2025 Legislative Day Pierre and DC
by Lt. Col. Tom Anez
Several legislative activities were available for members of the South Dakota Wing this Winter, organized by the Government Relations Team.
During the first activity, approximately 20 members visited the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre as part of the South Dakota State Legislative Day on February 5, 2025. Participants toured the Governor's mansion with the First Lady Sandy Rhoden. After arriving at the Capitol building, members met with Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen.
In addition to being recognized in the House and Senate galleries by members of the state legislature, they were honored to meet with numerous state elected officers and commissioners, including the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and others. Members were educated in the various roles our elected officials play in the operations of our state government.
"Our government relations team was able to provide a well-organized event where our members were able to learn, grow, and develop in their own understanding of how our government functions at the state level," said Lt. Col. Tom Anez, Government Relations Advisor. "The overall experience was an amazing lesson in civics, with our adult leaders and cadets learning from the amazing elected officials that keep us citizens safe in our homes and communities by enacting laws, policies, and regulations."
Currently, the GRA team has successfully recruited every state legislator and elected state officers as honorary members of the South Dakota Wing Legislative Squadron for the second year in a row, a remarkable feat showcasing the support of our state elected officials for our organization.
During the second activity, several cadets and adult leaders had the opportunity to represent South Dakota Wing at the National Legislative Day in Washington, DC. This event provides an opportunity for Civil Air Patrol members to converge on the nation’s capital to call on support for the organization. Members met with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senator Mike Rounds, and Representative Dusty Johnson to discuss the Civil Air Patrol missions: cadet programs, aerospace education, and emergency services.
In addition, cadets and adult leaders had the opportunity to visit various historical landmarks, museums, and government locations. Tours included the Holocaust Museum, United States Capitol, Lincoln Monument, Pentagon, National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery and Library of Congress. This year’s contingent included Col. Kevin Pegelow, Lt. Col. Tom Anez, 1st Lt. Austin den Hoed, Cadet Capt. Ethan den Hoed, Cadet Capt. Tyson Springman, and Cadet 2d Lt. Byron Wingert.
“NLD is a very fun opportunity to meet some of the most powerful people in the country,” said Cadet Springman. “We also had great opportunities to explore monuments and museums that gave a deeper dive into the history of country.”
Col Pegelow indicated that there is a value in meeting with our lawmakers.
“NLD provides an opportunity for our lawmakers to meet and talk to the outstanding young men and women of our organization and perhaps inspire the future lawmakers of our country,” he said.
The annual State Legislative Day and National Legislative Day events are vital to the goals of educating our members about government relations, building a stronger understanding of how our government operates and can support our organization. In addition, it provides a great opportunity to garner support from our elected officials, as they learn from our members the capabilities that our organization can provide at the local, state, and national level. By building strong collaborative efforts, it allows our organization to create durable relationships with government agencies and our elected and appointed officials.
