Volume 1. Issue No. 8
NOVEMBER 2020
The Veterans Honor Banner Project is just the beginning for U.S. Air Force veteran Bill Casper
HONORING our VETERANS
NOV. 2020 9
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Volume 1 Issue No. 8
COLLEGE OF DEFENSE
John Barbour is one of ten students tasked to research problems for DOD at South Dakota Mines.
A BANNER YEAR
The Veterans Honor Banner Project is just the beginning for U.S. Air Force veteran Bill Casper.
PURSUIT OF THE RAIDER
Ellsworth continues process to being the Main Operating Base 1 for the B-21 Raider.
LABOR OF LOVE
FourFront Design continues to expand and work throughout the country.
WHERE SUITS & SHIRTS CONNECT
Justin Henrichsen, left, participates in a panel with Darren Haar at the Rapid City Innovation Expo held October 20. View more photos on the Elevate Rapid City Instagram account.
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
ELEVATE RAPID CITY OCTO BER 2020 ECO NO M IC IN D IC ATO RS MSA POPULATION 142,681
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 5.2%
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES $ 854
EMPLOYMENT NONFARM 66,400
LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY 10,000
EDUCATION HEALTH SERVICES 11,700
PRIMARY SECTOR 13,500
ECONOMY RAPID CITY GROSS SALES $ 683,695,715
AIRPORT PASSENGERS 41,568
HOTEL OCCUPANCY 66.1%
BUILDING PERMITS 950
REAL ESTATE ACTIVE LISTINGS 286
MEDIAN LISTING PRICE $ 329,050 Increase over last period Decrease over last period
Monthly comparisons, industry analysis and additional economic indicators available on exclusive investor report.
Gunderson | Palmer | Nelson | Ashmore LLP Attorneys at Law
Our Experienced Rapid City Business Attorneys
Quentin Riggins
David Lust
Patrick goetzinger
Matt Naasz
Tyler Wetering
Talbot Wieczorek
Justin DiBona
Lisa Cagle
506 6th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 | (605) 342-1078 111 W Capitol Street Suite #230 Pierre, SD 57501 | (605) 494-0105
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CEO NOTE Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant.
PO Box 747 Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 elevaterapidcity.com PRESIDENT & CEO Tom Johnson DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Mitch Nachtigall DIRECTOR OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTOR RELATIONS Brandis Knudsen
Tom Johnson // Elevate Rapid City CEO
You’ve probably heard that Rapid City’s main industry is tourism. With Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills sitting in our backyard, it’s easy to see why. You may have also noticed that health care is a giant industry, given our geographic location as a regional health center. But the one industry that eclipses both of them, both in terms of jobs and GDP, is the military. Estimates are that the military contributes about $1.66 billion annually to the local economy. You read that right. $1.66 billion. That’s almost as much as the gross domestic product of Belize. It’s truly staggering. And great for Rapid City, Box Elder, the Black Hills, and all points beyond. In this issue of Elevate, we celebrate all things military, from the coming B-21 to the inspirational story of Bill Casper, the man behind the Veterans Honor Banner Project in downtown Rapid City. Our story on research the South Dakota Mines does for the Department of Defense demonstrates just how committed the larger community is to the military and national defense. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the efforts of our partners at the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority (SDEDA). We are proud of the work of SDEDA and proud to provide local funding for the work they do. Scott Langduth and his team continue to do the things that need to get done as we march towards the B-21 and the more than a billion dollars coming into the area in the next ten years. There’s that word again. Billion. Get used to it. And get used to watching the area elevate, Rapid City. Stay safe and god-speed.
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
EVENTS & TRAINING MANAGER Rachel Day PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Anna Hays ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt Brunner WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TALENT ATTRACTION MANAGER Samantha McGrath COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Shiloh Francis CREATIVE SERVICES Andy Greenman FINANCE DIRECTOR Dana Borowski FINANCE MANAGER Debbie Leber HR COORDINATOR/ OFFICE MANAGER Liz Highland EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Becky Knox ADMIN & DATA SERVICES COORDINATOR Loni Reichert DOD SKILLBRIDGE INTERN Ryan Boyd PUBLISHED BY THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL Matt Tranquill, Publisher PRINTED BY SIMPSON PRINTING Dan Simpson, Printer ADVERTISE mtranquill@gmail.com // 605-394-8301
ON THE COVER
Eugene Fingerhut served as a US Army paratrooper and made 13 combat jumps in France and Germany. Photo by Andy Greenman
COMMENTS TANKA BAR An excellent article speaking on our mission and where we are going. Wopila @Elevate_RC @TankaBar
POWER OF MENTORS Bev Warne is an amazing woman, mentor and wise elder.
