SDNG soldier wins national medical award for excellence

The Army National Guard has awarded the South Dakota deputy state surgeon a national honor.

The Guard recognized Lt. Col. Kathy Gilbert with this year’s Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling DSS Award of Excellence.

Gilbert was presented with the award during the National Guard Bureau Medical Team Conference held at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The agency said she earned the award for her dedication to Soldiers’ medical readiness and her leadership in the medical field.

“The Deputy State Surgeons in the 54 are really challenged and we have a lot to do on a daily basis. I always feel like I work with such experts. And for the people on the panel that selected me, I feel super honored and humbled that they felt I was one of the best,” Gilbert said. “I’m super proud to take that on for our state and show that we do a great job here in South Dakota and we continue to do a great job and get people to where they need to be to help our communities.”

Nominees are judged on their proven inspirational achievements and outstanding leadership at the state and national level. They must also demonstrate innovation, mentorship, team building and several other qualities.

Colonel Donald Kosiak, SDNG State Surgeon, attended the conference with Gilbert.

“This award is a testament to her leadership and passion for medical preparedness,” Kosiak said.

Gilbert is an officer in the Army Nurse Corps and has been the deputy state surgeon in the South Dakota National Guard since 2020.

The prize is awarded annually to a deputy state surgeon.