than 3,400 flight hours in the B-1B, T-38, T-6, and T-37, including 991 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Before becoming Commander, he led the 28th Operations Group at Ellsworth, the largest operational B-1B group in the U.S. Air Force.

He received his commission from the United States Air Force Officer Training School in 2000 and graduated from pilot training at Columbus AFB, Mississippi. He was operationally assigned to the B-1B.

“I was really lucky to get to fly the airplane I wanted to fly,” he said of the B-1, which first came into service in the 1980s as a conventional supersonic bomber. It has been used to support missions in the Asia-Pacific region and Afghanistan. It does not carry nuclear weapons and about 60 remain in service at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and Ellsworth.

Before he enters his office, there’s a small flurry of activity – a security sweep and a handing over of all cell phones, smart watches and recording devices. They sit on a table outside the room, a reminder of a tension he’s responsible to manage: keep everyone safe, but keep things open.

“Covid caused a little bit of disconnect between us and the community,” he said,

By the numbers:

500: homes on Ellsworth Air Force Base

4,000: additional people, including airmen and families, expected to come to EAFB during the next 17 years

1,600: Increase of active-duty members expected to come to EAFB during next 17 years

$1.5 billion: Amount of construction anticipated at EAFB.

13 of the 35 projects needed for B-21 bomber have been awarded

because of the level of lockdown. “On day one in this job, I wanted to provide superior customer service for our airmen - get doors open and really put an emphasis on caring about people. We want to get people back on base. We want them to see what we do. There are no aliens behind the fence.”

That will get more complicated as Ellsworth welcomes its first stealth and nuclear capable aircraft. The USAF is counting on the B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber to penetrate enemy airspace with a mix of weapons, including the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) weapon, the new nuclear missile.

The Air Force unveiled the B-21 Raider at the end of 2022 in a California ceremony, but officials have remained tight-lipped about details of production.

They have confirmed that six B-21 aircraft are currently in flight tests and Col. Oakley said the timeline is right on schedule and production for the aircraft that will end up at Ellsworth is close to starting.

“A nuclear base is a different culture,” Col. Oakley said. “We have to develop that culture and it doesn’t just happen overnight.”

Col. Oakley started the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) for select personnel to take, which includes new security, vetting and procedures.

The Home Front

His wife, Kelly, is as much of the equation of Col. Oakley’s first year as Commander as his airmen. The Oakleys

are Eastern Iowa high school sweethearts and they talk in tandem, a rhythm refined by 28 years of marriage, two kids and 14 military moves.

He makes space for her when they rise for photos and quietly sweeps a piece of hair from her forehead before pictures. They settle into black leather furniture – a living room of sorts - in between a large conference room and his over-sized office desk.

She listens to the talk of bombers and missions, deployments and community growth. A large North Rapid Development map is framed on the wall – a reminder that Ellsworth’s growth means Black Hills growth. She knows there are supporters and detractors and that decisions made in this office sometimes affect thousands of people, inside and outside the fence. She’s aware of the weight on her husband’s shoulders each day.

When recounting the January plane crash, she remembered that Derek and his team operated for days on little sleep, cold pizza and donuts. She brought a meal to the office, and when he did make it home, she focused on one thing.

“I did a lot of just listening,” she said. “I want him to be able to process whatever he needs to process. He always puts others before himself and I want him to have someplace to debrief if he needs it.”

Kelly has acclimated to military life. She homeschooled their kids, moving them to new locations nearly every two years. They anticipated the next move would be away from Rapid City so it was a surprise – and a major life change - when he took command of Ellsworth.

Most immediately, the calendar filled up. And though she doesn’t like to be called First Lady, he teased her today and said that it fits. First listener at home. First at his side for events. There’s no pressure from him though, he said.

“We had a good conversation when I accepted the position,” he said. “I told her to do what she wanted to do – there are times when she’s busy and can’t come to something and that’s OK.”

Kelly currently serves as the outreach team coordinator at Fountain Springs Church.

“There are some non-profit events for her work and I’m ‘Kelly’s husband’ and I’m not the wing commander,” he said. “It’s really unique that we both get to be out in the community in different ways.”

There’s one thing that hasn’t changed over the years – the love for their children. Their daughter Delanie, 18, lives at home while attending Black Hills State as a freshman. Their son, Tyler, 21, is a senior at Black Hills State and lives in Spearfish.