ELEVATE CEO REFLECTS Wow one year - hard to believe. Thanks for all of your hard work and commitment to our community to make it a better place to live! Dick Johnson
SBA SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR Thank you @Elevate_RC for the awesome shout out for SBA 2020 Small Businesses of the Year in Black Hills Region!
Scare in the Square
Tiny ghouls and goblins invade Main Street Square for an afternoon of ghostly family fun. Scare in the Square is held in conjunction with the Downtown Rapid City Business Group’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Both events are free. Children and parents are encouraged to wear costumes, bring their own trick-or-treat bags and meet at Main Street Square, where they may pick up a map of participating Downtown businesses. Learn more at mainstreetsquare.org.
Resources for Your Small Business
Learn about the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and how they can help your business. During this discussion we will chat about funding options and how to create a succession plan. Register at elevaterapidcity.com.
NOVEMBER 5
Government Affairs Connection ft. Pennington County Commissioner Gary Drewes
Elevate Rapid City is excited to welcome Pennington County Commissioner Gary Drewes for November's Government Affairs Connection. Register at elevaterapidcity.com.
NOVEMBER 5 The South Dakota Procurement Committee Presents
@jaimewood18
CHILD CARE LOAN PROGRAM
Monica Sorensen
OCTOBER 31
NOVEMBER 2
Linda Rabe
Thank you both so much! This is SO necessary!
CALENDAR
Thanks Elevate for making this available to providers! Kim Booth
CONNECT WITH US! Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ElevateRapidCity), Instagram (@elevaterapidcity), LinkedIn (/company/elevate-rapid-city) Twitter (@Elevate_RC), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/2ABRByL). Share your thoughts and help us Elevate Rapid City together!
Just want to send a rant? Email: magazine@elevaterapidcity.com
Selling to the Government: Down To Business
Agencies include: Ellsworth AFB, Housing & Urban Development, Veterans Administration, SD Board of Regents, Forest Service, National Park Service, Federal Aviation Administration and the State of South Dakota. Learn more at elevaterapidcity.com/govcontracts.
NOVEMBER 28
Holiday Celebration & Winter Market
Usher in the holiday season with a festive celebration, including ice skating, and tree lighting. Shop the Winter Market, a collection of local vendors where you are sure to find that perfect handcrafted gift. Be sure to stop by the Small Business Saturday booth. Learn more at mainstreetsquare. org.
NOVEMBER 28
23rd Annual Festival of Lights Parade
A dazzling nighttime parade that travels through downtown Rapid City amidst sparkling lights and huge crowds! From horse-drawn carriages to amazing displays on flatbed trucks, the Festival of Lights Parade is a delight for all ages and is the premier winter event in the Black Hills! For more information on how to enter a float or sign up to be a volunteer, visit festivaloflightsrc.com. elevaterapidcity.com
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
EDUCATION
New college course assists DOD with real-life problems
John Barbour Story by Shiloh Francis // Photo by Andy Greenman
semester. Engine failure, enemy fire, weather, and more The project Barbour is working on looks at geocan quickly turn a routine flight into a life or spatial and remote sensing data to determine the death situation. When the crew is forced to most likely place personnel will be. It takes into eject because they cannot make a safe landing, consideration factors such as terrain, water, and a new challenge begins. Isolated personnel on enemy territory. His group is working to make the ground need to be recovered as quickly as that data even more user-friendly to shorten the possible. time from isolation to rescue. It is this very problem that John Barbour, a Junior at South Dakota School of Mines, and his The National Security Innovation Network is about more than a semester team are hoping to solve. He project. It aims to “build a is one of ten students enrolled network of innovators that in the National Security "It’s been rewarding to be generate new solutions to Innovation Network (NSIN) national security problems.” program at South Dakota able to speak with people The partnership connects the Mines. Through this program, and find clarity as we students are assigned to work world-class education of SD address the problem" Mines with real-life problems to on research problems to assist the Department of Defense in be solved. It also opens the door -John Barbour for business opportunities. VRC addressing needs for the United States. Metal Systems is a great example This is the first year of of a business spin-off that began with research on the school campus. the NSIN program at South Dakota Mines. It Creating these real-world experiences for gives students the opportunity to not only research complex problems, but also connect students is what sets the NSIN program apart. and ask questions as they are working. “It’s Students are not simply working on a hypothesis. They discuss and are seeing firsthand how their been rewarding to be able to speak with people solutions could be applied in the field. They are and find clarity as we address the problem,” making an impact on more than their GPA. These explained Barbour. There are four problems being students are helping our nation’s defense. researched through the SD Mines program this
