The South Dakota National Guard has opened its new Readiness Center in Sioux Falls. The $22-million training center is 41,000 square feet and includes an additional 50 acres of training land. The building is named after retired Brigadier General Dean Mann. He served in the South Dakota National Guard for 33 years and was Assistant Adjutant General from 1980-1982. He lived in Sioux Falls and was a long time teacher and coach.
Governor Kristi Noem said Mann lived a life of legacy. She said it has always been her goal to give soldiers the best of the best.
“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to be able to serve as the South Dakota National Guard’s Commander in Chief," said Noem. "I’ll always appreciate and love my time and serving as the commander in chief of our soldiers and our airmen and just know that I highly respect you, that I think you are a gift to this nation, and I will do all I can to continue to support you, equip you, train you, and tell your story everywhere that I go."
Noem also praised the partnership with the city of Sioux Falls for the land swap with the state and the federal delegation for moving the project forward to completion in under 8 years of planning.