“Even after they graduate, you’re still a mom,” Kelly said.

It’s the first time their kids have been able to stay in one location longer than a couple years. It’s the bittersweet experience of military life. If she could pass on advice to new servicemen and women and their families, it is this: life goes on.

The Oakleys have lived in several states throughout the U.S. Staying in the Black Hills for an extended period came as a surprise.

Both Kelly and Derek are active in the Black Hills community. Notably, Kelly serves on staff at Fountain Springs Church in Rapid City.

“You have to realize your life continues regardless of where you’re living,” she said. “We pick up our family and plant somewhere else, but the hobbies, activities, school and work, it all continues. It’s so important to take initiative where you are and get plugged in.”

And not only plug in – but explore.

“People travel to these places, but we get to experience these places,” she said. “One of my regrets is we didn’t always take advantage of what was around us. Our country is so diverse.”

Derek said the flip side to moving often is the opportunity to see the world. “Our kids have seen every zoo, museum, attraction,” he said, laughing. “The ability to take normal vacations

really doesn’t exist. For many military members, our vacations are going back home to see family.”

He hopes to teach his airmen not to just be good soldiers, but pursue health in every area of their lives. He encourages them to get off the base, visit other communities, enjoy the Black Hills, get involved.

“They spend a lot of time on base,” he said. “Kelly and I love the Black Hills, the trails, the attractions, but the most important thing, are the connections you make when you get off the base.”

The couple has lived all over the U.S.from the deep south to southern California to New York. Rapid City genuinely cares

about its military families, Kelly said.

“They’re proactive,” she said. “There are wonderful people and organizations that make things happen.”

Oakley carries challenge coins in his uniform pants pocket – much like the row he has on his display desk. He has his secretary intentionally schedule time on base for him to meet with airmen or make unexpected stops where they work. He hands the coins out, one by one, when he witnesses an airmen doing something well.

“A little encouragement and recognition goes a long way in driving good behavior,” he said. “I can’t teach, coach and mentor from behind my desk.”

It’s the mentoring and coaching DNA that runs in his blood, and he can’t give that up even with his new responsibilities. It lines up with a long-term vision to be the best, and to train from the ground up.

“My motto is ‘win today, dominate tomorrow,’”

Oakley said. “We need to be able to win today, and though we never want to go to war, we will defend our freedom if we are asked to do it. It’s a mindset of doing better every day.”

That’s why it’s important, he said, to keep investing in each airman and their families.

“It’s all about teaching, coaching, mentoring,” he said. “I have the best job in the Air Force.”

Flight Information

Rating: Command Pilot Flight Hours: more than 3,400 hours, including 991 combat hours

Aircraft Flown: B-1B, T-38, T-6, T-37

Major Awards And Decorations

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Aerial Achievement Medal

Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air and Space

Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters

Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster

Dates Of Promotions

Second Lieutenant May 26, 2000

First Lieutenant May 26, 2002

Captain May 26, 2004

Major Dec. 1, 2009

Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 1, 2015

Colonel Dec. 1, 2020

SOUTH DAKOTA SERVICE DOGS

South Dakota Service Dogs is a local nonprofit that is helping change the life stories of veterans and first responders in the Black Hills.

What a service dog is doing for its handler, explained South Dakota Service Dogs Executive Director and founder Tony Russell, is simple but powerful. “When you break it down to the smallest level,” he said, “it’s very basic. All this dog has to do is literally lie there. What he does for me — for someone with PTSD or anxiety — is an odor detection task. So, as long as he is within three to six feet of your odor bubble — depending how pungent you are — he’s able to detect adrenaline and cortisol levels.”

Dogs naturally have the ability to

smell these human stress hormones. A service dog becomes familiar with its handler’s baseline body chemistry, so if the dog detects a spike in one of these stress hormones, it can be trained to alert its handler three to five minutes before these spikes result in a panic attack or other episode. “That’s huge,” Tony said. “You’re then able to remove yourself from a situation or maybe get to a corner of the room where you feel safer and you can work through it with your dog.”

Tony and his wife Eleanor founded South Dakota Service Dogs in 2021 “to

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

provide Service Dogs to Veterans and First Responders in order to give them back the quality of life they deserve,” according to their mission statement. In the short time since its start, this organization has grown tremendously. “We’ve had to be good business people,” Tony said, “and come up with a five-year plan and then a 10-year plan and all those things have just been blown out of the water. We’re just like, what is going on? This is crazy!”