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MILITARY
Black Hills Wire continues military tradition by Andy Greenman
Ellsworth Air Force Base TSgt. Amanda Ramsey
28th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron
SrA Thomas Karol
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
TSgt. Robert Carino
28th Maintenance Squadron
SrA Ethan Williams
28th Security Forces Squadron
SrA Preacher Dunbar
28th Operations Support Squadron
South Dakota National Guard Sgt. Keith Bryant
Headquarters Company, 109th Engineer Battalion
Staff Sgt. Chase Cummings
Headquarters Company, 109th Engineer Battalion
Sgt. Matthew Jacobs
235th Military Police Company
Sgt. Justin Thompson
235th Military Police Company
Staff Sgt. Karen Tucker Joint Force Headquarters
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
Bret McBride was just a youngster when his family hosted a pig roast at their ranch in 1986. It was an idea his father Eddie and friend John Smitt thought to "get the city and the air base along together a little better," stated Bret. Civilians and noncivilians met at the potluck to gather around the pig and gain a better understanding of each other. It was a success. The event continued the following years and eventually outgrew the ranch. Over the years the pig roast has been held at Camp Rapid Coyote Den, Red Rocks Golf Course and even in the heart of Rapid City at Main Street Square. Bret has watched the event grow and ponders about his participation in the thirty-plus years of the pig roast - "I think I may have missed two of them." Bret has seen it all and took over roasting the pig from his dad a dozen years ago. At that same time a new tradition of honoring select civilians also began. Ellsworth Air Force Base and the South Dakota National Guard began to recognize five troops each for their accomplishments in their military profession. The pig roast expanded to more than 500 military families as the awards
helped the event become more popular. An event like this is really appreciated by the military and may be the only one of its kind. "There might be a couple we don't know about, but there's not too many cities that get together with their air base and National Guard like this," said Bret. Due to COVID-19, this year's celebration didn't involve the traditional gathering around a pig. Instead, 10 honorees were recognized on Black Hills Wire, a website that serves as an informational resource
"There might be a couple we don't know about but there's not too many cities that get together with their air base like this." -Bret McBride for military members and their families in western South Dakota. The public is encouraged to visit blackhillswire.com and view the award winners. For the first time in many years, Bret wasn't able to prepare a pig for the community. But he and his family have plans to be back when the 35th pig roast returns in 2021. "It's been a tradition and we're gonna try to carry it on and hopefully my son will keep going
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
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VFW Post 1273:
More than just a canteen
Story by Main Street Square
As the local VFW post, the organization Post 1273 is a restaurant and lounge in offers veterans help in a lot of capacities, downtown Rapid City, but it is so much more. It is a place for veterans to gather and most of which the public never hears of. “Veterans are extremely prideful, many of share stories. It is a resource for services, them find it hard to ask for help, even if they made available through collaborations need it,” shares Events with regional nonprofits Manager Bridget Swier. such as the Front Porch "It is a place they can talk about Coalition. “We are an things they would not be able to talk “That is why this place is so special for veterans. advocacy service first and to civilians about without judgement. It is a place they can talk foremost for veterans You don’t have to be a veteran to about things they would locally and nationally,” support or enjoy the VFW." explains Tom Renner. He not be able to talk to civilians about without is both a lifetime member -Bridget Swier, judgement. You don’t have of the VFW as well as a VFW Event Manager current officer. “There has to be a veteran to support or enjoy the VFW. Anyone been a decline of veterans in congress and government over the past is welcome to come and have a cheeseburger. Which is a great way to support the work of 20 years,” he adds, “and we want to ensure the VFW as they continue to serve veterans. Veterans continue have a voice. This is a While their work serving and supporting place we can discuss everything.” elevaterapidcity.com
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veterans may not be in the public eye, the organization also serves the Rapid City community. Post 1273 organizes the annual Veterans Day parade in Downtown Rapid City. Volunteers also serve as the Honor Guard for veteran funerals. The emotional three-shot volley and taps played during the ceremony at the Black Hills National Cemetery was likely done by these Honor Guard volunteers.
