SKILLBRIDGE
CREATES SUCCESS AT MONUMENT HEALTH
PG. 8
BLUEPEAK
SUPPORTS MILITARY SERVICE & EMPLOYMENT
PG. 22
FOURFRONT EMPOWERING VETS
PG. 28
HUSF ELDT CREDITS NATIONAL GUARD EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESS VENTURE PG. 14
MISSION TO THRIVE
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SMOOTH TRANSITION
Jordan finds civilian role with SkillBridge. BY
MICHELLE PAWELSKI
BALANCING SERVICE
Howard strives at BluePeak and National Guard. BY JENNA CARDA
FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
Husfeldt thanks National Guard experience. BY MICHELLE
PAWELSKI
EMPOWERING TRANSITIONS
Holman leverages career to empower veterans. BY CALLIE MEYER
photo by Bailey Sadowsky
CUSTER SCHOOL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) FACILITY
CUSTER, SOUTH DAKOTA
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VETERANS ARE BOSSES IN BUSINESS
The strength of any community lies not just in its history and culture, but in its people. In fact, culture and history are just synonyms for people, our neighbors, family, and friends who build, serve, and create. And among the people that make Rapid City such an amazing place to live, are those who serve in the military.
What’s remarkable is that their service doesn’t end when they take off the uniform. It continues in boardrooms, construction sites, healthcare facilities, classrooms, and countless other places across the region.
They are a modern-day version of Clark Kent (or is it Superman?)— those that transform from civilian life to superhero faster than the time it takes to step out of a phone booth (or in today’s age, the time it takes to send a text message).
Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we shine a light on our own superheroes and the invaluable contributions of our active military members and veterans who, through their leadership, discipline, and unwavering commitment, help shape the future of Rapid City and its workforce.
There’s the story of Daniel Howard, an Army National Guard Sergeant, who balances leading a team of soldiers with overseeing field operations at BluePeak. His dual roles show how the skills learned in service—communication, strategic thinking, and resilience—transfer seamlessly into the civilian workforce, creating leaders who can adapt to any challenge.
Then there’s the story of Rachel Jordan. After 24 years in the Air Force, she found a new mission at Monument Health, where her experience as a public health officer continues to benefit the community. Through the SkillBridge program, Rachel has made a smooth transition from military to civilian life, reminding everyone of the synergy between service and the private sector.
We also bring you the tale of Elissa Husfeldt, now the general manager of Pine Have. She credits her success directly to the discipline and leadership she gained during her time in the National Guard. Her path highlights how military service not only provides personal growth but also becomes a foundation for future business achievements.
Finally, we present the story of FourFront Design and Stephanie Holman. Stephanie has turned her years of military service into a career where she leads with purpose and passion. Her commitment to hiring veterans reflects a deep belief in the power of military experience to strengthen any workforce. She sees that veterans bring a unique mix of adaptability, problem-solving, and dedication, qualities that companies like FourFront recognize as essential.
These stories are more than individual successes—they’re reminders that service doesn’t stop at the nation’s defense. It permeates the entire community, elevating industries and setting new standards for leadership. In Rapid City, the blend of military and civilian life creates workforce superheroes that are not only prepared for today but also driven to lead the way tomorrow.
Stay safe and God-speed,
Tom Johnson, President & CEO
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
SENIOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
Taylor Davis
SENIOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRE CTOR
Shiloh Francis
SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Lori Frederick
SENIOR PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR
Garth Wadsworth
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Liz Highland
EVENTS & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Rachel Nelson
WORKFORCE PLANNING DIRECTOR
Reese Niu
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Laura Jones
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Alyssa Larkey
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP MANAGER
Dillon Matuska
ECOSYSTE M SUPPORT & PROPERT Y MANAGER
Loni Reichert
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Kallie Ruland
BUSINESS PROSPECT MANAGER
Drew Staufer
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Bailey Sadowsky
EXECUTIVE
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ashley Simonson
RESEARCH & DATA COORDINATOR
Karissa Ellis
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
NOVEMBER 1 - 2
GOLD RUSH NATIONALS
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 1 - 9
PHOTOGRAPH 51 Catalyst Theater Company catalyst.art
NOVEMBER 2
BLACK HILLS MEAT FEST
The Box Event Center blackhillsmeatfest.com
JENNIFER LYN & THE GROOVE REVIVAL
Performing Arts Center performingartsrc.org/events
THE FAB FOUR - THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 6 - 9
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. KANSAS CITY MAVERICKS
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 8 - 24
THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE
Black Hills Community Theatre bhct.org
NOVEMBER 9
MOUNTAIN WEST BEER FEST
The Monument mountainwestbeerfest.com
WINTER MARKET
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 10
THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 11
NATIONAL PARK FREE ENTRANCE DAYS
National Park Service nps.gov/planyourvisit
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
Main Street Square visitrapidcity.com
NOVEMBER 14
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 16
KOUNTRY JUNKIN’ CHRISTMAS MARKET The Monument
NOVEMBER 18
BOYD MEETS GIRL
Performing Arts Center alliedartsrc.org
NOVEMBER 22 - 23
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. IDAHO STEELHEADS
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 23
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 27 - 30
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. ALLEN AMERICANS
The Monument themonument.live/events
NOVEMBER 29 - 30
RUTHIE CRAFT Tinder Box rapidcitytinderbox.com
NOVEMBER 29DECEMBER 29
STORYBOOK ISLAND
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Storybook Island
NOVEMBER 30
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE
Downtown Rapid City festivaloflightsrc.com
WINTER MARKET Main Street Square
N OVEMBER 30DECEMBER 29
1880 TRAIN HOLIDAY EXPRESS
1880 Train 1880train.com x
smooth transition
smooth transition
Rachel Jordan Finds New Community
Through Monument Health Internship
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI \\ PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY MONUMENT HEALTH
MILITARY LIFE is virtually the only life Rachel Jordan has ever known.
Her father, Robert Albano, served 23 years in the Air Force before retiring in 1994, and now, 30 years later, Rachel is following in his footsteps, retiring after 24 years of service.
Both completed their military journeys at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
“I never really thought about joining the military,” Rachel said. “I did two years of college, going to a school in Omaha and then one in Philadelphia. It was almost like I was using college as a way to move around and see the world.”
Growing up in a military family, Rachel spent much of her childhood moving around living in England and Germany with various stops across the United States. Those early adventures sparked her love for travel.
This passion for exploration, combined with a desire for independence and a clear direction, led her to consider joining the Air Force.
“I’d come home every summer after college, stay with my parents, and rely on them for a car," Rachel recalled. “I was also still unsure of what I wanted to do. I was going to school to be a teacher but wasn’t sure I was at the right college to set me up for success. I was nervous about where I would be after graduation.”
SkillBridge - finding
The thought of the military continued to resurface.
“I kept thinking, I will get a paycheck, a place to live, and money to buy a car. I will be able to move around and pay for college.”
That solidified her decision.
In 2000, she walked into a recruiter's office and enlisted.
“LEAVING THE AIR FORCE'S TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY FELT LIKE A BIG CHANGE, BUT STEPPING INTO THE MONUMENT COMMUNITY HAS BEEN LIKE JOINING A NEW NETWORK, AND THAT'S BEEN REALLY NEAT.”
-RACHEL JORDAN
The majority of her more than two decades in the Air Force were dedicated to serving as a public health officer, where she educated the military community on disease prevention and championed overall wellness. This role, in many ways, aligned with her original college pursuit of education.
In addition, she briefly served as a commander's executive assistant and a first sergeant, mentoring the airmen and women and helping with their career development and success.
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It was during her time as a first sergeant when she first learned of the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which offers service members the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience through specialized training, apprenticeships, and internships in their final months of service.
