Photo By Sgt. Austin Goss | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Ward, mass communication specialist, 129th Mobile Public...... read more read more
Subscribe
RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Soldiers with the South Dakota National Guard’s 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) returned home Thursday from a mobilization to Washington, D.C. to support the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.
During the mission, Soldiers documented joint operations, engaged with media, and helped communicate the National Guard’s support to the community. Specifically, the MPAD was also responsible for managing the Joint Information Center, or JIC, the main hub for all things related to public relations during operations.
The mission provided the detachment with a rare opportunity to apply their communications training in a complex, high-profile environment. The MPAD also showcased its ability to mobilize on a tight timeline, leaving for Washington on short notice.
“The 129th MPAD demonstrated professionalism and adaptability during their time in Washington,” said SDNG’s Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell. “Their efforts strengthened relationships with the public and highlighted the essential role of military communicators.”
Members of the 129th MPAD produced hundreds of pieces of multimedia content, including photography, video, and written stories showcasing National Guardsmen assisting the district and the different capabilities of the Soldiers on the ground. They also supported media coordination efforts and helped develop messaging plans to help ensure accurate, timely information reached the public during their two months on-site.
In addition to their contributions to the mission, Soldiers gained leadership experience, refined their on-mission communication capabilities, and enhanced their readiness for future state and federal missions.
“This mission allowed the team to sharpen our craft in a real-world environment,” said Maj. Bjarne Aanning, the 129th MPAD commander who served as the JIC director during the deployment. “From taking photos to media engagement, every task strengthened our ability to tell the National Guard’s story with accuracy and impact.”
The detachment’s work underscores the South Dakota National Guard’s dual mission — serving both nation and state. Drawing from their diverse civilian backgrounds, MPAD Soldiers bridged military operations to the public they serve.
“We are thankful to the support especially of our Soldiers, but also to each family, employer, and South Dakota National Guard supporter who is able to make our National Guardsmen’s service possible,” Morrell continued.
The 129th MPAD’s deployment reinforces the National Guard’s ongoing commitment to transparency, building public trust, and operational excellence. With new experiences and strengthened skills, the detachment continues to stand ready to support future missions at home and abroad.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2025 13:20 |
| Story ID: | 550385 |
| Location: | RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment returns home from D.C. Mission, by SGT Austin Goss, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