DID YOU
KNOW All Post 1273 canteen employees are spouses of veterans or veterans themselves. Post 1273 has a tattered flag drop off where you can properly dispose of flags the honorable way, with the help of a local funeral home. Food and beverage sales at the VFW supports the advocacy efforts for the VFW overall. ost 1273 has caskets and urns for deceased veterans P made by regional veterans. The 21 gun salute is not performed at military funerals, that act is actually called the three-shot volley.
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
"The goal of a VFW is to be the conduit between the community, veterans, and city government." -Troy Falardeau, Local Volunteer
The VFW Post 1273 also hosts classes for veterans the community throughout the year. Topics include mental health awareness, firearm safety and suicide prevention. Troy Falardeau, Volunteer and member, sums up their work perfectly: “The goal of a VFW is to be the conduit between the community, veterans, and city government.” So the next time you’re wanting to grab a quick bite, consider stopping in to the VFW and support an organization that supports our veterans.
Question: : I am not married to my children’s mother. We have shared the raising of our children for years and now we broke up. My name is on the birth certificate. Answer: Having the Father’s name on a birth certificate or signing an Affidavit of Paternity for children born out of wedlock does not create constitutional rights as a parent. The law is designed to ultimately protect children and obtaining a Court Order (even if you decide to reconcile) is in the children’s best interest. CONTACT: Lorie Melone at Black Hills Mediation and Law to get legal assistance. 605-791-4850
Lorie D. Melone 1107 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite #3A Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-791-4950
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To Donate:
blackhillsworks.org/give or Text the word “Give” to (605)301-8047 Questions? Contact Carrie Moser, Director of Engagement at (605)718-6207 or cmoser@bhws.com
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
A
BANNER YEAR STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
In the City of Presidents, one man is seeking to commend veterans through public art projects. U.S. Air Force veteran Bill Casper is committed to raise awareness and report stories of our military heroes. While most communities across the country show their appreciation for those who served with statues, murals and dedicated parks, Rapid City falls short. Casper said the only year-round tribute is a granite block at Rushmore Plaza, and “we need something bigger than that five-sided block.� Each face of the block are dedicated to a war with a brief recap and the years fought. Casper appreciates the tribute but recognizes more can be done. Casper remembers a memorial which once stood in Halley Park that honored 3,000 veterans in the area. The wood frames deteriorated to the point where it was torn down. The metal plaques that listed the veterans vanished, but thankfully Casper has a record of all that were honored. elevaterapidcity.com
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
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During retirement, Casper has continued to learn about World War II. He has collected about 600 books and 1,000 movies on that war alone. He appreciates the realism of movies like Band of Brothers but is equally entertained by older films. He finds as much enjoyment in the older WWII movies where “You shoot ‘em and the blood trickled out of their mouth and they fell over. They didn’t blow up in slow-motion.” He has also spends time hitting irons on the beautiful links of this area. It was one of his golfing partner’s wife who enlightened him of a project that was taking place in Emporia, Kansas. They had started a program to place pictures of veterans on streetlight banners along their downtown. A pretty simple way to honor soldiers while beautifying the city. With inspiration stemming from Kansas, the Veterans Honor Banner Project was born. Casper became the Chairman of the Board and didn’t look far to find veterans for the first banners. “I went around and got sponsors of people I knew who had a father or grandfather [serve], and it just exploded from there.” Eighteen banners honoring WWII veterans were placed downtown in November of 2017.
Casper is humbled by the response and wants to take it a step further. The banners simply state a few facts about the veteran, but many people are wanting more. The board chair is currently gathering service details about each veteran and hopes to publish them on the website soon.
BIGGER PICTURE
While the banners recognize our veterans for only a few months of the year, Casper has ideas for more. Before COVID-19 hit, they had a grant to create a veteran’s alley – one similar to Art Alley. An alley would be turned into a large mural that honored veterans from the Revolutionary War to present times. When the pandemic hit, plans were put on hold. Casper is still pushing on with the idea as soon as he “finds the right spot.” To learn more about the Veterans Honor Banner Project or sponsor a veteran, visit veteranshonorbannerproject.com.
