109th Regional Support Group

109th Regional Support Group Welcome to the 109th Regional Support Group page! In addition to keeping it family friendly, we ask that you follow our posting guidelines here.

Welcome to the 109th Regional Support Group's fan page on Facebook, where you will find the most recent news stories, videos, photos and pictures from our unit. While this is an open forum, it's also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. Feel free to post comments, links, pictures, video, etc. Please remember foremost that Operations Security (OPSEC) is critical to the safety of the National Guard. If you don't comply, your message will be removed:

-We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organization.

-We do not allow solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, we do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency.

-We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity.

-You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided. Also, the appearance of external links on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the South Dakota National Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.

Join us in congratulating Sgt. Josh Nisen on his retirement after more than 20 years of service to South Dakota and the ...
04/15/2026

Join us in congratulating Sgt. Josh Nisen on his retirement after more than 20 years of service to South Dakota and the nation.

Nisen enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard on Oct. 21, 2005, as a military police officer with the 235th Military Police Company. Throughout his career, he completed three overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Cuba.

Stateside, Nisen supported numerous missions, including wildfire response, civil unrest support, the Sturgis Rally, and security for the 45th and 46th presidential inaugurations. Nisen credits his success to the support of his family and friends.

Thank you for your selfless service. We wish you a happy retirement!


(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Jordan)

šŸ’ŖThe strength of the South Dakota National Guard starts with its people.The Soldiers and Airmen of the 82nd Civil Supp...
03/26/2026

šŸ’ŖThe strength of the South Dakota National Guard starts with its people.

The Soldiers and Airmen of the 82nd Civil Support Team (CST) recently demonstrated that standard, successfully completing their annual external evaluation through disciplined training, teamwork and technical expertise.

ā€œConstant learning within a CST is the bedrock of its readiness. This culture is intentionally cultivated through a combination of specialized team composition, rigorous and continuous training, and demanding evaluations, ensuring they are always prepared for their critical mission. Each 22-member team is a blend of Army and Air National Guard personnel organized into six sections: command, operations, communications, administration/logistics, medical/analytical, and survey. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive on-site capability to identify hazardous agents, assess the consequences, and advise on response measures,ā€ said Capt. Russell Reed, operations officer, 82nd Civil Support Team.

This is what readiness looks likeā€”people committed to mastering their craft, working as one team, and delivering when it matters most. People are the foundation of our readiness.


(Army National Guard šŸ“øby Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Jordan, 109th RSG Public Affairs NCO)

Some are called to serve something greater than themselves.For Sgt. Marshae Burton, a culinary specialist with Joint For...
03/26/2026

Some are called to serve something greater than themselves.

For Sgt. Marshae Burton, a culinary specialist with Joint Force Headquarters, that calling became his purpose. He said joining the military was something he felt he needed to fulfillā€”an opportunity to be part of something bigger while giving back to his community.

His story reflects what makes the South Dakota National Guard strong.

Our people are our greatest strategic assetā€”the foundation of our readiness and the strength behind every mission. They are our neighbors, coworkers and leaders who choose to serve their communities, their state and the nation.


(Army National Guard šŸ“ø by Spc. Gabriel Skaggs, 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

: A major achievement for Team South Dakota! Our South Dakota National Guard marksmanship team earned an incredible 2nd...
03/20/2026

: A major achievement for Team South Dakota!

Our South Dakota National Guard marksmanship team earned an incredible 2nd Place šŸ„ˆ in the team rifle competition at the 2026 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships!

Command Sgt. Maj. Marcus Stacey, the SDNG Senior Enlisted Leader, states: "This accomplishment... is fundamentally a matter of readiness. These soldiers will now disseminate this expertise throughout their home units, thereby enhancing the lethality and effectiveness of our entire force."

Join us in congratulating our top marksmen!

Master Sgt. Clint Sandness, RTI (Team Captain)
Staff Sgt. Devin Kusekoski, 147th FA (Team Coach)
Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Heier, 147th FA
TSgt Trevor Deitrich, 114th FW
Staff Sgt. Garret Mastin, 881st TC


(šŸ“ø courtesy of team captain Clint Sandness)

Soldiers with the 82nd Civil Support Team (CST) recently completed an external evaluation designed to test their ability...
03/18/2026

Soldiers with the 82nd Civil Support Team (CST) recently completed an external evaluation designed to test their ability to respond to weapons of mass destruction and hazardous material incidents.

Conducted every 18 months, the evaluation places the team in a realistic training scenario involving simulated chemical or biological warfare agents. During the exercise, CST members entered a contaminated environment in full protective gear to identify unknown substances, collect samples and conduct on-site analysis.

The evaluation is led by CST Assessment Team A (CSTA), based in Texas, and measures the unitā€™s ability to apply chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) expertise during complex hazardous materials incidents.

The 82nd CST supports federal, state, local and tribal agencies, regularly working alongside organizations such as the FBI, local fire departments and law enforcement during emergency response situations.

At the heart of the CST mission is community partnership. The team works closely with local agencies, including the Rapid City Fire Department and Sioux Falls Fire Department, to build relationships and ensure a coordinated response when specialized capabilities are needed.

Lt. Col. Ed Lapthone (right) praised Master Sgt. Sam Schaeffer (left) for his outstanding work with the 196th Regional T...
03/10/2026

Lt. Col. Ed Lapthone (right) praised Master Sgt. Sam Schaeffer (left) for his outstanding work with the 196th Regional Training Institute (RTI). Schaeffer, now the Operations NCO for the 109th Regional Support Group, received the Meritorious Service Medal for his dedication and achievement during his time at the RTI.

The medal is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves through outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States. Schaefferā€™s commitment to the 196th RTI, a premier training unit in the South Dakota Army National Guard, reflects the highest values of the .

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2823 W. Main Street
Rapid City, SD
57702

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