In a little under three years, South Dakota Service Dogs has connected nearly 200 veterans and first responders with potentially life-saving canines. Tony chalks this rapid expansion of this young organization up to the people of the Black Hills. “It’s really just the community that we live in and the generosity and the people that are here that have supported us.”

How all it started

While serving in the Air Force, Tony sustained a major injury that left him in a coma. Through his long road of treatment and rehabilitation, his doctor recommended that he be paired with a service dog. “I was at Walter Reed for three and a half months. The doc suggested I get a service dog. We applied to a national organization,” Tony recounted. “That organization was going to charge us $20,000 and it was going to take two years for them to raise this dog. All that did was put a huge roadblock into my recovery.”

Stories like Tony’s are unfortunately common. Service dogs are often recommended to effectively aid veterans in managing PTSD, anxiety and other conditions. The efficacy of service dogs is well-documented; however, veterans like Tony usually discover humongous obstacles in being paired with one of these life-changing animals.

In 2020, Tony received a lifeline when the Rapid City Rush hockey team gave him a service dog, trained by the team and staff. Aptly named Rush, this service dog helped Tony reconnect with his wife and two sons.

Rush changed Tony’s trajectory in life, and this left him asking some critical questions. “If a hockey team can do this, then why can’t we?” So, the Russells committed to training a puppy to serve

Founders of South Dakota Service Dogs, Tony and Eleanor Russell pose with Tony’s current service dog. Tony’s first service dog, Rush, retired, but can be followed on Instagram @teampuprush

as a service dog to help a veteran. “Then someone came to us and was like, ‘Hey, if you’re going to raise one dog, you mind raising two?’” Tony and Eleanor knew that someone needed to step up to help connect veterans and first responders with service dogs in the Black Hills; they just didn’t realize how quickly their new venture would grow. “At one point, we had six puppies in our house, plus Rush,” Tony said.

Today, South Dakota Service Dogs has a training facility located in the Uptown Rapid Mall and at the time of this writing, has connected 178 service dogs to veterans or first responders. “But there’s still a whole lot more people who need help,” Tony said. The last VA survey indicated that there’s approximately 17,000 disabled vets in South Dakota, and, tragically, on average, 22 veterans take their own life each day nationwide. “We still got a pretty big mission ahead of us,” Tony said.

If you’re a veteran or a first responder, you can start the process to be connected with a service dog at southdakotaservicedogs. com/apply. If you’re interested in partnering in the mission of SDSD, visit southdakotaservicedogs.com/donate.

If you or someone you know needs help immediately, visit veteranscrisisline.net or dial 988 for 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones.

Thoughts on Trauma

When asked what he’d share with a veteran or anyone struggling with trauma, this is what Tony said:

“When I came out of a coma, I had to learn to walk again. The first part of walking is learning to stand. I wasn’t sure I could do that. But I learned to do that. Next thing I had to do was to take a step. Then I took a step. At that point, I was done. I couldn’t do it anymore. But the next thing was to take three steps. I’m not doing it. I don’t have the energy. I don’t have the capacity.

Then around the corner comes my son, Jacoby. I hadn’t seen him in about a month. He looked back down the hallway, and then his eyes locked on me. It was surreal, like a scene out of a movie. Then he says, ‘Dad, I’m faster than you!’ And he takes off running down the hallway. And I don’t remember how many steps I took — I want to say something like 12 or 15.

When you’re struggling. When you’re in the middle of the storm and what you’re going through seems impossible, keep moving forward. If that means you only move forward an inch today, take that inch. I guarantee you, there’s someone out there who supports you. You may not feel it today, but tomorrow, that 4-year-old may come around that corner and all of a sudden your inch turns into 15 steps — turns into a huge bound of progression that you never saw yourself making. There’s so many people out there who support us, whether it’s a friend or family member, even just someone who crosses your path at the right time — there’s someone else out there who cares that you’re still on this earth.”

Our communities take immense pride in its rich military heritage and the strong bond we share with the armed forces.

The Black Hills Region is one of three communities across the country selected as a 2024 Great American Defense Community. This accolade celebrates the collective efforts of local organizations, businesses, and residents in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for those who serve our nation.