BILL CASPER MARCHING ON
In its fourth year, 180 banners are displayed throughout the city. What began as exclusively featuring WWII vets, the banners now date from the Civil War to the present conflict. WWII vet and former Rapid City Mayor, Art LaCroix can be spotted. Oglala Lakota Code Talker Garfield T. Brown served during WWII and is on display outside the Firehouse Mercantile. Lt. Marcella Lebeau, a combat nurse who treated wounded from the Battle of the Bulge - and recently turned 101 "We’ve had families - can be found across take their vacation from the Elks Theater. from other parts of the As banners fill the country to take their streets of Rapid City they have also become picture under their a tourism attraction. veterans banner." “We’ve had families - Bill Casper take their vacation from other parts of the country to take their picture under their veteran's banner,” said Casper. The number of banners continue to grow each year and 21 new applications have already been received for 2021.
elevaterapidcity.com
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
MILITARY
Ellsworth continues its path towards hosting B-21's
March 2020 March-April 2020 September 2020
Draft EIS and Notice of Availability (NOA)
Sept. - Nov. 2020
Opportunities for Public Participation
Scoping Period
Draft EIS Public Review Period
March 2021
Opportunities for Public Participation
Notice of Intent (NOI)
Final EIS and NOA
May 2021
B-21 MAIN OPERATING BASE 1 BEDDOWN EIS PROJECT SCHEDULE
Record of Decision
Story by Shiloh Francis
It is hard to believe that 15 years ago, Ellsworth Air Force Base was on the closure list. The Box Elder and Rapid City communities, along with statewide partners rallied and have worked tirelessly to solidify Ellsworth’s place in our country’s defense. This coordinated effort brought improvements such as a new wastewater treatment plant, a financial services center, a drone unit, an expanded training airspace and safer accident potential zones. Additionally, work has been done to improve the lives of military families. In 2019, the South Dakota Legislature enacted a reciprocity law that allows for easy transfer of professional certifications. This lets spouses get into the workforce at a much faster pace – easing the transition of moving into a new community. Today, Ellsworth Air Force Base is one step closer to being the Main Operating Base (MOB) 1 for the B-21 Raider Mission. While we knew in March 2019 that Ellsworth was named the preferred location for MOB 1, there are still a few steps to the Record of Decision. In late October, the public comment period opened in response to the draft Environment Impact Statement released by the Air Force. Before a Record of Decision can be filed, the Air Force is required to conduct environmental analyses to determine the environmental impact from the proposed activities and provide the public and other stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the action and associated analyses. While Ellsworth is the preferred location, the EIS must consider an alternate location as well. The draft that’s currently available at www.b21eis.com reviews both Ellsworth and Dyess, Texas. The next step will be reviewing the EIS and finalizing the report, which is anticipated by March of 2021. A record of decision should be announced May 2021. We stand ready to give unprecedented support to the Air Force, Global Strike Command, and Ellsworth Air Force Base in the beddown and future mission of the B-21. South Dakota celebrates a strong sense of patriotism and pride. We see ourselves as an active partner with the Department of Defense and take seriously our responsibility to help maintain our national security. elevaterapidcity.com
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E L E VAT E R A P I D C IT Y NOVEMBER 2020
SMALL BUSINESS
Industry experts offer free trainings to small business owners VIRTUAL TRAININGS AT ELEVATERAPIDCITY.COM November 2 Resources For Your Small Business November 5 What MTS Can Do for You November 9 Offering Gift Cards via Your Website: Strategies and Options November 16 Payroll and HR For Small Businesses November 19 Creating a Culture of Success and Solutions November 23 A Remarkable Customer Experience Doesn’t Happen By Accident
by Shiloh Francis
When it comes to operating a business, small business owners wear a lot of hats. Accountant. Marketing Specialist. Customer Service Representative. HR Manager. Janitor. And that could be in only the first hour! What started as a dream to offer a product or service, soon brought challenges like learning accounting, and how to manage expenses and inventory. Then there is the need for marketing to get customers through the door. And ensure the business is staying relevant by incorporating the right technology. And once you’ve gotten things figured out, it’s time to grow, hire staff. Which brings on even more challenges: How do you handle payroll? What about HR when you certainly don’t have an HR “Department”? Understanding the challenges business owners face is exactly why Elevate Rapid City is offering free virtual training for area businesses around these very topics! Attendees will be able to hear from and ask questions of industry experts to help their business continue to grow and thrive. From HR & Payroll to learning how to offer e-gift cards, these topics will prepare you to have a success Small Business Saturday and holiday season to come. All sessions are free and open to the public. Simply register at elevaterapidcity.com
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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL GROUP
CAPT. MABBITT B-1B Weapon Systems Officer Ellsworth Air Force Base Where are you from and how did you find yourself in Rapid City? I’m originally from Waco, Texas, home of Baylor University and birthplace of Dr. Pepper. My job brought me to Rapid City, and I absolutely love it. At the risk of sounding cliché, I love the great outdoors – something the greater Rapid City area has a lot to offer. Although I enjoy ice fishing, snowboarding, and hanging out at Hippie Hole, my favorite thing to do is hike the many beautiful trails in the Black Hills. I think my favorite is Crow Peak (for the challenge and the view), though Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak have wonderful views as well.
