SPEARFISH, S.D. – A Black Hills State University administrator recently represented Ellsworth Air Force Base in one of the Department of Defense’s most prestigious civilian outreach programs.
Dr. Ashley Armstrong was selected to participate in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, a week-long program that gives civilian leaders firsthand exposure to military operations across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Armstrong joined 39 other participants from across the country, visiting military installations and learning about missions ranging from search and rescue and special operations to space, air, and national defense activities.
As a military spouse and higher education leader, Armstrong says the experience provided a deeper understanding of the connections between national defense, education, workforce development, and local communities.
She says the program also highlighted the importance of strengthening understanding between civilian and military communities, especially as fewer Americans have direct ties to military service.
Armstrong was nominated for the program by the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
