Corps History

    The South Dakota 61st JROTC Group was established at Douglas High School, Ellsworth Air Force Base,  South Dakota, on September 1, 1971 by the late Colonel William Colson and Senior Master Sergeant Joseph Ronge. Lt Colonel R. E. Bennett assumed the position of Senior Aerospace Instructor in 1974 and served  for 15 years before retiring in 1989. He was succeeded by Major Elbert L. Johnson.  Chief Master Sergeant Livingston replaced SMSgt Ronge upon his retirement in 1983. Chief Livingston retired in 1990 and was followed by Chief Master Sergeant Charles B. LeCates. Chief LeCates retired in the Summer of 2003 to be replaced by our current ASI -- Chief Master Sergeant Russell J. Johnson. Major Johnson retired in the summer of 2004 and was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Marc Miller.

      The Group's motto is:   "Forever vigilant of our freedom." 

     Since activation, our corps has been awarded numerous honors and citations-- Honor Unit: 1980, 1981, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, and 1999; Meritorious Unit: 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, and 1996. The competitive rating program was discontinued in 2000.  SD-061 is very active in  supporting various community activities and organizations, in providing rifle and color guards for parades, school functions, and civilian association meetings.

     Cocurricular activities have included visits to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana for cadet Summer Leadership School (SLS), the Air Force Academy and North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) at Colorado Springs, Washington DC, the Museum of Natural History and the U. S. Mint in Denver, and the Little Big Horn Battlefield.

     Each year we meet new challenges.  Each year we strive to "Aim High."