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Why did you join the Air Force? I have been active duty just over four years, though my Air Force journey really started about seven years ago. In 2013, I realized that my career goals (and my interests in general) were quite varied. I wanted to travel the world, learn multiple languages, be exposed to leading-edge technology, and all the while be able to help others. Combined with my desire to serve my country, all of those factors led me to join ROTC at Baylor University, with the end goal of building a career that let me do all of the above. I’ve been blessed with a job that is both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to what my future in the Air Force has in store.
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What does it mean to be a B-1B Weapon Systems Officer? For those who are unfamiliar with the B-1, or the BONE, and its crew composition, there are two Pilots and two Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs) on board. On any given day, the WSOs can perform one of two roles: Offensive Systems Officer (OSO) or Defensive Systems Officer (DSO). As the names suggest, the OSO will handle most of the jet’s offensive capabilities, to include targeting, navigating to said targets, and commanding the actual weapon launches. The DSO, however, is responsible for defending the jet from any number of threats to the aircraft. One of my favorite aspects of the job is how complex it can be, and since I’m qualified as both an OSO and DSO, each day looks very different.
Tell us where the Air Force has taken you and what languages you speak. Though most of my travel has been on my own time, the Air Force has definitely taken me to some memorable places. Among my favorites are Las Vegas and Rapid City, though Chicago, Pensacola, and Europe deserve honorable mentions. Las Vegas and Chicago were pretty quick trips to attend conferences, but both cities have a lot to offer – specifically Chicago and its jazz scene. When it comes to assignments, I fell in love with the Emerald Coast’s aerial views while flying the T-6 trainer jet in Pensacola, Florida. The coolest place I’ve been also happens to be one of my highlights in my time flying in the B-1, as I flew a 23-hour non-stop mission to Sweden and Norway to train with our partner and ally. As for the languages I speak, I can only claim Russian, English, and maybe French. I grew up in Panama (Howard Army Base), but lost my Spanish fluency when I moved back to the states. I dabbled in German and Italian in college, but most of my effort went to French and Russian. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian, but would only consider myself conversational in French.
This spotlight does not constitute endorsement by the United States Air Force or Department of Defense.
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HEALTH
FourFront Design work turns into a labor of love Story by Rapid City Journal / Photos by Grace Pritchett
Bryan Vulcan looked across the new section of the Black Hills National Cemetery his company designed and saw a young woman on her knees, adjusting flowers around a headstone, sobbing.
In that moment, he knew the work his company FourFront Design Inc., extended beyond designing military bases and Veteran Administration hospitals. “I thought it didn’t end there. It didn’t end with us creating this spot,” Vulcan said. “There was no place on Earth that was more special to her than that little plot of ground where her loved one was buried.” Vulcan and his team at FourFront Design are currently working with the National Cemetery Administration to map and record the final resting places for those who served in the military. They are currently in their fifth year of working on the mapping. “This data we’re putting in places is probably going to be used for at least 50 years and beyond,” he said. “We’re having an impact well beyond that day when that young serviceman passes through one of the security checkpoints or gates that we designed and all through his military and veteran career. “We’re having an impact for generations to come,” he said. Vulcan grew up in southern Minnesota and has a long line of family members in the military. He said it traces as far back as the War of 1812. His father served in World War II, uncles in Korea and brothers in Vietnam — he and four of his brothers served in the military and three of them retired. Vulcan joined the Army Corp of Engineers in the late 70s and served for 24 years. He was stationed in Texas, Pennsylvania, Europe,
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Brian Vulcan Kansas and Nebraska, to name a few. He even served as an ROTC instructor at the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City. In 2001, he retired as a lieutenant colonel in Omaha, Nebraska, and moved to work at an engineering firm. About two years later, he transitioned into the president and owner of the Alliance of Architects, which would become FourFront Design, Inc. after merging with Thurston Design Group, LLP, in 2006. He said he took over from two Army veterans.