RAPID CITY

For those eager to delve into our military history, the Rapid City area offers a wealth of fascinating sites and meaningful experiences.

Here are some places you need to explore and why.

City of Presidents Audio Tour

Discover the remarkable legacy of leadership in downtown Rapid City with the newly unveiled City of Presidents Audio Tour. Twenty-nine of the 43 commanders in bronze served in the military. Use your phone as your guide and dial-in or scan a QR code next to each statue to listen to stories of history and heroism at your own pace. Learn more at CityofPresidents.com.

South Dakota Air & Space Museum

Located adjacent to Ellsworth Air Force Base, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum has a rich history of military aviation. This free museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits, featuring an impressive array of over 30 different aircraft that were instrumental in various combat and defense roles.

The Stratobowl

A 14-minute drive from Rapid City’s center, this iconic location became the birthplace of the space age in 1935. The 400-feet-deep limestone walls provided the Army Air Corps and the National Geographic Society the perfect shelter to inflate the largest gas balloon ever flown by human kind. Stratobowl Rim Trailhead is open to hiking year round, but for a unique experience, attend the Historic Stratobowl Hot Air Balloon launch in September. You can also discover more about the history of the Stratobowl at The Journey Museum.

Berlin Wall

South Dakota might be the last place you expect to find a piece of the Berlin Wall, but we are full of surprises. Two 12-foot segments of the wall stand in Memorial Park surrounded by original tank traps. A historic humanitarian mission ties Berlin to our area as Ellsworth Air Force Base contributed B-29 bombers to the 1940s Berlin Airlift.

Black Hills War Monument

Nestled within the grounds of Memorial Park, stands the Black Hills War Monument, a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of nearly 700 military veterans from the Black Hills region. The monument is constructed atop a significant stone, generously donated by Ruth Ziolkowski, founder of the Crazy Horse Memorial®

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Located approximately 60 miles east of Rapid City, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site offers a profound glimpse into the tense atmosphere of the Cold War era. This unique historic site, managed by the National Park Service, is dedicated to preserving the history and significance of America’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War from 1949 to 1991. Visitors can experience the Visitor Center, Delta-01 Launch Control Facility, and Delta-09 Missile Silo.

CUSTER

Launch your adventure from the oldest established community in the Black Hills.

Custer was settled during the Gold Rush and it’s now a hub to history, dining and some of the greatest outdoor experiences in the Midwest. Discover why Black Hills locals will make the trek to Custer just for the food, and then head east and enter Custer State Park. Info on Custer State Park could take up an entire book, but some of the highlights are the abundant wildlife, the incredible hiking opportunities and the countless ways to enjoy the lakes.

The Custer Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Dawn Murray says that, to her, there’s three truly great ways to experience Custer. “The Custer area is such an incredible place, no matter how you’re experiencing it. We pride ourselves in that our community is a place for folks to slow down, but we’re also a place to find those nature-centered thrills you may be after. So whether you’re on foot, racing down a trail or discovering new heights in the air, Custer is a community that you can’t miss.”

#1 On foot

You could spend your entire time stationed discovering the trails in Custer State Park and still have routes left to explore. Exploring the wilderness around Custer on foot is a great way to slow down, take your time and breathe in the beauty around you. No matter what your experience level is, the trail systems that surround Custer have something for everyone. So, lace up your boots, put on your sunscreen and get ready to hit the trail. Oh, and in the snowier months, you could always give snowshoeing or cross country skiing a try.

#2 On four wheels

Maybe you’re not in the “slow-it-down” kind of mood. Maybe you’re looking for more of a thrill. Explore the landscapes around Custer on an ATV, UTV, jeep or slingshot — all available to rent from various businesses throughout Custer. Explore in ways you never thought possible before with one of these adrenaline-pumping machines.

#3 In the sky

A helicopter ride is the ultimate way to see the Black Hills, and you have to try it at least once while you’re in the Black Hills. Book your ticket and get a new perspective on how impressive the mountains, hills and forests of the Black Hills really are. The majesty of the Black Hills — and especially the granite formations that surround Custer — is only amplified when seen from the air. Hop in a helicopter and get ready to see the outdoors from a breathtaking new perspective. Cruise past Mount Rushmore and wave at the presidents, or get up close and personal with Crazy Horse. Prefer to experience nature at a more leisurely pace? The Black Hills has a long history with hot air balloons, and there is no experience quite like floating in a wicker basket. Drift along and catch the currents at daybreak to see the beauty surrounding Custer on all sides.

