Tuition Assistance

May 20, 1975 this date in South Dakota National Guard history

The South Dakota National Guard recruiting and retention program took a huge step forward when Governor Richard Kneip signed House Bill 583.

Recruiters in the South Dakota National Guard were now able to offer an additional incentive for enlistment and retention with Governor Richard Kneip’s signing of the first National Guard Tuition Bill.   Members of the South Dakota National Guard would now get one-half of their tuition paid by the State for undergraduate college and vocational education.  This major goal of both the Officer and Enlisted Associations became a reality when House Bill 583 was signed by Governor Kneip.

The bill was introduced by Representatives Bob Knutson, Rapid City; Walter Dale Miller, New Underwood; and Wayne Hauschild, Brookings.  Senators introducing the bill were Bob Kelly, Rapid City; Bill Grams, Sturgis; Marilyn Kelm, Sioux Falls; and Grace Mickelson, Rapid City.
Here are the key provisions of the new law which will be effective on July 1, 1975.

” A Guardsperson may attend any state-supervised post-secondary educational institution if they meet admission requirements.  Fifty percent of tuition will be paid for each semester he or she attends provided they maintain a “C” average or better.  Initial active duty must have been completed, and satisfactory attendance at Guard drills is required.  The benefits apply only to undergraduate credit and for no more than four years.  If greater federal educational benefits are available to the Guardsperson, state benefits do not apply.”

Capt. Dan Hessman, President of the Officers Association and prime “lobbyist” for the bill, said, “Our surveys of Guardsmen and our contact with prospective Guardsmen told us that tuition assistance would be a major asset for both recruiting and retention.  A number of far-sighted legislators who recognized the importance of the Guard helped us immensely in getting this bill passed.”

Capt. Hessman and 1st. Sgt. John Ball, President of the SDNG Enlisted Association,  witness the Governor signing House Bill 583 in the attached photo.

In other National Guard Association business the annual convention for the Officers was conducted at Spearfish.  Officers elected for the coming year were Lt. Col. LaVerne Andersh, Maj. John Madigan, Capt. Tracy Hamblet, and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Rosdahl.  The John J. Steele Award for the Outstanding Lieutenant of the Year was presented to First Lt. Stanley Parker, 842nd Engineer Company, Spearfish.  Named the Outstanding Unit in the SDARNG and receiving the Eisenhower Trophy was Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery from Redfield and Miller, Capt. Ron L. Nenaber, Commander.

At the 16th annual  Enlisted Conference in Sioux Falls Staff Sgt. Clifford Doty of Headquarters Detachment SDARNG in Rapid City was selected SDNG Soldier of the Year.  Staff Sgt. Edwin Revell, 114th CAM squadron, Sioux Falls, was selected as the Air Guardsman of the Year. 

South Dakota Enlisted Assocation Formed

 July 9, 1970 This date in South Dakota National Guard history.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) was formed in the early 1970s.  First Sgt. John Ball of the South Dakota National Guard’s 153rd Engineer Battalion and Master Sgt. Virgil Williams of Mississippi were instrumental in organizing the National Association.

From its origin the members of the South Dakota National Guard have assumed important leadership roles in EANGUS.  The first President of EANGUS was Master Sgt. Robert Spencer from Lennox, SD, a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard.

1SG John Ball was the EANGUS third President serving from 1976-78. Donavon List, retired Command Sgt. Major for the 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery remembers John Ball contributions to the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (SDNGEA).  List stated, “John Ball served twice as President of the SDNGEA, in 1970-71 and again in 1974-75.  He was instrumental in organizing the national Enlisted Association and served as its third President.  Even after John was appointed Warrant Officer in October 1978, he remained a strong supporter and great friend to the Enlisted Associations.”

South Dakota’s leadership impact did not end with Spencer and Ball, as Master Sgt. Blaine Ross of the South Dakota Air National Guard was elected as the 10th President of EANGUS.