"This data we’re putting in places is probably going to be used for at least 50 years and beyond." -Brian Vulcan Owner of FourFront Designs Inc.
Vulcan said he wanted to bring the company into the 21st century when he started, upgrading its processes, equipment, procedures and getting more involved with doing work for the federal government.
“I understood working for the Army Corp of Engineers and just federal contracting in general — that’s the world where I came from,” he said. “I also understood there was a lot of talent in Rapid City, in this firm and other places that I could draw upon to do work because we’re every bit as qualified as any of the large firms.” As the company upgraded and expanded its work, it expanded its presence. Vulcan said the company has projects at the VA in Hot Springs, Fort Meade, Sioux Falls, Fargo, St. Cloud, Des Moines, Iowa City, Omaha, Grand Junction, Denver, Cheyenne, Oklahoma City, Salt Lake and more. He said the company primarily works in the middle of the country and has developed an expertise in working with the federal government in the VA and Army Corp of Engineers. Vulcan said he wanted to continue to contribute to not only the local community but the veteran and military community as well. “I wanted to do things that mattered, to make a difference and give back and continue to serve the military and the military member long
after I had retired,” he said. “Just because you hang up the uniform doesn’t mean you quit caring and quit doing it.” Vulcan said FourFront Design has also developed a niche in designing VA hospitals. He said each hospital can’t be a cookie-cutter design, although there are guidelines the company has to follow. However, the designs extend beyond the hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, janitors and those who walk through the doors every day. “The client is that veteran that needs care,” he said. “We keep that in mind and it makes our jobs...easier because we understand who we’re serving.” Vulcan said he’s proud to say his company has been able to help create physical environments and buildings that will contribute to servicemen and women healing and moving forward.
The company also designs other clinics like dental clinics, women’s health clinics, primary care, surgical additions and more.
"Just because you hang up the uniform doesn’t mean you quit caring and quit doing it." -Brian Vulcan
“It’s all important and it feels good to know every day you’re doing something that matters,” he said. FourFront Design is also responsible for the ice rink in the Civic Center, Main Street Square, downtown improvements, the new National Guard headquarters building and more. He said the company would like to take on new local projects, but are being kept pretty busy by the federal government.
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HEALTH
Sanford Health recipient of national Freedom Award WASHINGTON – Sanford Health of South Dakota is one supporting the men and women who serve and have of 15 recipients for the Secretary of Defense Employer served our nation.” Support Freedom Award, in recognition of the Sanford Health supports their military employees by organization’s exemplary support for its National Guard providing exceptional support in all states and across all and Reserve employees. of its business locations. Sanford Health is a health care The Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve, or ESGR, provider with 44 medical centers, 482 clinics and more announced Sanford Health as one of the recipients for the than 200 senior living facilities throughout 26 states, award, which recognizes civilian employers who went which employs nearly 50,000 people throughout its far beyond what the federal law requires to support their network. military employees. Sanford Health has grown to be the largest employer “I am proud to recognize these 15 outstanding civilian in South Dakota. Sanford Health recognizes their citizen employers,” Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper soldiers with the ‘Achievement in Excellence’ award. They said in an ESGR press release. “The citizen warriors of have also added the Sanford Veteran Employee of the Year the National Guard and Reserve have evolved from a Award, given out to a current or former service member strategic reserve to become an integral component of the for professional performance. Sanford recently awarded operational force. Having employers who support their three out of four Veteran and Military scholarships to military service is critical to their success and the success Guard or Reserve members. These scholarships are not of our National Defense Strategy. We only for Sanford employees, but also salute these exemplary employers for any Guard and Reserve members. for their steadfast commitment to Sanford Health’s president and "Year in and year out, Sanford their Guard and Reserve employees, CEO, Kelby Krabbenhoft, signed Health has demonstrated a their patriotism, and their a Statement of Support that was contributions to the defense and distributed to all clinics, hospitals commitment to our nation’s security of our great nation.” and administrators offices National Guard and Reserve Sanford Health was nominated throughout the company. By signing for the award by one of their this component members and their employees, South Dakota National