DETROIT, MI. – The South Dakota National Guard’s (SDNG) 114th Fighter Wing was nationally recognized with the Winston P. Wilson Trophy at the National Guard Association of the U.S. General Conference and Exhibition.
Col. Jon Friedman, 114th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, accepted the trophy from Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, Acting Director Air National Guard during the conference.
Friedman stated, “It was a great honor to receive the Winston P. Wilson Trophy on behalf of the incredible men and women of the 114th Fighter Wing. This trophy symbolizes the amazing dedication and professionalism the Lobos demonstrate around the world. Lobo standard!”
The award is named after Maj. Gen. Winston P. Wilson who served as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 1963 to 1971 and was the first Air Force officer to hold the position. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding flying Air National Guard units, based upon several criteria to include effectiveness during deployments, exercises, inspections, accident prevention, and other significant contributions. The 114th Fighter Wing flies the F-16 Viper aircraft.
This is the seventh time the 114th Fighter Wing has received this award. The previous awards were presented in 1981, 1983, 2007, 2010, 2019, and 2022.
SDNG Adjutant General, Mark Morrell stated, “This award highlights the commitment of our team of SDNG citizen-warriors. This is the 114th Fighter Wing’s seventh time receiving the Winston P. Wilson Trophy as the #1 fighter wing in the Air National Guard and is indicative of our solid culture and the ability to remain mission focused.”
This award is a testament to the training, proficiency, and culture of the SDNG units and wings across the state to remain mission capable and ready to support our communities, state, and nation when called upon.