Food for thought

Dawn says that there’s no shortage of wonderful meals to try while you’re in Custer. You can find the best burger in the region here, get a taste of Mexican cuisine and discover some of the most creative cuisine in the area. If you’re thirsty, make sure to take the chance to sample some locally brewed beer or you can try a Custer favorite, the gummy bear margarita.

HILL CITY

It’s all about the experience –the Hill City experience. With beautiful scenery all around and friendly people, Hill City is for shoppers, diners, art lovers and adventurers. Year-round.

Hill City is what you want to do! Enjoy a relaxing stroll or train ride, sip and dine away the day, grab a selfie with our Smokey Bear or Main Street sculptures, marvel at a T-rex fossil, gaze in a gallery or seize the day with a bike ride or hike. Chamber Director Janet Wetovick-Bily says, “There’s so much to experience and so much to love, right here in Hill City.”

Here’s Hill City’s top 3 Must-Do’s #1 Adventure is calling

Hill City’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the world-class Mickelson Trail or any of the nearby hiking/biking trails. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial® are just minutes away. Catch breathtaking vistas, mountain sunrises, prairie sunsets or some serious stargazing. From ATVing through aspens, camping near ponderosa pines to kayaking on a serene lake: Hill City is your gateway to peace and solitude.

#2 Perfect pairings: Food, wine, microbreweries…and music

Find out why so many Black Hills locals make the trip to Hill City just for the food, locally-produced wines and craft beer — often paired with music! Enjoy international cuisine, bistro, deli or diner fare, acclaimed wineries and microbrews and some of the best chocolate and ice cream you can find. Top off your exceptional dining experience with a great dessert, specialty coffee or a hand-dipped chocolate truffle.

#3 Shopping, History, Art, Events: Something for everyone

Hill City is a destination for some of the best boutiques, specialty shops and art galleries in the entire region. Hill City’s multiple galleries offer local paintings, sculptures or other artisanal treasures. Unique shops feature wardrobe must-haves ranging from jewelry, handbags and hats, to practical running, hiking and outdoor gear. For dinosaurfans of all ages, visit the Black Hills Institute. For history lovers, check out the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum, the SD State Railroad Museum and the 1880 Train. Enjoy year-round signature events each month, too! Whatever you’re searching for…adventure, relaxation, or a story, you’ll find it in Hill City.

SPEARFISH

Whether you’re looking for rugged adventures or a day of family memories, you can accomplish both against an awe-inspiring backdrop in Spearfish.

Spearfish is a community that celebrates beautiful scenery, family fun and creative expressions (including cuisine). You can spend a lifetime exploring and experiencing everything that Spearfish has to offer. Executive Director of Visit Spearfish, Mistie Caldwell, said, “Spearfish is such a special place. We pride ourselves on being that perfect combination of Midwest hospitality, creativity, family experiences and outdoor adventure.” Here’s three big ways you can dive in and experience Spearfish.

#1 Food

Once you get a taste of the food scene in Spearfish, you’ll find yourself going out of your way just for the cuisine. Sink your teeth into a slice of artisan pizza at Sawyer Brewing or experience flavor combinations you’d never expect at the REDWater Kitchen. Or maybe take your meal with a view by checking out the Latchstring Restaurant in Spearfish Canyon. And for dessert, a trip to Leones’ Creamery would satisfy any sweet tooth.

#2 Nature

Some of the best fall colors in the country can be experienced in Spearfish Canyon. The striking geological features of this canyon inspired famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and it continues to fill the sightseers of today with awe. Throughout the canyon, waterfalls beckon canyon visitors to pull over, snap photos and breathe in the beauty of the scenery. Family-friendly hikes dot the canyon, including trails to Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls.

#3 Family Fun

Spearfish’s parks and playgrounds blend seamlessly with the environment that surrounds them. The kids might just discover their new favorite park when the family stops to stretch their legs at Brady Park, Jorgensen Park or any of the 16 developed parks or 6 pocket parks in Spearfish. The Spearfish Recreation & Aquatics Center is another family favorite that will have the kids begging to visit Spearfish. And the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery is the quintessential family memory-maker, mixing play, education and an up close experience with the iconic trout.

