Honoring our Veterans

The Hill City High School Student Council hosted its annual Veterans Day program in Gins Gym last Tuesday, gathering students, staff and community members to honor local veterans and current service members.

“We are here to honor and remember all the people who have served in the armed forces. We would also like to remind you to keep our current service members in your hearts and thoughts as they serve us today,” said Jordan Duprey, who, along with Phoebe Bentley-Buschur, lead the ceremony. 

Following the opening remarks, the high school band and the combined high school and middle school choir began the program by performing the “Star-Spangled Banner.” 

This year’s guest speaker, Custer native Cpt. Nathan Anderson, shared his journey from the U.S. Merchant Academy to his current role as Hill City’s city administrator. 

“It’s my honor and privilege to make today’s remarks,” said Anderson, thanking his fellow veterans. 

“All of my adult life, I’ve worn the uniform, but also simultaneously been a civilian and developed a civilian career. It’s a bit of a double work life,” said Anderson. “I’m both a veteran for my active duty periods, yet still actively serving in reserves.”

Anderson said his own military service was influenced by both of his grandfathers and their service in World War II. Around his junior year he narrowed down his direction to sea services and dreamt of a life on the ocean. Anderson attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy that offered him the opportunity to sail on “massive cargo ships around the world and become a member of the armed forces,” said Anderson. “After four short years of leaving the Black Hills, I had visited more than 20 countries, sailed Antarctica and circled the earth on the ship.”

In 1988, Anderson graduated with a dual major- bachelor of science degree in nautical science and marine engineering, received his commission into the U.S. Navy Reserve and earned a license to sail any cargo ship in the world.

Following 9/11, “Navy Reserve service suddenly lurched into high gear,” said Anderson. “I was already serving, but now, along with many others in this room, I had a new purpose for my service.”

Anderson was recommended for a more difficult assignment in the Navy small boat community, and “quickly fell under great mentorship from a series of exceptional commanding officers who protected me and guided me for many years in my career,” he said.

In 2009, he was mobilized to the Middle East where he commanded a Navy small boat division providing force protection and harbor security as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently serves as commanding officer of a military sealift command, headquarters unit in Richmond, Va., while also working as the city administrator for Hill City where he lives with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children.

Anderson emphasized the importance expressing gratitude toward veterans. 

“Now, as our veterans grow older and a new generation comes behind, it’s even more important to say thank you for your service, and that’s how we got here today,” he said.

Reflecting on his own experiences, he added, “I’ve been blessed. I’ve escaped my service with very little wear and tear,” said Anderson. “ I never lost a person in uniform. I don’t suffer from invisible wounds—PTSD—like a handful of my close friends do. I don’t suffer the debilitating effects of agent orange like my Vietnam counterparts do today. It’s truly been my pleasure to serve my country. Those good and bad times have led me to the success I have today and more importantly, being grateful for that success. It truly is my pleasure.”

Anderson encouraged youth to follow in the footsteps of the veterans in the room and to pursue a life of service, whether military or civilian.

“Serve your community, serve your church, run for office, volunteer, be a firefighter, be a school teacher, join the peace corps,” he said. 

“I challenge you to find your service, just as these brave men and women have before you,” finished Anderson. 

Following the keynote address were additional performances by the band and choir, along with a reading of the POW/MIA poem by Derek Thompson.

Each year, the Heart of the Hills Quilters presents handmade quilts—Quilts of Valor—to veterans with ties to the Hill City community who were nominated by friends or family.

Four recipients were honored with one of these meaningful gifts.

“Each of you have answered the call to protect our freedom and for that we are forever grateful,” said Lori Comer. “These quilts you are about to receive are more than fabric and thread. They are gifts of appreciation, stitched with care, pride and love by grateful hands. When we wrap you in these red, white and blue quilts, we hope you feel the warmth of a nation that remembers your courage, your sacrifice and your service.”

Taylor Sperle was nominated by his wife, Brandi, who teaches first grade in Hill City, and his two daughters, Harper and Hailey. Sperle has spent 25 years in the South Dakota Army National Guard, served on four deployments and currently serves as a captain with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. 

Rob Timm, nominated by his daughter, Samantha, served 12-1/2 years as a combat engineer in Huron. He studied political science at South Dakota State University, attended military leadership schools and served as a radio operator supervisor. Timm serves on the Hill City School Board of Education.

Staci Riley, nominated by Ranae Schrier, joined the Navy at age 20 and upon graduation from boot camp, was stationed at Arlington, Va., Army Base where she worked for the Navy Alcohol and Drug Safety Action program.

Riley was an advocate to allow women to fly in combat zones, writing several letters to congress. When the bill was passed, she was contacted and asked if she wanted to become the first. She of course said yes. Riley was honorably discharged in 1991. She currently owns and operates the Downtown Deli & Bakery in Hill City. 

Gary Lytle, nominated by his mother, Sharon, served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years. During his distinguished career, SMSgt. Lytle deployed in support of multiple major operations and was recognized with numerous awards. In his civilian capacity, Lyle worked as a high-voltage power lineman. His career reflects a legacy of leadership, technical excellence and dedication to both the Air Force mission and his community. 

The ceremony concluded with the elementary students passing out handmade thank you cards to veterans and the band and choirs rendition of “America the Beautiful.”