740th Transportation Company Receives Fifth Superior Unit Award

The South Dakota Army National Guard’s 740th Transportation Company of Milbank received a National Guard Superior Unit Award June 15, during annual training at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. Brigadier General Kevin Griese, SDARNG Assistant Adjutant General and State Command Sergeant Major James Hoekman, presented the award.

“You are in the top one percent in the nation and one of the largest companies in the South Dakota Army National guard receiving a Superior Unit Award,” said Griese. “That speaks volumes on the commitment you’ve each made to the organization and to the effort you’re putting into your training and readiness.”

The 740th is also one of the South Dakota Army National Guard units receiving the National Guard Bureau’s Superior Unit Award in recognition of outstanding achievement during training year 2016. “The tremendous contributions the soldiers make for the unit have paid off,” said First Lieutenant Terry Berndt, 740th commander. “The 740th Soldiers have made excellent the new standard.”

Award criteria include: maintaining high percentages in assigned strength numbers, drill and annual training attendance, weapons qualification, and the Army Physical Fitness Test. “All of the 740th soldiers are dedicated to this unit and it shows,” said First Sergeant William Meyer. “It’s an honor to be a member of this unit and the 740th should be proud of themselves.”

The 740th is headquartered in Milbank with a detachment in Aberdeen. The unit operates wheeled vehicles to transport personnel and cargo and uses M-915 semi-tractor trailers to complete assigned missions.

Photo identification – Members of South Dakota Army National Guard’s 740th Transportation Company stand with Brig. Gen. Kevin Griese, South Dakota Army National Guard assistant adjutant general and State Command Sgt. Maj. James Hoekman, after receiving the National Guard’s Superior Unit Award during annual training at Guernsey, Wyo., June 15, 2017. The 740th received its fifth Superior Unit Award in six years for meeting highly enforced military standards. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kathleen Holscher)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Griese, South Dakota Army National Guard assistant adjutant general, congratulates members of the 740th Transportation Company on receiving the National Guard’s Superior Unit Award during annual training at Guernsey, Wyo., June 15, 2017. The 740th received its fifth Superior Unit Award in six years for meeting highly enforced military standards. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kathleen Holscher)