WHAT DO THE BLACK HILLS… TASTE LIKE?

What foods encapsulate the Black Hills? What dishes are iconic to the region? What ingredients scream “Black Hills?”

Chislic

Meet the official State food of South Dakota. These tender, tasty cubes of meat — usually chunks of beef, but sometimes venison or bison, and most traditionally mutton — are fried in oil or grilled and sometimes served with sauces. For a truly unique presentation, try Bokuju Ramen’s combination of chislic and ramen.

Words Stephen Simpson

Walleye

Walleye is said to be the tastiest freshwater fish. The meat of these fish is flaky, subtly sweet and mild. Local restaurants have mastered the art of baking, broiling and frying walleye with some tasty results. If you’re looking to hit the water and catch some walleye yourself, they are readily caught in larger lakes in the Black Hills. The Colonial House in Rapid City prepares this fish fantastically.

What food can tell us

You can learn a lot about a place through their iconic food. These dishes can tell you what people value, what they believe and how they spend their time. For example, the Black Hills has some of the best morel mushrooms anywhere. One bite from a culinary creation featuring these rare and delicious fungi lets you know that the people of the Black Hills value uniqueness and a connection to nature.

Pheasant

The state bird of South Dakota shines with a strong flavor that can fill a lot of people with nostalgia for the Christmas dinner table. Be ready to embrace gamy flavors while eating this bird. It’s often prepared with sauces and other accompaniments that set off this tasty bird.

Trout

This highly-sought after fish prefers fast-moving, cold and clear water. The creeks of the Black Hills fit this bill and are stocked with both brown and rainbow trout. Try your hand at fly fishing in Rapid or Spearfish Creek and master the art of snagging these tasty fish. Or, you can just track down one of the local eateries that are making delectable meals out of these fish.

Kuchen

There is no other sweet treat that is more associated with the region than this classic German dessert. There’s endless variations of this cake (the word kuchen is just German for cake), but the most commonly found around here feature fruit.

Mushrooms

Mushroom foraging is growing in popularity, and the Black Hills are an ideal place to hunt for these mycological delicacies. Lion’s mane, oyster mushrooms and — of course — the legendary morel all grow within the forest of the Black Hills. Find an experienced guide before you attempt to gather your own mushrooms in the wild — there are some poisonous species out there. Or, you could just leave it to the professionals and eat at a restaurant serving up locally foraged mushrooms.

Bison

South Dakota is home to one of the largest publicly managed bison herds in the world. Bison is comparable to beef in a lot of ways, but it’s leaner and a little bit sweeter. Bison also has some additional vitamins and minerals that aren’t present in beef. Bison — commonly called buffalo — is served as burgers, steaks, roasts and more.

Indian Taco

Fry bread is the hero of this savory meal. This crispy, light bread is piled high with standard taco fillings, and the result is one of the best meals you’ll ever have.

The Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial® is one of our favorite places to try this amazing dish.

Keep your eyes peeled for these two fantastic ways to sample the tastes of the Black Hills.

Rapid City

Celebrate the culinary arts that happen in Downtown Rapid City during this week-long event. Get your pass and discover a world of flavors during Rapid City Restaurant Week.

Custer

Visit this Southern Hills town during their restaurant week to experience some of the best nosh in the region. From high concept to classic Mexican, to some really delicious beer, Custer is a community that knows how to feed people.

38TH MCBRIDE MILITARY APPRECIATION BBQ

This event has grown from a casual BBQ and potluck into a large-scale community celebration.

Now, over 500 military families come together for this special occasion.

“As a community, the Black Hills is proud to be the home of Ellsworth AFB and several South Dakota National Guard units. We are grateful for the selfless commitment our

military members and families give in the defense of our national freedoms,” said Todd Walhof, McBride Military Appreciation BBQ Planning Committee Chair. Each year the Military Appreciation BBQ brings together service members and community members to recognize a handful of Airmen and Soldiers for their outstanding achievements in both their careers and the community. Hosted by the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition (BHMAC), the 38th Annual McBride Military Appreciation BBQ was held on July 12 at the Central States Fairgrounds and will be scheduled for a similar date in 2025.

The event is free and open to the public, offering a range of family-friendly activities including a kids’ zone, live music, displays from first responders, and the traditional BBQ and pig roast.