“I was learning about these programs myself and sharing it with the people below me,” she said. “I really pushed that these programs were available to get them on their feet and set them up for success once they leave the military.”
When her time came to participate, however, she was hesitant.
“At first, I wasn’t going to do the program. I didn't want to leave my office high and dry,” she said adding they were going through some changes at the time.
Several people, including her flight commander, urged her to apply for the program. “She said 'this is your future.,' I am so glad I did it.”
Rachel connected with Taylor Davis, Elevate Rapid City’s senior workforce development and partnership director, who matched Rachel's breadth of knowledge and experience with Monument Health.
“She really did a great job,” she said of Taylor. “I told her some of my interests and skills and she took that and found a place that fit me very well.”
Rachel interned in Monument Health's ambulatory services division, working in many different areas and clinics, including urology, general surgery, dermatology, and ear, nose, and throat. “The team was very good at integrating me into the day-to-day stuff.”
She enjoyed working in a wide variety of environments, something she also enjoyed with her public health position. “I stayed in the military for 24 years because I enjoyed diversity of public health, the job, and the ability to have my hands in a lot of different things. It was similar to being in the hospital setting on the civilian side, playing a part in all the different clinics.”
With her service in the military ending, Rachel is nervous yet excited to start her new civilian life.
“I am sure at some point it will really set in that I am not part of the military lifestyle anymore since it has been such a big part of my life,” she said. “I will always have an attachment, but I just won't be in the know and won't actively be part of that team.”
However, she is ready to join her new team.
“Since joining Monument Health, I’ve realized they are a major employer with a
strong presence in the community. It’s been great to see how much they’re committed to both supporting their employees and giving back to the community. They care not just about the health of the community but about making a positive impact.”
That mission closely aligns with her experience with the military, making a smooth transition for Rachel.
“That’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed working at Monument Health. Leaving the Air Force's tight-knit community felt like a big change, but stepping into the Monument community has been like joining a new network, and that's been really neat.”
Rachel hopes to continue working with Monument Health and Ace Berry, the nursing director of ambulatory services at Rapid City clinics, as she builds her new civilian life in the Black Hills alongside her husband, Adam, and their seven-year-old daughter, Dagny. •
foundation for success
National Guard Experience Shapes
Elissa
Husfeldt’s
Career Achievements
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI // PHOTOS SUBMITTED & BY BAILEY SADOWSKY
Elissa Husfeldt truly believes everything happens for a reason.
Enlisting in the military had never occurred to her—until a casual conversation with her friend James at a house party during her freshman year at South Dakota State University changed everything.
She is going on her 11th year in the South Dakota National Guard and has developed a foundation of leadership, discipline and sales that she now uses as the general manager of Pine Haven Venue and Lodging, a family business Elissa helped build.
“I was kind of going through a rough patch,” Elissa said of her first semester at SDSU. “I had moved away to college but didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t feel a pull toward any certain major and was scared of taking out a big loan and then it not being the right thing.”
James opened her mind to the possibilities and growth of joining the National Guard. “He had just gotten back from a deployment, and he was telling me about all the benefits, how he gets to go to college for free and how it took so much stress off his plate.”
Elissa, who split her time between ranch life in Wall, SD, with her dad and “urban” living with her mom in Rapid City, was raised to be patriotic.
“My parents always taught me that if I saw someone in uniform to thank them for their service, but I had never considered the fact that could be me.”
Elissa also doubted her mental toughness; however, that did not deter her from talking with a recruiter. “I didn’t even tell my parents. I went and enlisted and then called to let them know. My mom cried, and my dad said he was really proud of me.”
Looking back, Elissa believes joining the National Guard was the best decision she has made – it played a pivotal role in shaping the person she is today.
“It was a major player in all my steps over the last 11 years,” she said of her time in the Guard. “God has a path for everyone, and I believe this was my path.”
She completed her basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where she developed specialized skills as a truck driver. While driving a semi-truck didn’t necessarily interest her, the unit kept her close to school and was filled with fellow college students who became some of her closest friends.
