Operations Building dedicated Published Aug. 8, 2009 By 1st Lt. Michael Frye 114th Fighter Wing SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The South Dakota Air National Guard took pause to recognize a former leader with the dedication of the Operations Building at Joe Foss Field. Former Commander, Adjutant General, and Director of the Air National Guard retired Maj. Gen. Philip G. Killey returned to Sioux Falls July 25 for the dedication of the building in his name and to be recognized for the contributions he has made to the unit, the state of South Dakota, and the Air National Guard. "He's an inspiration to a lot of people," said Maj. Gen. Steve Doohen, adjutant general for South Dakota. "I think it's so fitting this Operations Building is named after him because his fingerprints are all over this unit. Things we're doing now were started by him years ago." "There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that Joe Foss Field has the best facilities of any Air National Guard unit in this country," said Col. Russ Walz, 114th Fighter Wing commander. "That doesn't happen by accident. It comes from outstanding community support, outstanding congressional support, and it comes from great leaders with vision like Gen. Killey." The dedication was attended by a host of distinguished guests, which included several past senior enlisted advisors, commanders, adjutant generals and state leaders. "This is very special. We may live in Arizona, but our hearts are in South Dakota and our closest friends are in South Dakota. It's great to be home, and what a homecoming to have this dedication to this fabulous Ops Building." The Operations Building officially opened on May 5, 2007 following 18 months of construction, replacing the previous Operations Building, which had been built in the early 1950s.