BLACK HILLS DEFENSE & INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM RECAP

The 2024 Northrop Grumman Black Hills Defense & Industry Symposium recently wrapped up, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue about innovation and collaboration in the aerospace and defense sectors. Hosted by the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition

and sponsored by Northrop Grumman, this year’s symposium united industry leaders, government officials, and thought leaders to delve into emerging trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the future of defense.

The symposium covered an extensive range of subjects, including PFOS/

PFOA, The Perils of Theater Nuclear Escalation War Games, critical minerals, innovation, doing business with the Air Force, quality of life, partnering with the Department of Defense (DOD), and an update on the B-21 Raider program.

The 2025 Black Hills Defense & Industry Symposium is scheduled for April 9 – 10, 2025. To learn more about Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition and the Black Hills Defense & Industry Symposium, visit bhsymposium.com

A GREAT AMERICAN DEFENSE COMMUNITY

The Black Hills Regions is one of three communities across the country to be recognized as part of the 2024 Class of Great American Defense Communities.

In April, The Association of Defense Communities (ADC), in conjunction with USAA, announced the selection of the Black Hills Region to be recognized as a Great American Defense Community in 2024. The 2024 class also includes Elizabeth City, North Carolina and Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building efforts, such as educational and employment opportunities, and support and collaboration with neighboring military installations.

“It is an honor that the Black Hills Region has been recognized as a 2024 Great American Defense Community,” said Scott Landguth, South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority Executive Director. “The Black Hills is proud to be the home to the military families who live in our community. I know we will continue to support our service members and veterans. Their missions are critically important, and as a community, it is our mission to make sure we are the best place possible for them to conduct that mission. This award is a reflection of the work we have done and will continue to do.”

It’s all about quality of life

The Great American Defense Communities program was launched by The Association of Defense Communities in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military members and their families. The program is made possible through a partnership between the Association of Defense Communities and USAA.

DVIDS / Staff

Sgt. Hannah Malone

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Communities in the Black Hills welcome visitors with open arms, and one of the most visible ways they do this is through hosting special events throughout the year. If you’re a new transfer to the region, we want to invite you to try these must-do seasonal experiences.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the largest tourism event in South Dakota. Hundreds of thousands of bikers take to the Black Hills, with the small town of Sturgis as their ultimate destination. Worldclass musical acts, food and other festivities all accompany this celebration. August 2-11, 2024.

Downtown Summer Nights

Three communities in the Black Hills host a regular concert series in the summer months. Rapid City has Thursday Summer Nights. Sturgis has Wednesday nights. And Spearfish has Friday nights. Each feature impressive local and regional musical acts alongside all kinds of food and other entertainment. Dates vary.

Summer

Visitors from all over the country and world spend their vacation days looking for relaxation and adventure in the Black Hills. Find out why people seek this region out with these summer events.

Central States Fair

Bid adieu to summer with the Central States Fair. Taking place in Rapid City, this yearly festival celebrates agriculture and entertainment. Ride the carnival rides, try winning a prize at one of the game booths, catch a concert or cheer your heart out at the rodeo. No matter your interests, the Central States Fair has something for you.

August 16-24, 2024.

Pumpkin Festival

Competitive pumpkin growers show off the fruit of their labor at Main Street Square, and the grandest gourd takes top prize. September 28, 2024.

Fall

The Black Hills celebrate the arrival of fall in some traditional and unique ways. So, make plans this fall to enjoy some typical fall festivities, but make sure to carve out some time to discover the unforgettable.

Buffalo Round-up

Hundreds will gather to watch the bison herd at Custer State Park (the second largest herd in the country) be driven by a group of cowgirls and cowboys so they can be tested and branded. The Round-up also includes an art festival that features over 100 vendors.

September 27, 2024.

Christmas

A stroll through Storybook Island during the holidays is one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit. During the weeks after Thanksgiving, this fairytaleinspired park in Rapid City is adorned with thousands of Christmas lights and makes for one magical holiday experience. Dates TBD.

Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo

Even if the closest you’ve ever been to a cow is at a restaurant, the Stock Show is still a fun way to spend an afternoon by watching a rodeo, catching a concert, taking the little ones through the petting zoo or checking out some of the vendors.