Elissa graduated with her bachelor's in athletic training and a master’s in business administration, all while serving in the National Guard. At age 24, she was able to purchase her first house.
“I might have reached this point in my life without the National Guard, but I definitely wouldn’t have gotten here as quickly without it,” Elissa said. “I was able to meet all these people throughout the state that had influential positions and mentored me in different ways.”
After graduation, she moved back West River and worked as an athletic trainer before being convinced by her military recruiter to try recruiting herself. “He was pretty good at talking people into things,” Elissa chuckled. “He said it would be a great opportunity, and I had the personality for it.”
Elissa was convinced to give it a try, becoming a recruiter for several small towns where she regularly spoke with high school students on the benefits of the military. “Having military experience on my resume definitely helped me stand out from my peers. I think less than one percent of Americans enlist, so it sets us apart.”
Her recruiting role with the National Guard also prepared her for her current position.
A significant part of Elissa's recruiter training focused on mastering the art of sales. She completed an intensive program to become a qualified recruiter, which has greatly helped her connect with clients at Pine Haven. She understands the right questions to ask to discover what they want in a venue and presents options to meet those needs.
“I truly believe we have a package for every financial situation and an array of amenities to suit the needs of any couple,” Elissa said. “Recruiting was the same. The National Guard has benefits for the student, the parent, the business owner, and the new home buyer. It’s just a matter of discovering
Photos submitted.
“ I THINK THE NATIONAL GUARD TAUGHT ME TO PERSEVERE BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF TIMES WHEN YOU COULD CHOOSE TO TAKE THE EASIER PATH. ”
- Elissa Husfeldt
National Guard photos submitted.
Top: Elissa and her Air Force Veteran grandfather at SGT pinning
Middle: Elissa and one of her recruits
Bottom: Elissa and her husband Matt
what is important to the person in front of you, then finding a way to meet that need.”
Elissa enjoyed recruiting but didn’t see it as a long-term career. So, when Pine Haven was set to open, she decided to apply her military skills to managing the Rockerville venue.
The business had been a passion project for Elissa, one she had first envisioned in graduate school. The concept for Pine Haven came from Elissa’s final capstone project where she created a business plan incorporating everything from financials and human resources to marketing.
Pine Haven opened last year with its first wedding June 17. Next season she is aiming to book 60 weddings, that is two to three each week. Elissa manages the operations along with her stellar staff while her dad’s partner’s kids manage the lodging.
Beyond providing education, financial stability, and career skills, the National Guard also led Elissa to her husband, Matthew, and her 11-year-old stepdaughter, Penny. A mutual connection introduced the couple, and Elissa later recruited her then-boyfriend to join the National Guard.
“I don’t know why but I chose a wedding venue,” she said. I just thought it was fun and unique. It was fictitious, but I was proud of it.”
So was her dad.
In 2019, when her dad and a business partner bought 19 acres off Highway 16 in Rockerville they used Elissa’s business plan as a blueprint adding a campground and cabins.
“As time went by, I became more invested and passionate about what was happening. To me, we were building a legacy for my kids someday.”
“The military gives you so many options; you can be full-time, go back to school, or be self-employed. It just opens so many doors.”
Sometimes, during a wedding, Elissa will take a moment, sit on the patio overlooking the 19 acres, and think about how far she has come.
“I think the National Guard taught me to persevere because there are a lot of times when you could choose to take the easier path.”
Instead, Elissa is forging her own path. •
balancing service
Daniel Howard Thrives as a National Guard Sergeant and Civilian Leader
STORY BY JENNA CARDA \\ PHOTOS SUBMITTED & BY BAILEY SADOWSKY
Daniel Howard
is an active sergeant in the Army National Guard–leading a team of soldiers in horizontal engineering duties, something he has trained for many years. Through levels of testing, education, and evaluations, Daniel has accomplished a great deal in his eight years.