symbolic, non-legally binding families, as well as our veterans" Guard Staff Sgt. Seth Fredrickson. Statement of Support, Sanford Health -Jim White Sanford Health along with the 14 is publicly affirming their support for South Dakota ESGR state chair other recipients were selected the men and women of whom they from 2,623 nominations received employ that also serve their state from Guardsmen and Reservists and nation. nationwide. The Freedom Award began in 1996 under “At Sanford Health, we consider it a calling to care for the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional employer those who are sick, injured or infirm,” said support, with 295 honorees to date. Krabbenhoft in an ESGR press release. “In my mind, the “Sanford is an organization that truly cares about its only higher calling is answered by those who volunteer service members, be thy active duty or reserve, team to put their lives on the line in service to our country. member or patient,” said Fredrickson. “Their goal is to Demonstrating our support and gratitude to employees serve those who have served others. Whether it is offering who serve in the military makes Sanford stronger as benefits while deployed, presenting a space where an organization and gives me a great sense of personal veterans can gather as patients, providing the human pride.” touch by visiting those in our care, or working with Yellow The award will be presented to Sanford Health by Jim Ribbon events and Reserve component training. The White. organization lives the values we instill in each other.” Sanford Health is the fifth South Dakota business to “Year in and year out, Sanford Health has demonstrated receive this award (Black Hills Corporation, 2015; Winner a commitment to our nation’s National Guard and Reserve School District, 2008; South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, component members and their families, as well as our 2006; South Dakota State University,2005). veterans,” said Jim White, South Dakota ESGR state chair. For more information about the Freedom Award and “Sanford Health’s commitment to our military service this year’s Freedom Award recipients, visit members starts with a deliberate, focused, targeted, www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, consistently and publicly demonstrated approach to visit www.ESGR.mil. elevaterapidcity.com
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ASCENT INNOVATION
Engineer wears many hats at Raven Applied Technology By Andy Greenman
Dedicated to helping farmers become more efficient, Shane Swedlund has also shown commitment to his employer. Swedlund serves as the Engineering Manager & University Relations at Raven Applied Technology as he nears 30 years with the company. He spent time as an Industrial Engineer, Program Manager, Sales & Marketing Manager, Service Manager, and Product Management working in three different divisions of Raven. In the last 20 years he has settled in at Raven Applied Technology, a division that is advancing agriculture and helping feed a growing population. Born in Brookings and raised throughout South Dakota and Oklahoma, he doesn’t have a farming background like one might expect. Swedlund graduated high school in Hill City and received an Industrial Engineering degree at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
“One of the things I love most about my job is working with talented engineering interns and seeing them join the Raven team full-time"
SHANE SWEDLUND
THIS OR THAT Case1 John Deere Engineering2 Sales Steak Sushi Autonomous Manual Operation Social Media Nothing Captain America Iron Man Bourbon3 Scotch Lebron James4 Michael Jordan Harley Honda5 Huskers Sooners6 Black Hills Rocky Mountains Coast Midwest7 Work in Office Work Remote
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1) Case is one of many companies that partner with Raven. 2) Engineering aligns with the things I like to work with. 3) If it's a true bourbon, its gotta be made in America. 4) What he's been able to do with multiple teams, I'd choose Lebron. 5) If I went for overall value, I'd put the Honda at the top. 6) I lived in Oklahoma growing up and cheered on the Sooners. 7) The work ethic and family values of the midwest is hard to beat.
-Shane Swedlund
Today, Swedlund works alongside drafting and technical writing teams, supports the development teams for international compliance and certification, and collaborates with a variety of universities. Another important role is overseeing Raven interns located at South Dakota Mines. The program is a valuable resource for Raven that helps groom future employees. “We look very closely at our intern teams for full-time talent. When we’re able to see our intern team become full-time, it’s really enjoyable for me,” Swedlund stated. Raven university research offices are located in Rapid City and Brookings, but a majority of their 500 employees are located at their headquarters in Sioux Falls. They also have locations around the world from as close to neighboring Canada to as far away as the Netherlands. Swedlund is grateful to Raven and finds his work fulfilling “when you work for a company whose product you believe in and support their mission, it is easy to make it a career. Raven has provided many opportunities - I just love what I do.”
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