News National Guard celebrates four new Lakota Helicopters

KOTA TV
May 15, 2011

People in KOTA Territory can sleep easier knowing that their National Guard Unit now has four new tools to protect its citizens.

The South Dakota Army National Guard celebrated the arrival of four Lakota Helicopters Sunday at Crazy Horse Memorial.

The choppers will be used for non-combat missions, including medical transport.

The U.S. Army chose the helicopters' names to honor the Lakota Tribe which is known for being great defenders of their homeland.

Administrators say this is a great step forward in the protection of the state.

"Receiving the helicopter is a great thing for South Dakota. It's not often that the National Guard receives new equipment, especially aircraft like this. They usually receive aircraft that's maybe 30 years old that's from the active Army," said Michael McDaniel, Commander of Delta Company 1/112.

"Lakota is a word that will represent all the people in Indian country. Particularly the seven tribes within North and South Dakota and Nebraska. And we appreciate that; we really do," said Charles W. Murphy, Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Aviation officers say they're optimistic the helicopters will be ready to go this summer when the members of the guard have completed their training.

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