January 31-February 8, 2025

Burning Beetle

Youth & Family Services’ Annual Kids Fair

Are you and the kids feeling like you’ve been cooped up all winter long? Well, every spring, The Monument is transformed into a giant playground. Hitch a ride on the mini train, bounce on one of the countless bounce houses, check out one of the amazing booths and much more. Dates TBD.

Custer State Park Open House Weekend

Enjoy free park entrance at Custer State Park. You can also fish without a license. If you haven’t visited Custer State Park, this is a phenomenal weekend to do so. Dates TBD.

Spearfish Canyon

Once we’re past the holidays, the Southern Hills hold a celebration unlike any other: Burning Beetle. In order to keep the destructive potential of the mountain pine beetle at the forefront of the minds of the public, a giant effigy of the insect is constructed and burned every year in the town of Custer. The event is carefully monitored by the fire department and the big moment is accompanied by other festivities. Burn beetle, burn! January 18, 2025.

Plan a drive through Spearfish Canyon sometime during the last week of September and into the first week in October. This window of time is usually when the colors of the leaves peak, and driving through the canyon is like a kaleidoscope. Local news will usually cover the fall colors, so consult local TV coverage or a local newspaper for more information the closer we get to that prime color window. You can keep your excursion to a drive or you can park and take one or more of the outstanding hikes that you can start in the canyon. Sights and sounds of the waterfalls and creek really pop with the fall colors. Dates vary.

Winter

The winter fun in the Black Hills kicks off with the holiday season, but it doesn’t end there. As the snow falls and the nights get longer, brighten your days by checking out some of the most intriguing and memorable events you’ll ever experience.

Even more ways to explore

To discover even more events and other ways to get the most out of the Black Hills, grab a publication like Black Hills Visitor or Southern Hills Vacation Guide to discover more events and guides to each community.

Spring

Get ready to stretch those legs out, breathe in some fresh air and witness the wonders of the Black Hills in spring. Note: at the time of publishing, many spring events are yet to be scheduled for 2025. Be sure to verify dates as these and other spring 2025 events get closer.

Crazy Horse Memorial® Annual Spring Volksmarch

This annual event is a chance for visitors to the world’s largest in-progress Mountain Carving to get an up-close look at this enormous work of art. A volsksmarch, German for “people’s march,” is a noncompetitive walking sport that centers around fitness and community. This volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial® is an approximately 6-mile long hike that covers some strenuous terrain that goes through forests and covers a significant amount of elevation change. Participants will need to make sure that they’re prepared. And make sure to check out the rest of the campus, too. Dates TBD.

Photo ©Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

MEET THE RAIDERS

On April 18, 1942, 80 men and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set off on what some said was an impossible mission, to change the course of World War II. The actions of these 80 volunteers, led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, were instrumental in shifting momentum in the Pacific Theater and setting the stage for victory at the Battle of Midway.

These men, dubbed the Doolittle Raiders, launched 16 B-25s off the flight deck of the USS Hornet, despite the plane not being designed for carrier operations. The raid acted as a catalyst to many future innovations

in U.S. air superiority from land or sea. That bold, innovative and courageous spirit of the Doolittle Raiders has been the inspiration behind the name of America’s next generation bomber, the B-21 Raider, in development now by the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman.

When the B-21 enters service, Ellsworth Air Force Base will be the first B-21 main operating base and location of the Formal Training Unit.

B-21 Update

Following its formal unveiling in 2022, the B-21 Raider began flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. On May 8, 2024, during testimony at the Senate Armed Services Committee, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, highlighted B-21 flight testing is on track to meet timelines and to deliver the warfighter.

The 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, recently hosted a ceremony to commemorate the

beginning of construction on the base’s new Weapons Generation Facility.

One of more than 35 construction projects planned at Ellsworth — 11 of which are currently under construction — the Weapons Generation Facility will support future Air Force base operations while enhancing aircraft weapons’ handling security and safety.

Courtesy of www.af.mil, www.ellsworth. af.mil, and www.northropgrumman.com.

Scan the QR code for the latest updates from Ellsworth Air Force Base.

PRIMARY CARE NOW

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS

We’re all busy — kids, school, work, hobbies, to-do lists. With same-day appointments, you can still take care of your health with a Primary Care Physician without having to wait.

To schedule your same-day appointment with a Primary Care Physician,