For Immediate Release: Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023

Contact: Julie Stevenson, Strategic Communications Coordinator, 605-773-2898

PIERRE, S.D. – Greg Fuller of Fort Pierre and Greg Klein of Watertown were recently announced as the 2023 inductees to the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor. The purpose of the Transportation Hall of Honor is to recognize individuals who have made a lasting, valuable, or unique contribution to South Dakota’s air, highway, public transit, or rail transportation system. The Transportation Hall of Honor originated in 1972 and will now include 97 inductees. Each 2023 inductee will be recognized for his service and commitment to South Dakota’s transportation system at a local Hall of Honor banquet this fall.

Greg Fuller Banquet Details:

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. The banquet will be held at Drifters Bar & Grille, located at 325 Hustan Ave. in Fort Pierre.

Greg Fuller worked for the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) for nearly 40 years. Greg began his career as a project engineer and advanced into leadership roles including senior engineer, engineering supervisor, program manager, and ultimately retiring as the director of operations with the Department.

Greg served as a leader and mentor in the field of bridge construction, construction administration, and maintenance operations for hundreds of engineers and maintenance workers. Greg’s leadership, commitment to excellence, loyalty, and dedication earned the respect of all who worked with him; including SDDOT staff, highway patrol, emergency management officials, legislators, and transportation counterparts across the country.

Greg selflessly served the citizens of South Dakota during numerous disasters including floods, blizzards, and tornadoes. He spent countless hours, including many evenings and weekends, at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) directing SDDOT resources to assist constituents in need across the state.

Greg Klein Banquet Details:

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. The banquet will be held at Joy Ranch, located at 16633 448^th Ave. in Florence.

Greg Klein graduated from the Lake Area Technical College (Vo-Tech) Aviation Maintenance Program in 1977 and entered the United States Air Force as an aviation maintenance technician. He worked on a variety of military aircraft including the F4 Phantom and F15 Eagle fighter jets. While in the Air Force, he developed a passion for teaching, offering airframe and power plant maintenance courses part-time while enlisted. Greg retired from the Air Force in 1997 and returned to Lake Area Technical College in Watertown to teach aviation maintenance. Greg was also instrumental in developing the first Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree for Lake Area Tech and the state of South Dakota in Professional Pilot training. He recently completed certification of the Drone Pilot Program at LATC and obtained the first in the state FAA authorization for Drone pilot training operations beyond line of sight.

In addition to being the aviation program director and an instructor at LATC, he is also active as a certified flight instructor authorized to teach private pilot, instrument, commercial, and glider training. In his retirement, he plans to continue to teach flight instruction at LATC and serve as a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for the FAA.

Greg has been an outstanding promoter of the aviation industry and has been recognized for his contributions locally, statewide, and nationwide. Greg's commitment to aviation, safety, education, and service throughout his forty-five plus years in the aviation industry was always given with unmatched energy and contagious enthusiasm.

Ticket Information:

Hall of Honor banquet tickets are $40 per person. Event tickets may be purchased via phone by contacting SDDOT Executive Assistant, Kari Kroll at 605-773-5105 or via email at kari.kroll@state.sd.us.

The deadline to purchase banquet tickets is two weeks in advance of each scheduled event. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the banquets.

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