RENO, Nev.- The South Dakota Air National Guard was announced here, May 24, as the recipient of the 2011 National Guard Bureau Excellence in Diversity Award - which is given to one Air National Guard wing each year by NGB to recognize a unit's outstanding promotion of programs that support a diverse workforce.
The award was presented to Air Force Col. Russ Walz, 114th Fighter Wing commander, along with other representatives of the state during the 2012 National Guard Joint Diversity Conference.
This is the first time a National Guard unit from the state of South Dakota has won the award.
"We're very proud of this award" Walz said. "It represents the commitment at all levels of the organization to enhance mission effectiveness by building an inclusive and diverse professional workforce."
As the National Guard experiences demographic shifts, evolving military requirements and increasing budgetary constraints, diversity has become a growing challenge within the National Guard.
Understanding and integrating diversity into the mission through leadership training and workshops, the South Dakota Air National Guard has offered their members the tools necessary to stay a vital and diverse workforce.
"Embracing diversity is clearly one of our top priorities," said Army Maj. Gen. Tim Reisch, adjutant general of the SDNG. "The 114th Fighter Wing's selection as the top wing in the nation is a testament to their years of effort focusing on how diversity enhances our organization."
The award was announced by Phyllis Brantley, chief of the Diversity and Special Emphasis programs at NGB and was presented by Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau.