South Dakota Wing Awarded DAR Grant
The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation, Daughters of the American Revolution, informed South Dakota Wing this week that the wing will receive a grant to fund six sets of new squadron color guard equipment. The Sioux Falls-based foundation and chapter awarded $11,556 to the wing for this purpose.
“We thank the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation for this important investment in the growth and patriotism of our cadets and will do so more publicly as we implement the project,” said Col. Michael Marek, South Dakota Wing commander. “Lt. Col. Bill Strandell, South Dakota Wing’s director of development, shepherded this application through the writing and submission process.”
“The team effort in getting the request crafted to the DAR was spectacular,” said Strandell. “Without the hands-on editing and navigation of ideas from Valerie Strandell, Capt. Mimi Klosterman, Lt. Col. Chip Dereyle, Lt. Col. Todd Epp, and Col. Marek, this ship would not have sailed.”
The grant application of close to 30 pages identified a budget of $1,926 for each color guard set, including flags, poles and stands; simulated rifles; protective cases; and white gloves.
Planning will begin soon for receiving the funds, Marek said. Purchase of the equipment is expected in the first quarter of 2023, in time for South Dakota Wing cadet teams to compete in the North Central Region Cadet Competition. Because the wing has eight units, borrowing and loaning for specific performance events may be expected.