“My military experience has shaped my identity and deepened my commitment to serving both my community and my country,” said Daniel.
Just as many service members do, Daniel also holds a full-time civilian job. Starting out as a residential installer, Daniel has worked his way up the ranks at BluePeak, a communications
company providing Internet services across a multi-state region including South Dakota. After seven years at the company, Daniel is a field operations supervisor, managing technicians in the Northern Black Hills area.
“There are many skills in my civilian job that I’ve honed in the National Guard, such as strong communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to work under pressure. My role at BluePeak mirrors my leadership responsibilities in the military,” explained Daniel.
BluePeak supports work-life balance with flexible work schedules as many companies do for their employees
“THERE ARE MANY SKILLS IN MY CIVILIAN JOB THAT I’VE HONED IN THE NATIONAL GUARD, SUCH AS STRONG COMMUNICATION, STRATEGIC THINKING, AND THE ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE. MY ROLE AT BLUEPEAK MIRRORS MY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE MILITARY.”
-DANIEL HOWARD
However, the company has gone above and beyond by supporting employees that are military members. Thanks to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) through the United States Department of Defense, military member support by employers is becoming more and more accepted in business settings nationwide.
“We have several employees who have served while working for the company, and not all organizations provide the same level of benefits and support,” said Daniel. “This commitment to service takes a significant amount of stress off those of us who serve, allowing us to focus on our duties both in the military and at work.”
ESGR was established in 1972, and in 1994 the office defined its mission or promoting supportive work environments for service members and reservists through outreach, recognition, and education. The South Dakota National Guard has 4,200 soldiers which is only a small fraction of the military servicemen and women in the workforce. In 2023, the ESGR engaged 125,277 employers across all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Supporting soldiers in civilian roles is a mutual benefit, too. When employers look to find top-notch talent who have experience, professionalism, and understand the importance
Photos submitted
of responsibility, members of the Guard and Reserve are more than qualified candidates.
“The synergy between my military service and civilian career is significant. The discipline and adaptability I developed as a sergeant enhances my performance at work, while my civilian experiences provide valuable insights that I can exercise in my military duties,” said Daniel.
Not only do military employees have strong leadership skills being loyal, dedicated, and highly motivated—their values are strong, and a drive to make a positive change is just as prominent
Throughout his upbringing, Daniel heard stories about his father’s time in the U.S. Navy before starting a family, instilling a deep respect for service and duty. Once starting his own family, Daniel wanted to make a difference and had a desire to create a better future for his kids, leading him to join the South Dakota Army National Guard.
“Looking ahead, I aspire to continue growing in both my military and civilian roles,” said Daniel. “I hope to inspire my children and others by showing them the value of service and dedication, just as my father did through his example.”
Service members carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian affairs, and contingency operations in the United States, as well as in many countries around the world. ESGR is strengthening the relationship between employers and members of the Guard and Reserve proving that support in their civilian lives helps them focus on their duties in the field.
“Being in the National Guard is a commitment; it’s drill every month (or bi-monthly) and annual training that takes two weeks at a time. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about losing my income to support my family because my employer supports military service means a lot,” said Daniel. •
EMPOWERING civilian transitions
Stephanie Holman found success with SkillBridge program and shares opportunity with fellow vets.
STORY BY CALLIE MEYER \\ PHOTOS FROM VISIT RAPID CITY
Stephanie Holman, President & CEO of FourFront Design, exemplifies the seamless transition from military service to corporate leadership. Growing up with a father in the military, Stephanie joined the Air Force at 17, serving for 21 years as a member of the Civil Engineer Squadron. Her experiences across various bases, including Montana, Alaska, New Jersey, Idaho, and Korea, provided a solid foundation for her future.
While stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Stephanie started to prepare for her career post-service. She leveraged the SkillBridge program to gain valuable civilian experience, working as an intern at FourFront Design, an architecture and engineering firm in downtown Rapid City. Impressed by her skills and
dedication, FourFront hired her full-time upon her retirement from the Air Force. She worked remotely while her husband was assigned to the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Stephanie and her family recently moved back to the area.
