A show of gratitude to the citizens of Pierre came during a recent leadership meeting of the South Dakota National Guard.
Lt. Col. Jason Kleinschmit presented Pierre Mayor Steve Harding with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the 152nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The Battalion was based in Pierre from 2007 until 2020 when it was relocated to Brookings. During that time, the Battalion was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I’d like to thank the community for how it supported us during those deployments and throughout that time,” said Kleinschmit, 152nd commander.
Mayor Harding spent 34 years with the South Dakota National Guard and says that community support is appropriate and appreciated by the soldiers.
“Although it’s what they train for, deployment is tough,” said Mayor Steve Harding. “I’m very proud that our community respects the Guard and the work they do. As a soldier, it means a lot to receive a warm welcome home, and a reverent send off. It also means a lot to know their families are supported back home.”
“I’m pleased to accept this plaque on behalf of the citizens of Pierre.”
The 152nd supports civil authorities in emergency and disaster response to meet its homeland defense and state mission requirements.