Personally, Stephanie had a smooth transition into civilian life, but she says that the SkillBridge program is extremely helpful for those who might not be as confident when it comes to making the shift out of the service. “SkillBridge helps fill gaps as simple as how to dress for the right job while fine-tuning proficiencies like giving feedback in a work setting,” she explained. SkillBridge is also an opportunity for service members to try out a civilian career and see if their skills fits a new career they might not have considered.
Often, in the hiring process, a veteran’s resume might not have the verbatim qualifications a company is searching for. But, Stephanie praises the transitional skills that make veterans incredible employees. For example, in her field, veterans make exceptional project managers. A willingness to learn is another skill Stephanie has found to be a stand-out trait in veterans. “Those with military experience are always willing to wear a lot of hats and are always asking ‘what do you need help with?’” she said. Stephanie also believes you’d be hardpressed to find a more reliable pool of candidates than veterans.
This belief is evident in the FourFront company culture. At FourFront Design, 14 out of 50 employees are veterans, representing a diverse range of military
branches. This dedication to hiring veterans has earned FourFront Design the prestigious Hire Vets Gold Award in 2023 and 2024. The Department of Labor awards this to recognize a company’s commitment to hiring veterans. To achieve this, a company must meet certain hiring and retention criteria.
For those currently serving, Stephanie recommends actively seeking opportunities for professional development. Whether it's pursuing certifications, gaining hands-on experience, or continuing education, these steps can significantly enhance your marketability in the civilian workforce.
As FourFront Design continues to grow, and Stephanie steps into her new role as President and CEO, she is committed to making a positive impact on the Rapid City community. Through initiatives in STEM education, veteran support, and fostering women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, the company aims to be a catalyst for progress and innovation. •
-STEPHANI E HOLMAN
On Printing Local
In-house production Coroplast Yard Signs
HONORING
VETERANS' LEGACY
If you’ve driven through downtown Rapid City, you’ve probably noticed that there are streetlights decorated with banners honoring our country’s veterans. This thoughtful addition is managed by The Veterans Honor Banner Project, founded by Bill Casper, an Air Force veteran. What started as a month-long dedication in 2017 to 18 veterans that Bill knew personally, has now evolved into its own organization that has a board of directors, of which Bill is the chairman and showcases over 300 veterans.
The organization is also spearheading another project to continue honoring the legacy of the brave men and women who have served our country. Inspired by Art Alley, ‘Veterans Alley’ has come to life on the side of the VFW building on Main Street in the form of a mural by local artist Aaron Pearcy. The mural, which was dedicated on Veteran’s Day 2023, took over two years to complete and the final work is a jewel for downtown Rapid City.
Bill Casper worked with Aaron by providing photos for inspiration. Through those photos, Aaron was able to create a dedication that spans over 800 feet. What impresses Bill the most is the level of detail Aaron was able to accomplish; he encourages viewers to get close and take in all the small things that are a part of the larger picture.
Aaron was able to include personal touches throughout the art; one of the board members of the Banner Project’s husband was in the Vietnam War, and Aaron incorporated his swift boat number into the mural.
Aaron says he loved being a part of this project and being able to use his passion for painting to bring healing to others. He says it was powerful to watch the veterans taking in the finished project and he could see the flashbacks happening to them. Aaron designed the mural in a way where the colors went from black and white imagery into full color which is intended to depict the eras that are represented: World War I up to the Vietnam War.
Bill and Aaron recently met to discuss the second phase of the mural. The mural will continue on and wrap around to the backside of the VFW building and will start with depicting Middle Eastern conflicts. They hope to begin this next chapter of the mural in spring of 2025. Funding for this project comes from private donations as well as income from the Veterans Honor Banners.
STORY BY CALLIE MEYER \\ PHOTOS FROM VISIT RAPID CITY
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